No one should overlook the important act of making a will, no matter how much or how little one possesses. A will is the only instrument the courts will recognize after your death as expressing your wishes about the distribution of your property. It tells the world what persons, causes, and institutions you value.

It has been reported that as many as seven in ten Canadians do not have a will. This is unfortunate, because without a personal will, your wishes may be ignored completely. If you have no heirs, the provincial government will take all of your property into its general revenues.

The needs of the family come first in the planning of a will. And many people find that, after they have provided for those they care about, they have something left over to provide for the institutions and causes they support today.

There are many options to review in the disposition of your estate. Depending on the method you choose, there may even be an immediate tax benefit for you. In order to choose the option best for you, discuss your plans with your family and consult your lawyer or financial advisor.

Making a will is truly an opportunity to plan it your way. If you do not have a will, NOW is the time to prepare one. If your will is out of date, make arrangements to review it immediately.

If you have included Project Ploughshares in your will, or if you would like someone from Project Ploughshares to contact you to discuss these matters in more detail, please complete our form and return it to our office.