A current will is the easiest and most effective way to tell your loved ones how to honour your funeral wishes and how you want your property and possessions to be distributed after you die.

It can take away the worry and stress of these decisions by letting your family know exactly what to do. Even if you don’t have much money or property, it’s still important to have a will so you can name an executor and make it clear who you want making decisions on your behalf.

Upon your death, if a will does not exist, your nearest relatives will share in your estate under most provincial and territorial laws. Depending on how complicated your estate is, however, your relatives may need to hire a lawyer and go to court to deal with it, and sometimes, a government agency will get involved to make sure that it’s dealt with properly.

Using a lawyer is not necessary, but because a will is a legal document, you may wish to have it prepared by one. Will kits and guides can help you get organized, but they can’t deal with everything. A lawyer can ensure your documents are prepared and witnessed accurately and represent your true wishes. In Quebec and British Columbia, a notary public can also prepare a will.

If you have a completed will, a loved one should know how to locate it. As your life changes and your circumstance evolve, so may your will. It’s important to review it every five years to ensure it still represents your wishes.

The Government of Canada website provides information about wills and estate planning here: www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/estate-planning/will-estate-planning.html.