Canadian Estate Planning | Why we created the Empowered Estate
We didn’t stumble into this work by accident. We came together with a shared mission: to make end-of-life planning in Canada less overwhelming, more approachable, and, believe it or not, empowering.
For years, we both watched families caught off guard. Not just by the death itself, but by everything that follows. The paperwork. The decisions. The confusion. The logistics. The grief. Even when death was expected, people were unprepared, and the emotional and legal fallout was heartbreaking.
We knew it didn’t have to be this way.
A Shared Vision for Canadian Families
When we first met at a women-in-business networking event, the conversation flowed easily. We realized we were each holding part of a much bigger vision for estate planning in Canada, especially for families who want to face death with clarity and compassion.
Karla brought her experience as a licensed funeral director and death doula, offering real insight into what actually happens after someone dies. From funeral logistics to emotional support, she knows what families face in the hours and days after death occurs.
Shelley, a Certified Executor Advisor, brought her background in legal office administration and years of experience supporting overwhelmed executors. Her specialty? Helping people navigate the complex paperwork and responsibilities with calm, step-by-step guidance.
Together, we imagined a new kind of resource: one that didn’t yet exist in Canada. It needed to be:
- Practical
- Heartfelt
- Legally relevant
- Designed for real families
And most importantly, it had to inspire people to actually complete their end-of-life planning, not just think about it.
That’s how The Empowered Estate Planner was born.
What We Offer: A Better Way to Plan for Death in Canada
At our foundation is a comprehensive, Canadian-made estate organizing planner that helps you get your affairs in order with clarity, care, and confidence.
Whether you’re organizing your affairs before death, navigating advance care planning in Canada, or getting your documents ready for your loved ones, this tool guides you through the essential steps:
- Personal and financial details
- Health care preferences and end-of-life wishes
- Legal documents and funeral plans
- Passwords, digital assets, and key contacts
- Executor instructions and family notes
It’s simple, beautiful, practical, and made for Canadians.
More Than a Planner: The Empowered Estate is an experience.
We know life gets busy. That’s why we created monthly Accountability Parties: live Zoom sessions that bring our community together to actually do the work.
Every month, we focus on a key theme of Canadian estate planning, such as:
- What executors need to know
- How to document your advance care planning wishes
- What to do when someone dies in Canada
- How to store and share important documents
- How to start these conversations with your family
We’ve found that when you plan in community, it doesn’t feel as heavy, and you’re more likely to get it done.
Why We Do This: Because It Matters
We say the words others avoid: death, dying, dead. We believe that facing the hard stuff head-on makes space for peace of mind, meaningful conversations, and lighter hearts.
End-of-life planning in Canada is more than paperwork: it’s love in action. It’s a gift for the people you leave behind. It’s a way to reclaim your voice in one of life’s most universal (and most avoided) experiences.
Whether you’re starting early or catching up, whether you’re planning for yourself or supporting aging parents, we’re here to help.
We’re Shelley and Karla. Women-led. Proudly Canadian. Deeply practical. Fully committed to making estate planning for individuals and families more doable, more human, and more empowering.
Welcome to The Empowered Estate. Let’s get it done, together. Get your copy today.
The Empowered Estate | Your Canadian End-of-Life Planning Experts!
Shelley Essery, Certified Executor Advisor and Karla Kerr, Licensed Funeral Director & Death Doula
As a Certified Executor Advisor and a Licensed Funeral Director and Death Doula, we help you get your affairs in order so your family can grieve your loss without administrative overwhelm. Create peace of mind for yourself & loved ones with our comprehensive, practical Canadian estate planning guide and workshops.