The new year is a time to make resolutions about what you want to accomplish in the year ahead and making a will – or revising a will – should be at the top of your list.

There is no better time to plan how you want to provide for your family, as well as the charities and organizations you care about.

Making a will puts you in charge of how your children are provided for, who will inherit prized family possessions and who will curate (or close down) your social media accounts.

If you die without a will, your estate will be divided according to legislation and may not be distributed in the way you would have wished. Decisions will be made by someone appointed by the court, rather than someone you choose and who knows you. Your voice will be missing at a time when it is needed.

So start 2017 off on the right foot: Make a will to share your social media account information with someone you trust. This can be a spouse, relative or friend, a notary or a lawyer – whomever you’d trust with the passwords to your social media accounts. And be sure to decide what you want to happen to these accounts in the event you are no longer able to access them.

Quote:

Suzanne Anton, Attorney General and Minister of Justice –

“The start of the new year is a great time to think about making a will because a will is really a gift to your loved ones. It’s your last chance to state your wishes for your children, your business and your possessions. If you’re a single parent or part of a blended family, a will is particularly important as it provides clarity about your wishes for custody for your children. While none of us likes to dwell on death, especially at the start of a new year, a will ensures your wishes are carried out for the benefit of your family and the organizations or charities you support.”

Learn More: http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/life-events/death-and-bereavement/wills-estates