Dying without a Will: A Guide to Intestacy

Most people assume they have plenty of time to draft a will. But life is unpredictable, and many Albertans pass away before they have the chance to put their wishes on paper. When this happens, it is known as dying “intestate.”

There is a common misconception that if you die without a will, the government automatically seizes your property. While this is rarely the case, the reality is still complicated. Without a will, you lose the ability to choose who inherits your assets or who cares for your minor children. Instead, the province steps in with a rigid set of rules to make those decisions for you.

Understanding how intestate succession works in Alberta is crucial for protecting your family’s future.

The Role of the Wills and Succession Act

In Alberta, the Wills and Succession Act governs what happens to your estate if you die without a valid will. This legislation creates a hierarchy of beneficiaries based on their relationship to you. It prioritizes immediate family—specifically spouses and children—before moving on to more distant relatives.

The rules are strict. The law does not account for the quality of your relationships. It does not matter if you were estranged from a sibling or if you had a close friend you wanted to support. If it isn’t written in a Will, the Act dictates the distribution.

Who Inherits When There is No Will?

The distribution of an intestate estate depends entirely on your family structure at the time of death. Here are the most common scenarios under Alberta law:

1. You have a spouse or adult interdependent partner (but no children)

If you leave behind a spouse or an adult interdependent partner (often referred to as a common-law partner) and have no descendants, your entire estate goes to them.

2. You have a spouse/partner and children (all from that relationship)

If you pass away leaving a spouse and children who are also the children of that spouse, the spouse inherits the entire estate. The law assumes the surviving parent will take care of the children.

3. You have a spouse/partner and children (from a different relationship)

This is where it can get complicated. If you have a “blended family”—meaning you have children from a previous relationship—your spouse does not automatically get everything.

Instead, your spouse or partner is entitled to a “preferential share.” This is currently set at either 50% of the net estate or $150,000, whichever amount is greater. The remainder of the estate is then divided among your children.

4. You have no spouse/partner but have children

If there is no surviving spouse, the estate is divided equally among your children. If a child has predeceased you but left their own children (your grandchildren), those grandchildren typically inherit their parent’s share.

5. You have no spouse and no descendants

If you leave no direct descendants, the Act looks to wider family members in a specific order:

  • Parents
  • Siblings (or their children, if the sibling has passed)
  • Nieces and nephews

Only if no living relatives can be found within the degrees of relationship specified by the Act does the estate potentially escheat (transfer) to the government, specifically to the Crown.

Who Manages the Estate?

When you write a Will, you appoint an Executor—someone you trust to handle your affairs. When you die intestate, no Executor exists.

Someone must apply to the court for a “Grant of Administration” to gain the legal authority to deal with your assets, pay your debts, and distribute the inheritance. The Act sets out priority for who can apply. Typically, a spouse has the first right, followed by adult children.

If no family member is willing or able to take on this role, or if there is a dispute among family members about who should do it, the process can become expensive and delayed. In some cases, the Office of the Public Trustee may need to get involved.

Take Control of Your Legacy

While the Wills and Succession Act provides a safety net, it is a “one-size-fits-all” solution that rarely fits anyone perfectly. Relying on intestate succession can lead to unintended consequences, such as a new partner inheriting assets intended for your children, or a rigid distribution that creates tax burdens for your heirs.

Furthermore, a Will is the only place you can appoint a guardian for your minor children. Without one, the courts will decide who raises them, potentially choosing someone you would not have selected yourself.

Drafting a Will gives you the final say. It ensures your assets go exactly where you want them to and saves your grieving family from the stress of navigating a complex legal administration during a difficult time.

If you have been thinking about a Will, or didn’t think you need one yet, it’s never too early or too late to draft your Will. Contact us today with questions on how to get started. Don’t leave your legacy up for question while you have the power to determine your family’s future.

What You Need to Know Before Being a Power of Attorney

Being asked to serve as someone’s power of attorney is a significant sign of trust. It means a person believes in your judgment and integrity to manage their affairs if they cannot. While it is an honour, the role carries substantial responsibilities and potential challenges. Before you say yes, it’s crucial to understand exactly what you are agreeing to.

