Why Every Parent in Canada Should Take Wills Seriously
If you’re a parent, creating a will might feel like something you can “get to later.” But as Erin Bury recently explained in The Globe and Mail, estate planning isn’t just legal paperwork — it’s a way to protect the people you love most and make life easier for them if the unexpected happens.
At its core, a will is a legal document that sets out what happens to your property, debts, and responsibilities after you die. But for parents, it serves an even deeper purpose: it’s the tool by which you can appoint guardians for your children and ensure their future care is aligned with your wishes.
Many Canadian parents still don’t have a will — often because they think it’s costly, complicated, or something that only applies later in life. But Bury’s column highlights that a will doesn’t require a lawyer, and it doesn’t have to be expensive — it simply needs to accurately reflect your intentions.
Here’s why this matters:
1. You Decide Who Will Care for Your Children
Without a will, decisions about guardianship can fall to the courts. A clear, legally valid will gives you the chance to choose who you trust most to raise your children if both parents are gone.
2. You Choose Who Manages Your Estate
Your will lets you appoint an executor — someone who will handle your estate efficiently and in keeping with your directions, helping to reduce stress, confusion, and legal costs for your family.
3. You Can Protect What You’ve Built
Even modest estates benefit from a will. It helps ensure that assets pass to the people you intend, and that your family isn’t left navigating provincial rules or delays during a difficult time.
4. Wills Can Be Created in Different Ways
A will doesn’t have to be intimidating or pricey. There are simple legal options — including online platforms — to create valid wills that meet your needs. Still, complex family situations or unique assets may benefit from tailored legal advice.
A will isn’t just a document — it’s peace of mind. For parents, it’s about ensuring that your children are cared for as you would choose, that your wishes are respected, and that the people you love most are spared unnecessary uncertainty when they’re already grieving.
