Legacy Wills

Download this checklist (PDF)

A will is a legal document that tells people what you want to happen to your belongings and assets after you die. It makes sure your money, property and possessions go to the people or causes you choose.

A legal guardian is an individual who will have the legal authority and responsibility to care fo the personal and property interests of your children. Legal guarduanship grants the guardian the right to make decisions regarding the child's welfare, including health care, education and finances until they reach the age of majority. Without naming a legal guardian, you may leave the decision up to a court to decide who the legal guardian is of your children. Your legal guardian must be over 18 years old.

Provincial laws have upheld that Testators may owe a moral and legal duty to their spouses, children and other dependents. Any Last Will that completely ignores these parties may later be challenged in court. Typically, people name biological and adopted children here as well as close family members and caregivers. Many people choose to leave part of their estate to a charity or nonprofit organization

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that grants one person (known as the agent or attorney-in-fact), the authority to act on your behalf.

The difference between a Will and a Power of Attorney (POA) is that a Will takes effect only after death; a Power of Attorney grants another person authority to act on your behalf while you are still alive. The authority of a POA terminates upon death, at which point a Will governs the distribution of assets and last wishes.

Without a will, the government decides how to distribute your things, which may not align with your wishes.

Life is unpredictable. Having a will can help you be prepared for the unexpected and ensure your loved ones are taken care of after your death

An executor is a person you choose to carry out the instructions in your will after you die. They make sure your belongings, property, money go to the people you want. You executor also is responsible for paying an debts and handling any paperwork with your estate. Without an executor, the court might appoint someone who does not know your preferences or have you best interests in mind.

In these circumstances, your property will be divided according to the laws of the province you live in. These laws are almost always misaligned with your personal preferences. More specifically if you do not have a will: • The court will decide who becomes the guardian of your children and caregiver to your pets • Your estate may not be divided how you want to be divided • You lose an opportunity to donate to charity • It will take years longer to resolve your affairs often causing emotional, financial, and psychological difficulties for friends and family

Yes. 100%. Almost everyone can use our platform to create a legally binding will A lawyer can assist if you need legal advice, but most people have simple and straightforward estates that do not require legal advice, beyond our platform By asking you questions about your family and your circumstances, we help guide you through the process so everything is taken care of for you. All documents are lawyer approved and ensure that you don’t include any contradictions or common mistakes and errors.

Download this checklist (PDF) Complete this checklist Identify key people 1. Your Executor Best practice is that you want to have a discussion with the person who will be your executor. You will also want to tell your executor where you will store your will. Many people share a second copy of their will, once completed, with their executor. 2. Guardians If you have any children, the best practice is to have a discussion with the person or people who you will be asking to care for them if you and your spouse die. Depending on the circumstances and the age of the children, many people have this discussion with their children as well. 3. Pet Caregivers If you have any pets, the best practice is to have a discussion with the person or people who you will be asking to care for your pets if you and your spouse die. 4. Witnesses Once Completed, you will need 2 adults to sign and witness your will. Witnesses cannot be a beneficiary, the spouse of a benefiary, a corporation, or a minor. 5. Backups Best practices is to have people who will serve as alternates should the people listed above predecease you 6. Identify your assets Make a list of any assets, personal belongings, keepsakes or family heirlooms that you might want to pass on as gifts. Most people have 1 or 2 items over and above their estate (jewellery) 7. Identify important charitable organizations Make a list of any charities you might want to make a special donation to upon your death. Gather their CRA # by going to their website. 8. Gather your family information You should have the personal information or all family members, and full legal names of all beneficiaries

Before printing your documents, ensure your print setting align with the following: - Save as a .pdf on your computer - Under Pages, select "All" - Under Layout, Print in Portrait mode Click More Settings ^: - Under Paper Size, choose "Letter" - Under Pages per Sheet, select "1" - Under Margins, select "default" - Under Scale, select "default" - "uncheck" the option to print Headers and footers - "uncheck" the option to print Background graphics See below: https://static.wixstatic.com/media/661f65_5f6effd09b4b4717bdaa5ed070b42f20~mv2.png

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