What is a Power of Attorney (POA)?

A power of attorney is a legal document that gives one person, known as the “agent”, the authority to act on behalf of another person, the “principal.” This authority can be broad or limited, depending on the type of POA. The agent’s role is to make decisions that reflect the principal’s best interests.

It’s important to note that a POA is only valid while the principal is alive. Once the principal passes away, the agent’s authority ends, and the executor of the will or estate administrator takes over.

Key Types of Power of Attorney

Understanding the different types of POAs is the first step in knowing what might be asked of you.

  • General Power of Attorney: This grants the agent broad authority to make financial and legal decisions for the principal. This can include managing bank accounts, selling property, and filing taxes. A general POA typically terminates if the principal becomes incapacitated.
  • Enduring Power of Attorney: The word “durable” is key here. A durable power of attorney remains in effect even if the principal becomes mentally or physically incapacitated. This is one of the most common types, as it prepares for future health issues, ensuring someone can manage the principal’s affairs without interruption.
  • Special or Limited Power of Attorney: This type limits the agent’s authority to specific situations or a certain timeframe. For example, it might grant you the power to sell a home on the principal’s behalf while they are out of the country.
  • Medical Power of Attorney: Also known as a Personal Directive, this document gives you the authority to make medical decisions for the principal if they are unable to do so. This includes choices about treatments, surgeries, and end-of-life care.

Your Responsibilities as an Agent

Accepting the role of agent means you are taking on a fiduciary duty. This is a legal obligation to act solely in the best interest of the principal. Your responsibilities are significant and demand care, honesty, and diligence.

Financial and Legal Duties

If you are named in a general or Enduring POA, your duties may include:

  • Managing Finances: This involves paying bills, managing bank accounts, and handling investments. You must keep meticulous records of every transaction.
  • Handling Property: You could be responsible for buying, selling, or managing real estate and other assets.
  • Filing Taxes: You may need to ensure the principal’s state and federal taxes are filed and paid on time.
  • Dealing with Benefits: This includes applying for and managing government benefits.

Medical Decision-Making

A Personal Directive requires you to make healthcare choices based on the principal’s known wishes. Your responsibilities could involve:

  • Communicating with Doctors: You will be the primary point of contact for healthcare providers.
  • Making Treatment Decisions: This could range from consenting to routine procedures to making difficult choices about life-sustaining treatment.
  • Following Advance Directives: You must honor any wishes stated in the principal’s living will or other advance directives.

Potential Challenges and Risks to Consider

The role of an agent is not without its difficulties. It’s important to be aware of the potential hurdles you might face.

  • Emotional Strain: Making decisions for a loved one, especially during a health crisis, can be emotionally draining. You may face pressure from family members who disagree with your choices.
  • Time Commitment: Managing someone’s affairs is time-consuming. It can feel like a part-time job, requiring you to balance these duties with your own work and family life.
  • Personal Liability: As a fiduciary, you can be held legally liable if you mismanage funds or fail to act in the principal’s best interest. Even unintentional errors can lead to legal challenges from family members or other interested parties.
  • Family Conflicts: Money and health are sensitive topics. Your decisions may not be popular with all family members, which can create tension and conflict within the family.

Questions to Ask Before You Agree

Before accepting this role, take time for honest self-reflection. Answering these questions can help you make an informed decision.

  1. Do I fully understand what is being asked of me? Make sure the principal clearly explains their expectations and the scope of your authority.
  2. What is my relationship with the principal? A strong, trusting relationship is essential. Are you comfortable having difficult conversations with this person about their finances and health?
  3. Am I organized enough to handle the record-keeping? The duty to keep detailed records of all financial transactions is non-negotiable. If organization is not your strength, this role could be a poor fit.
  4. Do I have the time and emotional capacity for this role? Be realistic about your own life and commitments. Can you add these responsibilities without becoming overwhelmed?
  5. Do other family members support this decision? While not a requirement, knowing that other family members are on board can reduce future conflicts.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

If you decide to accept the role of power of attorney, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and effectively serve the principal.

