November is ‘Make a Will Month’ and the Ontario Bar Association wants to raise awareness about the need for a properly-drafted will.
A couple of lawyers in Timmins gave free tips to seniors about why a will is crucial when dividing up assets, on Tuesday.
The aging process can be overwhelming for many, especially when it comes to preparing a will.
"People will leave each other, even just a family member, just because of a will, arguing about it." said Suzanne Boudreau, who is learning about will planning.
And that's why a senior living facility, St. Mary's Gardens, in Timmins hosted a session to focus on family law for seniors.
Officials there say many seniors do not understand family law and a large part of the discussion was about the importance of a proper Last Will and Testament.
"The older adult population constantly has questions about wills. How they can be better prepared as their lives are changing. So, I have had many requests from seniors in our building and in the community." said Dawna Carrier, of St. Mary’s Gardens.
Lawyers Ken Alexander and Sarah Stewart talked about some of the obligations couples have, whether married or not, when it comes to wills and when dealing with things like separation, divorce, or death.
"If you want to ensure there's no problem for your beneficiaries and the person you're naming as trustee, it's important to get independent legal advice." said Stewart.
A recent poll found that more than half of Canadians do not have a will. It also found a quarter of us think it's too expensive to hire a lawyer to prepare one.
But local lawyers suggest you can shop around for a quote on drawing up a will.
However, they caution against buying will kits online or in stores.
"Those instruments that are available at Staples or at any other store, they're very generic first of all, you're not given any independent advice on situations affecting your life, so it's very important to meet with a lawyer or a power of attorney and have it drafted in accordance with your specific situation." said Stewart.
If someone dies without a will, the provincial government decides who gets what.
Lawyers say it's typically a spouse and/or children who would inherit the assets, even if that's not what was wanted.
