This was originally posted as a Tip of the Week brought to you by TIPINIONS www.tipinions.com (on May 1 /23).
We felt the need to take it one step further and add it to the Important Information tab to be read anytime without going looking for it in a post as many would not necessarily see it there.
If you don’t create a will, the government has the right to divide your possessions and estate. Each province in Canada does it a little differently and allows for more complications during an already difficult time for the ones left behind.
Dying without a Will can create problems for those you leave behind.
First, your property will be divided according to the law, which may not be the same as how you would have divided it.
Second, there will be extra time delays and expenses involved in wrapping up your affairs.
Someone interested in your affairs, usually your closest relative, has the right to be appointed as your personal representative by applying to the Court. If the application is approved, the Court will issue a document known as a Grant of Administration or Letters of Administration. This document gives authority to the executor or personal representative to manage and distribute the estate, and it will be used to prove that they have the authority to deal with the legal and financial matters associated with wrapping up your estate. (taken from https://www.legalline.ca/legal-answers/what-happens-if-you-die-without-a-will/)
Also check out :
What Happens If You Die Without a Will In Canada? (willful.co)
It takes a little thought, a few conversations with your partner if you have one, a lawyer and a few hundred dollars. When things change in your life, for example, children, adult children, grandchildren, business, family, finances, it would be beneficial to check your will and make any necessary changes to keep the will up to date as needed.
No matter how you feel about death, we are all going to pass on at some point, so it is necessary to look into this for those that will be left behind. Make it easier on them to know your exact wishes and help them make decisions. This is loving them from beyond.
Please take the time, make the effort and find the finances to do this.
Questions to Ponder:
What are your thoughts on wills?
Have you looked into completing one?
Have you recently read it?
Do you update as needed?