  • Read the Document Carefully: Do not just sign it. Read every clause of the POA document to understand the scope of your powers and when they become effective.
  • Talk Openly with the Principal: Discuss their values, wishes, and fears. Ask specific questions about how they want their finances managed and what their end-of-life preferences are. The more you know, the better you can represent their interests.
  • Keep Your Finances Separate: Never mix the principal’s assets with your own. Open separate bank accounts for their funds to maintain a clear and transparent record.
  • Seek Professional Advice: Do not hesitate to consult with professionals. A lawyer can help you understand your legal obligations, and a financial advisor can guide you in managing assets. The cost of this advice can often be paid from the principal’s funds.
  • Set Boundaries: Communicate with other family members about your role. Be clear that you are acting on the principal’s wishes. Setting expectations early can help prevent misunderstandings later.

Agreeing to be a power of attorney is a profound commitment. By understanding the responsibilities and preparing for the challenges, you can fulfill this important role with confidence and care, honouring the trust placed in you.

If you’re considering becoming a power of attorney or appointing one, take the time to fully understand the responsibilities and implications. Open conversations and professional advice can make all the difference. For more insights and guidance, explore our other resources on legal and financial planning and reach out to us for a complimentary consultation.

How Divorce Affects Your Estate Plan

Woman removing wedding ring from ring finger

Divorce is among the most painful events that an individual can go through. But even more so is the need to revisit the legal documentation that governed one’s planned future. When getting married, many couples create estate plans, such as wills and trusts to protect their assets and ensure their wishes are respected in the event of their death. When you get divorced, it’s not just about dividing your assets or finances; it also affects your estate plan. In this blog, we’ll talk more about how divorce can affect your estate plan and what you need to do about it.

Change Your Beneficiaries: If you named your spouse as a beneficiary on any of your financial accounts or life insurance policies, it’s important to update them as soon as possible. Your ex-spouse will automatically be removed from his or her position as a beneficiary if they are named in your estate plan, but if they are named in any stand-alone accounts, they may still receive those assets when you pass away. Reviewing all your beneficiaries and updating them to reflect your current preferences ensures your estate plan aligns with your intentions and goals moving forward.

Update Your Will: Your will determines how your assets are distributed once you pass away. If you had previously designated your spouse as an executor or beneficiary in your will, this will change after your divorce. After your divorce or separation, you will want to have your will modified so that your assets and property are distributed according to your current wishes and intentions. Additionally, when updating your will, you should establish guardianship for any children in case of your death.

Addressing the Trusts: Similar to wills, the terms of any trusts, which are often established to protect and distribute assets, may change when you divorce. For instance, a revocable living trust may have included your ex-spouse as a beneficiary or successor trustee. To ensure that the trust aligns with your current wishes, you should seek the assistance of an estate planning lawyer to review and update it in case changes are necessary to accommodate your new circumstances.

Reexamine Your Powers of Attorney: When you made your estate plan, you probably appointed your spouse or other people to serve as a power of attorney. This person has the power to make healthcare or financial decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. After you have legally divorced, it is vital to revisit these documents and update them so that they reflect your current needs and wishes.

Collaborate With An Experienced Estate Planning Lawyer: When you’re confronting probate legal questions and revision of estate plans, you should collaborate with an experienced estate planning lawyer. They’ll assist you in working or modifying your estate plan correctly to ensure that your wishes match your current life circumstances. Estate planning experts will provide the latest and up-to-date information, allowing you to keep a sound estate plan.

Divorce is a life-changing experience that can affect your estate plans in significant ways. It is important to ensure that your estate planning documents align with your current wishes and intentions after a divorce. Collaborating with an experienced estate planning lawyer is a crucial step in this process. By following the above guidelines, you can make the necessary changes to your estate plan and obtain peace of mind that your assets will be distributed according to your wishes and intentions.

