How We Help

Overview

Our work centers on helping Canadian businesses, owners, and estates address U.S. legal issues in a coordinated way.

We do not approach these matters as isolated tasks. We focus on structure, ownership, and strategy, then implement the required legal work.

All engagements begin with a scoping process to define the appropriate path forward.

U.S. Market Entry and Structuring

We advise Canadian businesses entering the United States on how to establish the right legal and operational structure.

• Entity selection and formation
• Ownership structuring between Canadian and U.S. entities
• Alignment with tax considerations
• Preparation of governing documents and corporate records
• Coordination with accountants and other advisors

The objective is to establish a structure that supports your operations and avoids unnecessary exposure.

Cross Border Ownership and Reorganization

We assist clients in reviewing and restructuring existing cross border arrangements.

• Changes in ownership or control
• Reorganization of corporate structures
• Addressing inefficiencies or legacy issues
• Aligning legal structure with current business operations

These matters often arise after a business has already entered the U.S. market without a coordinated plan.

U.S. Expansion and Immigration Strategy

We integrate immigration strategy with business operations.

• E-2 treaty investor visa strategy and applications
• L-1 intracompany transfer structures and petitions
• Alignment of roles, ownership, and control with immigration requirements
• Ongoing immigration planning as the business grows

The focus is on ensuring that immigration status supports the underlying business structure.

Cross Border Estate and Asset Planning

We advise on the ownership and succession of U.S. assets held by Canadian individuals and families.

• Planning for U.S. estate tax exposure
• Structuring ownership of U.S. real estate and business interests
• Coordination with Canadian estate planning advisors
• Review of existing structures and documentation

The objective is to reduce complexity and ensure that assets can be transferred efficiently.

U.S. Estate Tax and Transfer Certificates

We assist estates with U.S. situs assets in addressing estate tax obligations and securing transfer certificates.

• Reviewing asset exposure and filing requirements
• Preparation of U.S. estate tax returns where required
• Coordinating documentation for IRS transfer certificate requests
• Advising executors on the administration process

Our role is to facilitate the orderly transfer or disposition of U.S. assets.

U.S. Probate and Estate Administration

We represent executors and families in U.S. probate matters involving non resident decedents.

Jurisdictions include:

• Florida
• Michigan
• California
• Arizona

Our work includes:

• Initiating and administering probate proceedings
• Coordinating with local courts and service providers
• Advising on distribution of U.S. assets
• Working with Canadian executors and advisors

We act as U.S. counsel to manage the process from start to finish.

Cross Border Real Estate

We assist with U.S. real estate matters for Canadian clients, with a focus on Michigan and Florida.

• Acquisitions and dispositions
• Review of purchase and sale agreements
• Coordination with title companies and closing agents
• Ownership structuring for tax and estate planning purposes

We ensure that real estate transactions align with your broader cross border structure.

How This Work Begins

All matters begin with a scoping engagement. This allows us to:

• Understand your objectives
• Identify the relevant legal issues
• Define a clear strategy
• Recommend the appropriate next steps

From there, we proceed with implementation based on a defined plan.