B.C. Notaries support the government’s proclamation declaring April 10 to 16 as Make-a-Will Week to encourage residents who don’t have a will to create one to ensure their final wishes are clear and carried out after their death.
According to B.C. Notaries, wills help protect family members, especially dependent children by appointing someone to care for your under-age children if you die.
“This is particularly important for single parents or blended families where the law may not align with your wishes,” said Tammy Morin Nakashima, president of B.C. Notaries.
“If you don’t designate custody, the decision may be made by a stranger through the court system.”
The society also says legal will also ensures that those you love and care about receive the benefit of your estate, if those are your wishes. Additionally, the right advance care planning documents will make certain your wishes are clear to your family or healthcare providers when you can’t speak for yourself.
“Creating a will or advance care planning documents takes less time than most people think and can usually be completed in one, two or three short meetings,” said notary Derek Smoluk.
“A good way to start the process is to identify a legal professional, such as a notary public in your community.”
A survey conducted province-wide in 2014 by Mustel Group for The Society of Notaries Public of B.C. found that only 55 per cent of British Columbian adults have a current and legal will, and people under 54 are the least likely to have one.
“It is worrisome that less than half of adults under the age of 55 have a legal will,” said notary Akash Sablok.
“Anyone who owns property or has dependent children should have a Will in place to make sure their wishes are followed in the event they die.”
To find a notary near you, visit www.notaries.bc.ca.