Make-a-Will Week reminding public to make post-life arrangements

Apr 7, 2019 | 12:16 PM

BRITISH COLUMBIA — B.C’s Attorney General has issued a statement urging people to consider their post-life plans, as Make-a-Will Week gets underway.

According to a 2018 report by Ipsos for the BC Notaries Association, only 44 per cent of adults in BC have a Will in place and only 57 per cent of homeowners have a current Will.

Make-a-Will Week runs April 7-13 this year in BC, and encourages residents to write a will or update an exisiting will.

Today, David Eby issued the following statement:

“While we all know that we should have a will, for many of us, it’s not something we want to think about or prepare for.

This is especially true for parents with dependent children. A 2018 survey conducted for BC Notaries Association found that 66% of parents with children 18 years of age or under did not have a will, and 77% of people aged 18 to 34 years did not have a will.

If you die without a will, your estate will be divided according to legislation and may not be distributed in the way you would have wished. Important decisions, like who will raise your children, may require the time and cost of a court application.

That’s why the Province has proclaimed April 7 to 13, 2019, as Make a Will Week. I encourage all British Columbians to take the time and think about how you will make your voice heard even after you’re gone. This week serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the people you love, and the charities and organizations you care about, are provided for.

If you already have a will, you may want to consider updating it, especially if you have experienced any significant life events like marriage, the birth of a child or purchasing a home. A notary or lawyer can help get you started and provide an estimate for the cost of writing a will. If your situation is straightforward, you may be able to write your own will using a kit, but it is often advisable to get legal advice.”