We all know death is a serious matter, as are the arrangements that need to be made after the passing of a loved one. With that said, we can all agree that a number of complications can arise if you pass away without having written a will. And as a poll conducted for the Society of Notaries Public of B.C. notes – 80 per cent of people age 18 to 34 don’t have a will.
While many in the younger age group may think they don’t need a will, the fact is that many important life events generally happen during those years. You can start a career, open a business, purchase major assets like real estate or property, get married and start a family. All these events should signal the need for a will.
“You never know when you will need a will. It’s never too early to make a will and it’s never too late,” said Akash Sablock, president of the Society of Notaries of B.C.
What many might not realize is that if you die without a will, you are deemed to have died “intestate” (without a will) – and your estate will be distributed according to the WESA (Wills, Estates and Succession Act), not necessarily your wishes.
“No matter what stage of life you find yourself in – you need a will,” said Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice. “A will is one of the most important documents you will create in your lifetime. Make a Will Week encourages everyone to sit down with their loved ones and begin that important discussion today.”
Some people can find humour in anything. Well, we’re “some people.” So, in recognition of the province’s “Make-a-Will Week,” here’s a light-hearted look at why you should make a will, or in this case – five reasons to put off writing your will.
Top 5 reasons to put off writing your Last Will and Testament
1. It’s your last chance to test whether or not your family could read your mind. Without the help of an executor, they will discover if they agree on your wishes for burial or cremation.
2. You continue the family tradition of “keeping secrets” and in the process, get your last chance to pit grown children against one another. Writing a will and sharing it with your intended beneficiaries diminishes the chance of such an important legacy.
3. Your children will have a chance to practice that “sharing” thing you tried to teach them when they were kids. Creating a will that simplifies matters will deny them of special bonding moments created through the discussion of who should get what and why.
4. While you can’t put off dying, you can put off the biggest decision of all: who should care for your kids. Let someone you don’t know look after that tough decision.
5. In an attempt to figure out what you owned, your family will go on a scavenger hunt through your personal files and possessions. Who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Plus, the hunt is sure to bring everyone together with one simple thought: they wish you had made a will.
Go write your will now! For more information visit www.ag.gov.bc.ca/make-a-will.