The Critical Importance of a Personal Health Directive

Imagine a scenario where, due to an unforeseen medical event, you find yourself incapacitated, unable to voice your healthcare preferences or decisions. It’s an uncomfortable thought, yet it’s a reality that can strike anyone at any time, regardless of their current health status. This underscores the necessity of having a personal health directive, often known as a living will or medical power of attorney.

The consequences of not having a health directive can profoundly affect both you and your loved ones. Without this essential document, here are some of the critical situations you and your family might face:

Decision-Making Comes to a Halt

Without a designated person to make healthcare decisions on your behalf, medical professionals are left in a challenging position. They are constrained by legal and ethical guidelines that typically err on the side of prolonging life, potentially in ways that you might not prefer. Decision-making regarding your healthcare can be severely delayed, as doctors may need to seek court orders to proceed with or cease certain types of medical treatments.

Family Powerlessness and Conflicts

In the absence of a health directive, your loved ones are stripped of the ability to act on your behalf. This can lead to feelings of powerlessness and frustration, as they may know your preferences but lack the legal authorization to ensure they are followed. Furthermore, without clear guidance from you, family members might disagree on the best course of action, leading to conflicts that can escalate into legal battles, driving wedges between loved ones during an already distressing time.

Legal and Financial Complications

When decisions are at a standstill, and legal intervention is required to proceed with medical treatment or discontinuation, the process can be lengthy and financially draining. The costs associated with court proceedings or legal consultations can add considerable strain to an already emotionally taxing situation. These funds could otherwise contribute to medical bills or support for recovery.

Impersonal Medical Decisions

Without your personal input, medical decisions are made based on general healthcare principles and the clinicians’ professional judgments. This might result in a course of treatment that doesn’t align with your values, beliefs, or preferences. A health directive ensures that your voice is heard, even when you cannot speak, making your healthcare experience as personalized and respectful of your wishes as possible.

How to Safeguard Your Preferences and Loved Ones

Creating a health directive may seem daunting, but it’s a straightforward process that can save a significant amount of stress and uncertainty. Here’s how you can begin:

  1. Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Understand the types of decisions that might need to be made if you’re unable to make them yourself. This can help you think through your preferences wisely.
  2. Legally Document Your Wishes: Whether it’s appointing a medical power of attorney or creating a living will, make sure your decisions are recorded in a legally recognized format.
  3. Communicate with Your Designated Decision Maker and Loved Ones: Ensure those close to you, especially the person or persons you’ve designated to make decisions, understand your preferences clearly.
  4. Review Regularly: Over time, your wishes might evolve. Regularly review your health directive to ensure it still reflects your current preferences.

Taking the initiative to prepare a health directive ensures that, even in the most vulnerable moments, your healthcare choices are respected, and your dignity is upheld. More than a legal document, it’s an act of kindness towards yourself and a gift of clarity and guidance for your loved ones during difficult times.

Got questions about estate planning? Reach out to us for a complimentary consultation and see how we can assist you in putting together a personal directive that outlines your wishes clearly and ensure you have all the legal documents you need when planning your estate needs.

Avoid These Estate Planning Mistakes to Protect Your Legacy

Estate planning is not something that people enjoy thinking about, but it is essential for every individual to plan their estate to ensure their legacy is protected for the future generation. Proper estate planning is about creating a comprehensive plan of action for who will receive your assets and how they will be distributed, in the event of your incapacity or death.

However, estate planning can be a challenging task. Many people make mistakes in the process which can cause significant issues down the line. In this article, we will discuss the most common estate planning mistakes that people make, and how to avoid them.

Mistake #1: Failing to Plan

Many people avoid the process of estate planning altogether, thinking that it is not necessary. However, failing to plan properly can lead to significant trouble for your loved ones, if something happens to you. Without a will or a trust plan, your assets will be distributed by provincial law, which might not necessarily align with your wishes.

