[Verse 1]
Margaret built her empire brick by careful brick
Now at seventy-five, the taxman's tricks run thick
Probate fees devour what she hoped to leave behind
Alter ego trusts preserve what death would bind
[Chorus]
A-L-T-E-R E-G-O, dodge the probate blow
Joint partner trusts when couples need to grow
T-O-S-I rules have changed the splitting game
But family trusts still shelter wealth from flame
[Verse 2]
Insurance wraps around like armor made of gold
Tax-free death benefits, stories left untold
Charitable remainder keeps the income flowing
Private foundations, legacy bestowing
[Chorus]
A-L-T-E-R E-G-O, dodge the probate blow
Joint partner trusts when couples need to grow
T-O-S-I rules have changed the splitting game
But family trusts still shelter wealth from flame
[Bridge]
Cross the border, complications multiply
Different treaties, where the tax rules lie
Deemed disposition haunts Canadian souls
While foreign estates play by different roles
[Verse 3]
Income splitting faced the reasonableness test
Now related business proves you know what's best
Excluded property keeps the old ways alive
Adult children help the strategies survive
[Chorus]
A-L-T-E-R E-G-O, dodge the probate blow
Joint partner trusts when couples need to grow
T-O-S-I rules have changed the splitting game
But family trusts still shelter wealth from flame
[Outro]
Plan today before tomorrow comes to call
Estate wisdom conquers taxes, saves it all