The Importance of a Will

A Will is an essential part of planning for your family's future. I can assist to simplify the estate planning process as it relates to Wills, Living Wills and marital status changes. This involves a discussion of your personal situation and a thorough review of your potential estate. The result is a personalized Will, drafted in accordance with your wishes.

Dying Without a Will

If you die without a will, British Columbia's Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) will determine how your estate is divided:

• Survived by spouse, no children—estate passes to your spouse.
• Survived by more than one spouse—estate is divided equally among your spouses.
• Survived by spouse and children—the first $300,000 of the estate passes to your spouse if the children are also theirs. If not, your spouse receives the first $150,000 of your estate. Then, half of the balance of the remaining estate goes to your spouse and the remaining half is divided among your children.
• Survived by children, no spouse—estate is divided equally among your children.
• No spouse, no children—estate passes to your parents. If no parents are alive, your estate passes to your siblings. Other rules come into effect if you have no children, spouse, parents or siblings.

Chances are the Wills, Estates and Succession Act will leave your estate tangled in a legal mess. To safeguard your wishes, contact Robert J. Klassen Family Lawyer.

Another valuable part of the estate planning process is establishing power of attorney.