What Happens If You Die Without a Will in Alberta? | Intestacy Rules Explained

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What happens to your home, savings, and family if you die without a Will in Alberta?


In this video I walk through the intestacy rules under the Wills and Succession Act — who inherits, how the preferential share works for blended families, and why the government’s default plan almost never matches what families actually want. In this video, you’ll learn:

  • How Alberta’s intestacy rules distribute your estate
  • What your spouse or adult interdependent partner actually receives
  • The $150,000 preferential share and how it works in blended families
  • What happens when there is no spouse or children
  • Why the court — not your family — chooses the administrator
  • How minor children’s guardianship is handled without a Will

    This video is part of our Estate Planning in Alberta series — watch the full playlist here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjNl8kOBTg75fokLX7LtotyTVPails4Tc

Understanding Enduring Power of Attorney in Alberta: Your Path to Peace of Mind

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An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a crucial legal document that allows you to appoint someone you trust to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. This document remains effective even if you lose mental capacity, ensuring your financial matters are handled according to your wishes.

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What Does My Probate Lawyer Do?

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Being named an executor in the deceased’s will can feel overwhelming. What do you need to know? What needs to be done? What should you do first? Where can you turn for help? 

Even as a law school graduate, I quickly discovered that working through the administration of the estate of a loved one for the first time was challenging. A Probate lawyer brings knowledge and experience to help you navigate through the process from beginning to end. 

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How To Activate An Alberta Power Of Attorney: A Guide

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How do you activate a parent’s Power of Attorney? As an Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer, I often help clients:

  • Plan their affairs for times of incapacity and eventual death, often years in advance.
  • Administer these plans when a loved one passes away.

A common question arises about the period between these stages. This can be challenging for both the person in decline and their supporting family members.

If you’ve discussed Power of Attorney with me or another estate planning lawyer, you might recall the “triggering” mechanisms. While there are different forms, they generally have similar provisions.

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