Creating a will is an important step in ensuring that your wishes are carried out after you die. By taking the time to create a will now, you can avoid a lot of stress and conflict for your loved ones later on.<\/p>\n
Introduction: What is a Will?<\/h2>\n
A will is a legal document that sets out how you want your estate to be distributed after you die. You can also use a will to appoint a guardian for your minor children and to name an executor to carry out your wishes.<\/p>\n
Making a will is one of the most important things you can do for your loved ones. It allows you to control what happens to your property and assets after you die and makes things much easier for your loved ones during a difficult time.<\/p>\n
If you die without a will, your property will be distributed according to the laws of your province or territory. This may not be how you would have wanted things to be done and can cause problems for your loved ones.<\/p>\n
Types of Wills in Canada<\/h2>\n
The types and acceptable forms of wills in Canada will vary depending on the province or territory you reside in.<\/p>\n
In Ontario, for instance, you can typically have holograph (handwritten) wills or typewritten wills. Meanwhile, in Quebec for example, there are three types of wills: holograph wills, notarized wills, and wills before witnesses.<\/p>\n
Holograph wills are handwritten and signed by the testator (the person making the will) and does not require witnesses. Meanwhile, typewritten wills are typed and signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses. Holograph wills are less formal than sealed wills, but they are just as valid.<\/p>\n
To be valid, a will before witnesses requires that it is signed by the testator in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the time of signing. The witnesses must also sign the will in the presence of the testator.<\/p>\n
You can find more information about the requirements for valid wills in your province or territory by visiting the appropriate resource on this government website\u2019s page<\/a>.<\/p>\n When you die without a will in Canada, you die intestate. This means that the province or territory in which you reside will determine how your estate is distributed. If you have minor children, the laws of your province or territory will also determine who will raise them. Creating a will gives you the peace of mind of knowing that your estate will be distributed according to your wishes and that your children will be raised by the guardians you have chosen.<\/p>\n There are many other reasons to create a will. A will allows you to name an executor, who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. Without a will, the court will appoint an administrator to handle your estate, which can be a costly and time-consuming process.<\/p>\n A will also allows you to take advantage of tax planning opportunities that can save your loved ones money. For example, if you have a large estate, you may be able to use trusts to minimize taxes.<\/p>\n When you are estate planning, you also have the opportunity to express your wishes regarding organ donation, funeral planning and burial or cremation arrangements. These are important decisions that should not be left to others.<\/p>\n Making a will is not difficult or necessarily expensive, and there are many resources available to help you. You can get started by talking to a lawyer or other professional who can help you understand the process and make sure that your wishes are carried out. Alternatively, a number of resources and solutions are now available online to simplify the process or to connect with a professional without having to leave your home. Online platforms that help you create a will online include Epilogue Wills<\/strong><\/a> and Law Depot<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n If you want to make sure that your family is provided for after your death but don’t want the hassle of hiring a lawyer or writing up a will yourself, Epilogue is an excellent solution.<\/p>\n Epilogue walks you through all the steps of creating a Will, from choosing beneficiaries and writing down the details of your estate plan, to naming guardians for children or pets. You can also provide instructions if beneficiaries predecease you. Once you visit their website<\/strong><\/a>, the process will involve the following:<\/p>\n The site makes it easy to change your will whenever you want by giving you access to all the vital information at any time.<\/p>\n In Canada, a will is a legal document that sets out how you want your assets and liabilities to be distributed after you die. If you die without a will, the laws of intestacy in your province or territory will determine how your estate is distributed. This may not be in accordance with your wishes.<\/p>\n Generally, your will should at least include the following:<\/p>\n Your will is only legally binding if it follows the laws and regulations that govern wills and testaments in your province or territory. The simplest form of a will is a handwritten will, also known as a holograph, that you handwrite completely yourself and sign. Other types of valid wills can include typewritten wills before two witnesses and notarized wills.<\/p>\nWhy You Should Create a Will<\/h2>\n
Create a Will Online with Epilogue Wills<\/h2>\n
![\"Epilogue](\"https:\/\/www.weblegal.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/epilogue-banner.png\" "\\"Epilogue")
<\/a>Epilogue<\/strong><\/a> is an online estate planning platform that allows you to create a Will in approximately 20 minutes. Epilogue can also be used to make Powers of Attorney and Social Media Wills as well. You can do it on your own, with the guidance of the platform, conveniently from home.<\/p>\n\n
FAQs about Wills in Canada<\/h2>\n
Why do I need a will?<\/h3>\n
What should I include in my will?<\/h3>\n
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How do I make my will legally binding?<\/h3>\n