The BC Government has proclaimed March 31 to April 6, 2014 to be Make a Will Week.
Make a Will Week 2014 coincides with the new Wills, Estate and Succession Act (WESA) which comes into force on March 31, 2014.
Some of the highlights of the new WESA are:
- clarifies the process of inheritance when a person dies without leaving a will;
- makes the process easier for a person to transfer the title of their spousal home when their spouse dies;
- clearly outlines the sequence in which to look for heirs to a person’s estate;
- provides the courts with more latitude to ensure a deceased person’s last wishes will be respected;
- clarifies obligations relating to property inheritance in the context of Nisga’a and Treaty First Nation lands; and
- lowers the minimum age at which a person can make a will from 19 to 16 years old.
- new probate rules also come into effect with the act.
Source: Ministry of Justice
With the introduction of the new Wills and Succession Act, it is a good time to review your current will and bring it up to date.
If you do not have a will you should consider having one drawn up. Having a will is the best way to ensure that your wishes regarding your estate is distributed the way you want.
Contact us if you have any questions about your will.