How to Avoid: The best way to avoid this mistake is to work with a professional estate planning lawyer to create a comprehensive plan that is aligned with your wishes.

Mistake #2: Not Updating Your Plan

Even after creating an estate plan, people make the mistake of not updating it when significant life events occur. Life events such as the birth of children/grandchildren, divorce, and other significant life changes can significantly impact your estate planning needs.

How to Avoid: Ensure that you are reviewing your estate plan regularly with your estate planning attorney to make the necessary changes based on significant life events.

Mistake #3: Not considering Your Beneficiaries

Not all assets are passed by probate, which means you need to pay attention to each asset’s beneficiary designation. In some cases, people forget to update their beneficiary designation or leave it to the wrong people.

How to Avoid: Always ensure that your beneficiary designations are consistent with your estate planning documents and are up to date.

Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Trustee or Executor

When selecting a trustee or executor, people often make the mistake of choosing family members without considering their qualifications or ensuring that they are willing to serve.

How to Avoid: Choose a trustee or executor that is reliable, trustworthy, and competent to carry out their duties as defined under your plan.

Mistake #5: No Power of Attorney or Personal Directive

An enduring power of attorney and personal directive is necessary for everyone to ensure that their health care and financial decisions can be made, in the event of incapacity or disability.

How to Avoid: Work with your estate planning lawyer to create an enduring power of attorney and personal directive that is consistent with your estate plan.

Estate planning is about making sure that your assets end up in the right hands and that your loved ones are protected. While it may seem like a daunting task initially, avoiding mistakes can help ensure that your estate plan is comprehensive and up-to-date. Work with an estate planning lawyer and avoid the mistakes discussed in this article to ensure that your wishes are fulfilled and your legacy is protected. Proper estate planning is a tribute to your loved ones and the ideal way to secure your family’s future.

At Summit Legal Group, we include a comprehensive Will Package, which includes the Will and Last Testament, as well as the Personal Directive and Enduring Power of Attorney. Reach out to us today to find out how we can help and ensure your legacy is protected in the preparation of your legal documents.

Estate Planning: Lawyer vs. Do-It-Yourself – Which is Better

Estate planning is important for everyone, regardless of age or the size of your estate. It’s a process of organizing your assets and taking care of your loved ones in the future. Estate planning involves drafting wills, trusts, and other legal documents. Although some might consider doing it themselves, there are several reasons why hiring an estate planning lawyer is the better option.

The Complexity of Estate Planning

Estate planning involves many legal documents, which are complex and require professional knowledge and expertise. An estate planning lawyer can provide guidance and ensure that they draft documents correctly. An experienced lawyer will assess your situation, understand your goals and needs, and create an estate plan that meets your requirements.

Mitigating Risks

Estate planning can help mitigate the risks of potential legal battles between beneficiaries. A lawyer can ensure that the estate plan adequately addresses the clause that outlines the distribution of assets.

Saving Time and Money

Estate planning can be time-consuming and costly, but a lawyer can help you save money and time in the long run. An estate planning lawyer can help you complete your wills and other legal documents much more quickly and efficiently while ensuring they consider any legal and tax implications.

Keeping Up with Legal Updates

Estate laws are constantly changing. An experienced estate planning lawyer can keep you up to date with any updates that might affect your estate plan.

Legal Protection

An Estate planning lawyer makes sure you are protected from unforeseen circumstances, such as heavy tax liabilities, breach of contract, and much more. A lawyer will ensure that the estate documents comply with the legal standards embedded by the province.

Estate planning is vital, and a mistake in this area could bring severe consequences to your beneficiaries. While doing it yourself might be the less costly option, the benefits of using an estate planning lawyer are significant. An experienced estate planning lawyer can ensure that your wishes are met, mitigate any potential risks, and take care of the complexity of the legal documents. Therefore, it could save you and your beneficiaries time and money in the long run. It’s vital that everyone should make an effort to consult and employ an estate planning lawyer to avoid any unpleasant circumstances.

