Married or single, writing a will is your first step in estate planning.
The most important part of your estate plan is a valid, up-to-date, legal will. If you pass away without a will, the government will distribute your estate in accordance with provincial law. Having a will in place can ensure your wishes are fulfilled.
The best and safest way to create a will is to work with an expert, as many do-it-yourself will packages and will kits can leave details open to legal interpretation. We recommend that you work with a lawyer to write your will. That way you can be sure it is a legal document and you can feel confident it has no errors.
5 important things you can do with a will:
- Appoint someone to deal with everything when you pass away
- Appoint a guardian for your children
- Select who you want to inherit your assets
- Set up your estate to take advantage of tax savings
- Reduce the cost of administering your estate (your loved ones will appreciate your care and foresight after you have passed away)
How to get started making your will
- Complete a Will Instructions Questionnaire
- Meet with a Gulf & Fraser expert to get help gathering the information you'll need and get prepared to speak with a lawyer
- Make an appointment with a lawyer to write your legal will
Gulf & Fraser refers members who need a will to Stuart, Aulinger and Company, based in Vancouver, BC. They have a Will Instructions Questionnaire that you can fill out before you meet with them, to save time and ensure you’ve thought everything through.