Wills: What Happens if I Die Without One?

Dying without a Will is known as dying “Intestate”.

If you do not write a Will, your assets will be distributed to your next of kin in accordance with the intestacy rules in your province. This can cause several problems, like:

 Your spouse will not automatically receive your entire estate, especially if you have children. This is a common misconception.

 Young children or grandchildren, who become entitled to your estate, may be unable to manage the assets they receive.

 Stepchildren in blended families do not necessarily have the same standing as biological or adopted children.

 Common-law partners are not treated the same as married partners, depending on the jurisdiction.

 Common-law partners may not be entitled to assets if a divorce has not been finalized.

 Disabled dependents do not receive extra consideration

 An estate without financial assets will likely have assets that should be distributed at your discretion to avoid family turmoil (i.e. savings accounts, homes, furniture, vehicles, mementos, family heirlooms, etc.)