top of page
Search
  • JK Law

What Is A Will and Why You Need A Will?

Updated: May 6, 2021



















A will is a legal document that states who should receive which of your assets after your death. It names the persons (Trustees/Personal Representatives) you want to manage the estate. It also allows you to name guardians for any dependent children and your wishes for their financial needs and upbringing.


A will must be in writing in Canada and comply with other requirements of the law in each jurisdiction. For example, in Alberta, a beneficiary in a will must not be one of the witnesses of the execution of the will by the will maker. Also, there must be 2 witnesses and both must be present together at the same time when witnessing the execution of the will.


It is a good idea to have a will as illness or accident could claim anybody at any time as scary as such thought may be. A will is the only way to control who gets what you have.


If you die without a will:


  • your estate may not be divided as you would have wished;

  • your estate may end up being more complicated and expensive for your family to handle;

  • if there is no one to whom your estate can be left if you do not leave a will, your estate may end up going to the provincial government.


However, a badly prepared will could defeat the whole essence of making a will to provide for your loved ones and those you care for after you might have passed on and in fact lead to unnecessary and expensive litigations.

25 views0 comments
bottom of page