Clients often ask what documents they should have in place to ensure they have properly prepared for a health care emergency, illness, or passing. In short, if you own property, are getting older or if you have dependants, there are three documents you should prepare to help your loved ones manage your affairs. Last Will: Your Last Will describes how to distribute your estate after you die. Personal Directive: Your Health Care Directive (also called Living Will or Health Car
Did you know a Will is considered a ‘living document’? This means as your life changes so should your Will. If you haven’t reviewed your will or estate plan recently, here are 4 reasons why it might be time for an update! 1. Your Marital Status has changed. If you’ve married or divorced since your Will was written, you need to update it! Settling an estate can be messy for those you leave behind. In the case of a divorce, you most likely don’t want a former or separated spou
Without a will, a person is said to die intestate. This does not mean all their property is forfeited to the government. It means that provincial intestate rules in the province in which the deceased lived will dictate how assets will be distributed. In the absence of a will, the settlement of an estate can be delayed and unnecessary expenses incurred. If there are minor children, and no surviving spouse, the children will be placed in the care of a court-appointed guardian.
Prior to creating your Will, Power of Attorney and Personal Directive you will need to begin gathering information and making important decisions. The information below will guide you through the planing process. GENERAL INFORMATION In addition to your personal information, your lawyer will need to be made aware of the following: Any plans to move in the foreseeable future. If you reside part of the year outside of Canada. If married, do you have a marriage contract, or pren
Did you know that in an effort to encouraged the public to write a will, or bring their existing will up to date, the government in British Columbia has declared April 10-16 'Make a Will Week'? The need to properly plan is not unique to British Columbians. Albertans also need to prepare for their future. It has been reported that less than half of all Canadians have a signed, legally valid and up-to-date will. This number jumps to 80% for those between the age of 18 and 34