I’ve Been Putting off Making My Will. Where Should I Start?

December 20, 2021 | Published by

Is there a place I can do this online? What will it cost? Do I have to hire a notary to make sure my will is legal? All of these questions around preparing a will are valid. If you don’t know where to start, we’re here to help at Morris Notary in downtown Vancouver.

What Is a Will?

First things first. Your will is a legal document that outlines your wishes in the event of your death. In your will, you can make a plan to distribute your assets, outline any funeral or burial wishes you have, and name an executor who will take charge of wrapping up your estate.

These are the general requirements:

  • The will must be in writing
  • The will must be signed at the end
  • The will must be properly witnessed

In short, you do not need any outside assistance to make your will legal in BC. However, a competent and professional notary will be able to guarantee that your will meets all legal requirements and will not cause any grief to those taking care of your assets after your passing.

If you choose to write your will with a notary, they can also bring up any secondary issues that may not be top of mind. For example, you may want to consider what would happen to your children’s RESP upon your death, or how to include a business you own in your will. A notary will be able to ensure you have a comprehensive document put together with accurate conditions that avoid common legal pitfalls.

How Much Does It Cost to Prepare My Will with a Notary?

Though there are DIY kits and online tools, you may be surprised at how inexpensive it is to make your will with a notary, not to mention the costs you’ll save in case of any legal mistakes. A simple will starts at $550 + tax, which includes registering the will with Vital Statistics, and the price varies depending on the complexity of your situation. If you have a lot of assets, run a business, or have more than one child, you’ll likely want to invest in making these careful decisions about what happens when you pass away. 

As an added note, if you’re looking to save time in addition to money, we’ve got you covered. Our mobile legal services ensure that your needs are met with as little hassle as possible.

What Information Do I Need to Have on Hand to Draft My Will with a Notary?

Here is a short runthrough of some things to have on hand for your initial appointment:

  • Full legal names of children, parents, and siblings
  • A list of assets including property
  • Copies of a previous will or power of attorney
  • List of beneficiaries
  • Charitable information if you are planning to donate

Ready to get started? When you work with Morris Notary to prepare your will, we can ensure that your heirs receive everything you had in mind. Let us take care of your will by booking your appointment today.

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