Make a Will Week

October 4-10, 2020, 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.

In response to stakeholder input, Make-a-Will Week has been moved to the first full week in October, starting in 2020.

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.