Why It Is Important to Have a Will in British Columbia

A will is a legal document that sets out how your property and assets will be distributed after your death. It allows you to appoint an executor or trustee who will be responsible for carrying out your wishes. In British Columbia, having a valid will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones, reduce uncertainty, and ensure your estate is handled according to your intentions.

What Happens If You Die Without a Will in BC

 If you die without a will, you are considered to have died intestate. In that case, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) determines how your estate is distributed, regardless of your personal wishes. This can result in:

  • Assets being distributed to people you may not have chosen;

  • Increased legal costs and administrative complexity; and

  • Potential hardship for common-law partners, blended families, or dependants.

Why Having a Will Is Important

1. Ensures Your Wishes Are Followed

A will allows you to decide who receives your assets, in what proportions, and at what time. Without a will, these decisions are made by legislation, not by you.

2. Allows You to Choose an Executor

Your executor is responsible for administering your estate. A will lets you choose someone you trust and who is capable of handling legal, financial, and administrative responsibilities. Without a will, a court appointed administrator would administer your estate.

3. Protects Your Family and Loved Ones

A will can provide financial security for your spouse, children, and other dependants. It can also address the needs of blended families, stepchildren, and beneficiaries with disabilities.

4. Enables Planning for Minor Children

If you have minor children, a will allows you to name a guardian.

5. Reduces Family Conflict

A clear and professionally drafted instructions in a will reduce confusion, misunderstandings, and disputes among family members.

6. Allows for Tax and Estate Planning

A properly drafted will can help minimize taxes, reduce probate costs, and allow for strategic estate planning, preserving more of your estate for your beneficiaries.

7. Speeds Up Estate Administration

Having a valid will generally makes it easier and faster to obtain probate, allowing assets to be distributed more efficiently.

 A will should be reviewed and updated after major life events, such as:

  • Marriage

  • Separation or Divorce

  • Birth or adoption of children

  • Significant changes in assets

  • Death of a beneficiary or executor

An outdated will can be almost as problematic as having no will at all.