If you have any questions about estate planning or if you are not sure what you need, get in touch! You can schedule a complimentary consultation with our Estates Manager who can assist with some of your initial questions. Get in touch with us today to help you with your estate planning needs.

New Year, New Estate Plan: Why Now is the Perfect Time to Evaluate your Estate Planning Needs

The New Year is upon us once again. With it comes the perfect opportunity to re-evaluate certain aspects of our lives. While most of us use this time to set goals and resolutions, many overlook a crucial element – estate planning. Estate planning may not be the most exciting topic, but it is essential. It secures the future of your loved ones and ensuring that you decide how you distribute your assets. In this blog post, we will discuss why the New Year is the perfect time to evaluate your estate planning needs.

Changes in Life Circumstances

One of the primary reasons to review your estate plan is if your circumstances have changed since the last time you made one. Did you get married or divorced? Or, did you have a child or adopt one? Perhaps some recent business decisions may impact your assets. Did you sell or acquire assets? All of these events may impact the way you distribute your estate and so it is imperative to update your estate plan to reflect these changes.

Tax Laws and Estate Planning

Tax laws are always evolving, which may impact your estate plan. Sometimes these changes may have an impact on how much your heirs may receive. An estate planning specialist can give you the best advice about minimizing your tax liability and maximizing the inheritance for your beneficiaries.

The Importance of Updating Your Beneficiaries

One of the simplest yet most important parts of estate planning is naming your beneficiaries. However, it is essential to ensure that your beneficiary designations are up to date. Many people forget to update their beneficiaries even after major life changes have occurred, which may lead to unintentional complications.

Ensuring Your Wishes Are Carried Out

One of the primary benefits of having a proper estate plan is the ability to have more control over what happens to your assets after you pass away. Even if you do not have substantial assets, you may still want to have control over your sentimental possessions. By putting a proper estate plan in place, you will ensure that your executor can carry out your wishes.

Protecting Your Family’s Interests

Estate planning is not only about you, it is also about your family. A proper estate plan will ensure that you protect your family’s interests and can outline them clearly. It can protect them from potential legal battles, the probate process, and provide peace of mind during a difficult time. A comprehensive estate plan can give your family the tools they need to move on from your passing with ease.

The New Year provides an excellent opportunity to evaluate your estate planning needs. Regardless of age, income, or family structure, estate planning is essential for protecting your family’s interests and ensuring your wishes are carried out. By reviewing your estate plan and updating it as necessary, you are giving yourself and your family peace of mind and security. Contact us to see how we can help ensure that you manage your assets according to your wishes and your legacy lives on as you desire.

Essential Elements to Include in Your Estate Plan

Death is an inevitable part of life, and we don’t like to think about it much. However, it is essential to think ahead and plan for the future, especially by preparing an estate plan. It’s a critical document that ensures your last wishes are met and helps to prevent chaos and confusion among your loved ones after your passing. An estate plan will divide your property and assets, designate guardians for your minor children, and even help with tax planning. In this article, we’ll discuss the essential elements that must be included in your estate plan.

A Will:

A will is a legal document that specifies how your assets and property should be distributed after your death. If you don’t have a will, the court will decide who gets what, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. Your will must specify the distribution of your assets, the person responsible for executing your will, and the amount of inheritance for each beneficiary.

Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive:

An enduring power of attorney and personal directive designates a person to manage your finances and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated and cannot make decisions for yourself. An enduring power of attorney will allow your designated representative to access your accounts, pay bills, and make financial decisions on your behalf. A personal directive will allow your representative to make medical decisions for you if you are not able to.

 

Guardianship:

Designating a guardian for your minor children is another crucial element of estate planning. If you have minor children and both parents pass away without naming a guardian, the court will appoint someone. This may be a different person altogether, so it’s essential to ensure that your wishes are met. You’ll want to consider factors such as age, location, and values when choosing a guardian.

 

Beneficiary Designations:

Life insurance policies, registered investments, and other accounts require beneficiaries, and these designations must be updated regularly. Make sure you list primary and alternate beneficiaries, and check with your retirement account custodian to ensure your designations are updated and accurate.

