Many British Columbians do not have a will. According to a 2014 report for BC Notaries, just 55% of us have a signed, legally valid and up-to-date will.

Having a will is critical and the best way to ensure that the people, charities and organizations you cherish most receive the benefit of your estate. 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. Additionally, having a will helps ensure that important questions for parents, such as childcare, are answered.

This was the case for Joan and Tom Webster, who are volunteers and legacy donors at a charity for homeless youth. Joan explained “My husband and I have had a will since our first daughter was born. We wanted all of our affairs to be in order in the event of our demise. We have kept it updated throughout the years as another daughter came along and as we built our estate. So we feel organized and enjoy great peace of mind!”

BC’s Make-a-Will Week is April 9-15, 2017. MAWW is a Ministry of Justice campaign that brings awareness to the importance of creating and maintaining an up-to-date will, which ensures that the people, charities and organizations you care about most receive the benefit of your estate.

In conjunction with the Leave a Legacy Vancouver program of the Canadian Association of Gift Planners, we are sharing tips and info throughout the week to help our readers learn more about wills and their pertinence in ensuring that final wishes are understood and executed. Visit our blog all week for key posts related to MAWW and will preparation.