This seminar explores the legal, ethical, and practical challenges of transferring difficult or sensitive artworks and collectibles in the context of estate planning.
From street art and site-specific installations to works with problematic provenance, colonial histories, restricted materials (e.g., ivory), or authenticity concerns, and AI avatars these assets often defy standard discovery, valuation and succession models. Through case studies participants will examine issues of title, exportability and tariffs , repatriation or restitution claims, technology and art markets challenges. The session will offer practical tools and best practices for identifying red flags, structuring compliant and forward-looking transfer mechanisms, and advising clients on stewardship, and legacy planning in this complex space.
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Sara M. Johnson, ESQ, Ph.D., TEP, CFP, LL.M. (US Law), JD
Vice President, High Net Worth Planning Services— International Estate, Art and Digital Legacy Planning, Family Office Services, RBC Wealth Management
Sara specializes in international estate planning, art collection and digital legacy planning for UHNW families in developing their wealth and legacy plans. Her guidance supports clients in their relationships with their external professional advisors, with whom she frequently interacts.
Sara has two decades of professional experience in complex estate and trust administration and planning; business succession; cross-border tax planning (STEP Advanced Certificate in Cross-Border Estates); family governance (STEP Advanced Certificate on family enterprise advising); art collection management and art estates planning (“Art as Global Business” Certificate, the Sotheby’s Institute of Art and European Institute of Sustainability, “Art Disruption,” NFTs and tokenization of Art, legal and tax planning); as well as, Digital Assets Inventory and estate management. She is a graduate of Masters in US Law at George Mason University and was called to the California State Bar in 2021. Sara achieved her Ph.D. in International Management (Behavioural Finance and Law) at the International School of Management in France, as well as completed the Federation of Law Societies of Canada, National Committee on Accreditation at UBC Peter A. Allard School of Law.
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Registration $35 - Recording Available - $55 with CE Certificate
No charge for Estate Planning Council of Canada Members
Guests are welcome - this event is for Professional Advisors only.
