Life changes, and your estate plan should too. Whether it’s a codicil for your Will or a fresh Personal Directive or Enduring Power of Attorney, we’re here to help Edmonton residents (and other Albertans) protect their legacy.
Ready to Update Your Estate Plan?
Ready to make changes? Here’s a straightforward guide to updating your estate planning documents in Alberta:
- Review Your Current Documents: Pull out your existing Will, PD, and EPA. Read through them to identify what needs updating. If you’re unsure, an Edmonton estate planning lawyer can review them with you and spot potential issues.
- Identify Your Goals: Are you adding a new beneficiary? Changing an executor or agent? Clarifying healthcare wishes? Knowing your goals helps streamline the process.
- Consult a Lawyer: Alberta’s estate laws have specific requirements, especially for Wills, PDs, and EPAs. A lawyer can guide you on whether a codicil or new document is best and ensure everything is legally sound.
- Draft and Sign Properly: Whether it’s a codicil or a new document, it must be signed and witnessed according to Alberta law. For example, a Will or codicil typically needs two witnesses who aren’t beneficiaries and one of those witnesses needs to have an affidavit commissioned.
- Store Safely and Share: Once updated, store your documents securely (like in a safety deposit box or with your lawyer) and let your executor or agents know where to find them.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Updating estate planning documents can feel overwhelming, but avoiding these pitfalls can save time and stress:
- DIY Changes: Scribbling changes on your Will or PD won’t hold up in Alberta courts. Always follow proper legal processes.
- Forgetting Related Documents: If you update your Will, check if your PD or EPA needs tweaking too. Consistency across your estate plan is key.
- Not Consulting a Lawyer: Alberta’s laws are specific, and a small oversight could invalidate your changes. A lawyer ensures your documents are ironclad.
Why Work with an Edmonton Estate Planning Lawyer?
Updating your Will, PD, or EPA isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about peace of mind. At Chad Graham Law, we take the time to listen to your goals and tailor your estate plan to fit your life. Whether you’re considering a codicil for a small Will change or need to redo your PD or EPA, we’re here to make the process smooth and stress-free. As an Edmonton estate planning law firm, we know Alberta’s estate laws inside and out, ensuring your wishes are clear and legally binding.