One of the most common questions we hear is, do I really need a will?

The short answer: yes. Almost everyone benefits from having a will, but it’s especially important if you have children. A will gives you peace of mind knowing your family is cared for, both financially and emotionally, if the unexpected happens.

Here are the top 5 reasons to create a will:

1. Control Over Your Children’s Inheritance

Without a will, children automatically inherit their share of your estate when they turn 19. Most parents feel that’s too young for a significant sum. With a will, you can set an age of inheritance (for example, 25) and have funds held in trust. The trustee can still release money for education, healthcare, and other needs along the way.

2. Naming a Guardian for Your Children

A will lets you decide who will raise your children if you pass away while they are minors. Without it, you lose control over this important decision, and the courts may appoint someone you wouldn’t have chosen.

3. Choosing a Trustee

If your beneficiaries are minors or won’t inherit immediately, you’ll need a trustee to manage their funds. A trustee makes decisions about education, healthcare, and general well-being, so you want to appoint someone who understands your wishes.

4. Appointing an Executor

Your executor is responsible for carrying out your wishes, everything from paying debts to distributing your assets. Naming a trusted executor in your will ensures your estate is administered smoothly and according to your instructions.

5. Deciding Who Your Beneficiaries Are

Without a will, BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) decides who inherits your estate. Creating a will gives you control to decide who receives your assets, in what proportions, and whether to include specific gifts to children, relatives, or even charities.

A will ensures your loved ones are cared for and your wishes are respected. Don’t leave it to chance, create or update your will today.

Our Estates Lawyers at Sitka Law Group is here to help you work through this process. Contact us today to book a consultation. We’re conveniently located on Shelbourne Street, near the intersection of Victoria, Oak Bay, and Saanich.

This article is current as of October 25, 2025, and it is intended for general information purposes only. It is not intended to provide legal advice and should not be considered legal advice. Readers with concerns about how this affects particular situations or transactions should obtain the independent review and advice of legal counsel.