Will and Estate

to make life easier for your loved ones

Will and Estate

A will, so that your last wishes are respected

Many people postpone writing or amending a will. However, this document is essential to make your last wishes heard following your death. Although a will is not mandatory, it could avoid unnecessary conflicts between your heirs. In fact, if there is no will, it is the law that will identify your heirs and the amount to which they are entitled.

A will also makes it possible to appoint a liquidator, formerly known as an executor. This person will be responsible for the estate and distribution of your assets. You must therefore choose someone you trust, because the liquidation of an estate is a delicate and complex task. If you have not made a will, your legal heirs will have the responsibility of appointing a liquidator. No matter how many assets you have and their value, a will can make it possible to distribute them without creating conflicts among your loved ones.

Funeral pre-arrangements, a complement to the will

You may make your funeral pre-arrangements even before writing your will. This document will enable your loved ones to know what your last wishes are and will prove to be an essential aid to free them from a significant emotional and financial burden. As death is an inevitable reality, we strongly recommend that you ask yourself what type of funeral you would like to have, before an unfortunate event (illness, loss of capacity or death) occurs.

Being well informed will make it easier for you to determine the type of services and budget you want for your funeral. Remember that careful planning will enable your loved ones to grieve with full peace of mind, while ensuring that your last wishes are respected. The day of the funeral is an opportunity for your family and friends to keep your whole life in their memory, for years to come. More information about funeral pre-arrangements may be found in the following section of our website.

The notary, a trusted person for settling your estate

Even if you have appointed a liquidator to settle your estate, it may be appropriate to work with a notary, as a notary can guide the liquidator through the steps to be taken, in order to make it easier for the liquidator to understand the technical terms. A notary can also save the heirs from having to pay the estate's debts. And lastly, the expertise of a notary will enable the liquidator to benefit from this professional's wise advice, while providing the liquidator with some peace of mind.

Wills and estates can often raise many questions. For more information, don't hesitate to discuss these with your advisor, who could direct you to the appropriate resource. The following websites also provide valuable information:

Chambre des notaires du Québec Toll-free: 1-800-263-1793
Éducaloi