There are a few main items that are the most important things to think about before people start drafting their will.
Former Wallaceburg resident Brittany Fish, B.A., J.D., who will be home for the entire month of July providing mobile wills and power of attorney services, has some tips for people to help them prepare.
“The first thing is your executors,” Fish said. “You want to think of somebody that would be able to take care of your estate and all of your assets when you have passed away. So, you are looking at kids, siblings, parents, depending on your age.”
Fish added: “I try to draft wills so that if you do have young kids, you can include them in your will now so you don’t have to change them. When you’re looking at an executor, you can put your children down so long as they reach a certain age.”
Fish said the other big thing if you have kids, you want to think about your guardian.
“I always say to mention more than one person,” she said. “Circumstances change, people may move away or they are not in the position to care for your children. It’s always good to think of at least two caregivers.”
She added: “It’s always nice to write an extra note with your wishes…education, upbringing, religion. You can always attach a note to your will to leave for the guardian.The appointment of the guardian in your will is actually only for 90 days. So before that 90 days is up that guardian actually has to bring that document to court and apply for the custody.”
If anyone wants to change something or add something to their will, give Fish a call.
“This happens frequently and can be done simply by adding a page to it,” she said. “A lot of people will update it once their kids are over age of majority.”
Fish said there are always to ensure people are excluded from your will as well.
“There are specific clauses for people you may not want in your will,” she said. “If there are family members you no longer talk to, and you are worried about them bringing your estate to court when you pass away, you can put in a specific clause to leave individuals out.”
Fish added: “To prepare for a consult, it’s good to have any RSPs ready, life insurance policies, bank account information, information on your property, whether it is joint or not. The reason for that is so I can go over it and discuss your options of making your will and inform you whether or not things will be probated.”
For more information regarding wills and powers of attorney documents, including prices, contact, Brittany Fish:
– Tel: (613)-406-5701
– bfish@bflegalservices.com
This article is sponsored content and is a part of our Keep It Local Business Spotlight feature. Contact Dana Haggith for more information – 519-784-4610 or dana@sydenhamcurrent.ca.
