Make a Will Week is April 7 to 13

BC Notaries support the Province of B.C.’s proclamation declaring April 7 to 13, 2019 “Make-a-Will Week” and encourage the majority of British Columbian adult who don’t have a current Will to prepare one.
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A 2018 survey by Ipsos for the BC Notaries Association found that while 67% of people aged 55 and older have a Will in place, 62% of people aged 35 to 54 and 77% of people aged 18 to 34 do not have a Will regardless of whether they own a home, have dependent children or other important considerations. 

A legal Will ensures that those you love and care about will be provided for, in accordance with your wishes, around the distribution of your estate.

BC Notaries remind British Columbians of five key reasons people under the age of 55 should have a Will:

1. You have children under age 18.
2. You own a home.
3. You are separated, divorced or living in a common-law relationship.
4. You have pets.
5. You want peace of mind about your family’s future.

The 2018 Ipsos survey found that only 34% of parents with children age 18 and under have a Will. If there is no Will in place, or the Will is not properly prepared, custody of any underage children may not be assigned as you intended. Further, if the Public Guardian and Trustee is brought in to administer the estate, the Province may then decide on the future of dependent children and distribution of assets.

Another concern may be the welfare of a pet and ensuring it will be looked after by a friend or family member if you are no longer able to do so. 

For most people, creating a Will doesn’t take as much time as they expect. A good way to start the process is to think about who you would want to care for your children, inherit your home and any other assets, and then visit a local Notary, who can assist you in preparing a legal Will. Notaries have extensive experience creating Wills that meet their clients’ specific needs.  Creating a Will can typically be done in two short meetings.  During the first meeting, we will discuss a general overview of your assets and your intentions for their distribution. The second meeting finalizes your plan and your paperwork.