A planning method, available in provinces such as Ontario, that uses two coordinated wills to separate assets that require probate from those that do not. The primary will governs personal assets (bank accounts, real estate, personal effects) that are submitted for probate. The secondary will governs private-corporation shares, shareholder loans, and similar interests that can be administered without probate, reducing probate fees — which can be substantial on a seven-figure estate.
For a pharmacy owner, dual wills commonly place the Pharmacy Professional Corporation and Holding Company shares in the secondary will. The two documents must be drafted to coexist: the secondary will should state that it governs only the corporate assets and is not intended to revoke the primary will, and both should grant the executor equivalent corporate and post-mortem powers.