Draw up a will

Everyone should take the time to make a will. When there is no will, the deceased's assets are summarily divided among family members in accordance with the law.

Dying without a will: what happens?

If you leave this world without a will:

• your common-law spouse is excluded from the estate
• your assets are divided according to the Civil Code of Québec
• your heirs are determined according to this law
• a large portion of your assets could end up going to the taxman

For example, if you and your common-law spouse own a house together and one of you dies, the surviving spouse retains ownership of one-half of the house and the other half goes to the deceased's heirs as prescribed by the law. Is this what you really want?

It is best if you decide for yourself which assets will be left to your spouse, your children and other people.

Keep the following in mind when you get ready to draw up your will.

Three types of wills	Which of the 3 types of wills legally-recognized is best suited to your needs and circumstances?
What to include in your will	Things to consider when you draw up your will, so no detail is left out.
A second will if you have assets in the United States	Do you own a condo in Florida? You'll need a second will.
Choosing a liquidator	The liquidator's role and steps to take to ensure you choose the right person.

Before you decide to whom and how to leave your possessions, take a Personal Inventory of Assets and Important Documents (home, cottage, savings bonds, etc.) and debts (PDF, 78 KB).