 

Digital Estate Plan:

As our lives become increasingly digitized, it’s critical to include a digital estate plan that covers things like social media profiles, online banking, and other online accounts. You may want to consider designating a separate executor for your digital assets, leaving instructions for how to access and handle these accounts.

 

When it comes to estate planning, everyone’s circumstances are unique, so it’s essential to talk to a lawyer or estate planning professional who can help you create an estate plan that meets your specific needs. While drafting an estate plan may seem overwhelming, it’s an essential step to take that can provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones. By following the steps discussed in the article, you can create a comprehensive estate plan that helps to ensure your last wishes are met.

Reach out to us today and let Summit Legal Group guide you in the estate planning process. 

AUTHOR

Craig Gorham is a Certified Executor Advisor at Summit Legal Group, guiding clients through the Estate Administration process with compassion, empathy and a wealth of specialized knowledge. Craig can be reached directly at 587-393-2069 or craig@summitlegalgroup.ca.

Summit Legal Group wins the 2024 Top Choice Award for Wills and Estates Law Firm!

UPDATE (January 11, 2024)

We are pleased to announce that Summit Legal Group WON the 2024 TOP CHOICE AWARD for WILLS & ESTATES LAW FIRM!

Check out all the 2024 Winners here.

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Summit Legal Group is pleased to announce that once again, we have been selected by the prestigious Top Choice Awards as a nominee for the “Top Choice Wills & Estates Law Firm” of 2024!

This nomination is a testament to all the hard work and dedication of our team, providing high-quality legal services in wills and estates. Each of our lawyers and our Certified Executor Advisor are committed to providing our clients with top-notch legal expertise and advice. Our lively and engaging staff are passionate about helping clients navigate estate planning, trusts, and other services related to wills. With our experienced team behind us, we feel confident that we can achieve this great honour!

We invite you to join us in celebrating this incredible opportunity by casting your vote today to help make us YOUR TOP CHOICE!

VOTE HERE: https://topchoiceawards.com/vote?survey_id=V0uE4zGn

But wait, there’s more! By simply voting, you automatically enter a draw with a chance to win one of four incredible $500 cash prizes generously offered by Top Choice Awards!

Stay tuned for further updates and exciting developments on our journey to victory!

I Have No Assets, Do I Still Need a Will?

When you hear the word “estate,” you tend to think of wealth, property, and assets. As such, people assume that creating a Will is only necessary for the wealthy. Regardless of your financial status or age, having a Will is an essential component of your life planning strategy.

Protecting Your Loved Ones: Your Will enables you to specify your wishes for your children’s guardianship should something unexpected happen to you. Without a Will, the courts decides and manages decisions regarding their well-being.

Protecting Your Digital Estate: In today’s technological era we have various digital assets including social media accounts, web domains, crypto currency emails, and online storage. Assigning someone you trust as the executor of these accounts in your Will can save your family members from a lot of stress and difficulties.

Ensuring Quick Dispensation of Your Assets: When someone dies, the process of dispersing the estate could take years. With a Will the process to can be more convenient and faster for your family members.

Trust and Peace of Mind: A Will is a way to provide reassurance and support for your loved ones by providing clarity and ensuring distribution of your estate is according to your wishes.

Flexibility: A Will does not take effect until your death, so you can modify or revoke your Will anytime you wish while you’re alive.

A Will is essential for everyone—not only the wealthy. A Will is a valuable component of a well-structured life plan. It’s a symbol of your love and care for your loved ones and proves invaluable to ease their difficulty when you’re gone. So don’t hesitate, make your Will and provide peace of mind to those who matter the most to you.

Craig Gorham
Certified Executor Advisor

AUTHOR

Craig Gorham is a Certified Executor Advisor at Summit Legal Group, guiding clients through the Estate Administration process with compassion, empathy and a wealth of specialized knowledge. You can reach Craig directly at 587-393-2069 or craig@summitlegalgroup.ca.