Everyone should have a will to facilitate the distribution of their possessions and assets upon death. A will is also important for the following reasons:

• Appointing a guardian for any of your children under the age of 19
• Appointing a representative to look after your affairs, which is called the executor
• Designating a certain age for your beneficiaries to receive their inheritance
• Avoiding the provincial laws if you die without a will such as the government appointing a public guardian and trustee for your children
• Reducing the cost of administering your estate
• Business succession planning

Here is a list of major changes as per the WESA for a person who dies without a will:

• The spouse is entitled to $300,000 if all the children are shared with the deceased (previous spousal share was $65,000). The spouse only gets $150,000 if the deceased’s children are from another relationship
• The spouse receives 50% of the balance of the estate not including the matrimonial home (previous spousal share was split equally with the children)
• The children will get the remainder of the estate to split equally (the previous share split equally with a spouse)
• The spouse does not get a life interest in the home (previously the spouse did have a life interest in the home). The spouse will have a right to purchase the matrimonial home or elect to have it considered to be part of the estate
• Different distribution rules for those who do not have a spouse or child. The new rules will be based on closeness to a parent rather than just blood relations
• New probate rules and forms are required to be sent to all beneficiaries and heirs

A will should be reviewed when there is a major change in your life such as a birth, death, marriage or marital breakdown in your family. You may also want to change the will if you have a substantial change in assets/liabilities or if there is a change in tax laws.