You love your family, right?
Well, if you don’t have a will made out then you aren’t showing them much love.
Oct. 4 to 10 is Make-a-Will Week in British Columbia. Its purpose is to encourage the public to write their will or bring an existing will up-to-date.Making a will is now even easier following recent legislative changes that allow people who are in different locations to use technology to sign and witness a will.
The changes will also soon give electronic wills the same recognition as physical wills.
If you don’t have a will, you’re not alone. According to a 2014 report for BC Notaries, just 55 per cent of British Columbians have a signed, legally valid and up-to-date will.
A will is the best way to ensure that the people, charities and organizations you cherish most receive the benefit of your estate.
If you die without a will, your estate may not be distributed in the way you would have wished and the costs of administering your estate may also be higher.
Having a will helps ensure that important questions for parents – like who will raise your young children if both you and your spouse die – are answered.
The cost to have a will written depends on the complexity of your situation. Ask a notary or lawyer for an estimate. If your situation is straightforward, you may be able to write your own will using a kit from a store or an online service provider. However, obtaining the assistance of a professional is always a good idea.
- With files from the Delta Optimist
