Life can be unpredictable, and sometimes circumstances arise that require immediate updates to your Will. Whether it is a sudden, significant life event, unexpected health issue, or a change in plans, handling Will updates, whether in an emergency situation or in the normal course, is key to having your final wishes acted upon.
At AzPerLegal Services, we understand the importance of making these updates accurately and efficiently. Our paralegal Will services not only help you navigate this process efficiently and with care, but also provide you with a sense of relief and peace of mind during these challenging times.
Why You Might Need an Urgent Will Update
There are a few reasons why you may need to update your Will.
Sudden Health Diagnosis or Medical Emergencies
A serious health diagnosis or medical emergency can create the need to update your Will to ensure you have named the correct Personal Representative and Trustee (formerly referred to as Executor) capable of handling your Estate in the event you pass away and to ensure your assets are distributed according to your wishes.
Major Life Events
Significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the loss of a beneficiary or Personal Representative and Trustee often require immediate updates to your Will to ensure your estate is handled efficiently and to protect your loved ones and assets.
Travel or Relocation Plans
If you are planning to travel extensively, updating your Will can give you peace of mind that your Estate is in order in the event, heaven forbid, something should happen to you.
Significant Changes in Assets or Finances
Sudden changes in your financial situation, such as receiving a large inheritance or winning the lottery, may necessitate amendments to your Will.
How Paralegal Will Services Can Help in Urgent Situations
At AzPerLegal Services, our paralegals are experienced in effecting amendments to your Will as well as preparing or amending other just as important estate documents, such as your Enduring Power of Attorney or Personal Directive, with the utmost care. Updating your Will, so long as you are not making wholesale changes to it, can be accomplished by means of a Codicil. A Codicil is simply a document that is attached to and forms part of your original Will. The Codicil sets out what changes you are making to your original Will.
Here is how we can help:
- Quick Consultations and Document Reviews: We offer quick consultations to assess your needs and review existing documents.
- Efficient Preparation and Updating: Our team can prepare your Codicil efficiently to reflect your immediate wishes.
- Legal Guidance on Requirements: We ensure your original Will and Codicil meet the legislative requirements under the Wills and Succession Act.
- Signing and Witness Coordination: We fulfill witness requirements by providing witnesses to ensure compliance with witness requirements under the Wills and Succession Act.
Steps to Take for an Amendment to your Will, whether Urgent or Otherwise
- Contact a Paralegal Immediately: Reach out to AzPerLegal Services for professional guidance.
- Gather Essential Information: Compile details about your assets, beneficiaries, and Personal Representative and Trustee.
- Communicate Your Updates: Sometimes, this can be difficult. AzPerLegal Services will go through your Will with you to ensure we have captured all of your requests for change.
- Sign and Witness Correctly: AzPerLegal Services ensures all witness requirements under the Wills and Succession Act are met.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many individuals avoid creating a Will until they need one. Everyone should have a Will, as life can be unpredictable. Creating a Will ensures your assets are handled in the manner you wish, thereby making it easier for your loved ones and beneficiaries.
If you pass away without a Will or if you pass away with an outdated Will, your loved ones will not, or may not (depending on the circumstances of your outdated Will), have access to your Estate until someone, firstly, steps up to apply to be appointed the Personal Representative of your Estate and secondly, has successfully obtained what is called a Grant of Administration from the Surrogate Court. This can often take 4 to 6 weeks, depending upon Court backlog. During this period, your loved ones have no access to your accounts as they are frozen upon your passing. Furthermore, the bank is unable to communicate with anyone about your Estate until a Grant of Administration is obtained.
DIY will kits and templates are generic and often do not provide the required information to ensure Wills are in compliance with the legislative requirements of Alberta. They often cause significant problems for the Personal Representative and Trustee when it comes time to probate your Estate. This leaves your Estate at risk in terms of ensuring the process of probate runs smoothly, quickly, and without issue.
Ensuring all aspects of your Estate are included in your Will, such as digital assets, corporate assets, your pets, and dependent adult provisions, is key. Keeping your loved ones, beneficiaries, and Personal Representatives and Trustees informed about changes to your Will is also helpful.
How AzPerLegal Services Streamlines the Process
At AzPerLegal, we understand that handling amendments to your Will can be time sensitive, so we prioritize urgent cases to meet tight deadlines. We provide remote consultations to ensure you obtain efficient and quick assistance. Our transparent pricing structure ensures there are no hidden fees, so you are not surprised by the cost of our services.
Beyond Will Updates: Consider a Comprehensive Estate Plan
Wills and Codicils are not enough. Discussing options such as Enduring Powers of Attorney and Personal Directives is essential protection for you should you experience a major medical event prior to your passing.
Conclusion
Handling urgent Will updates should never be stressful. With AzPerLegal Services, you have a reliable and professional partner ready to help you secure your Estate quickly and legally. Take control of your future today and ensure your wishes are carried out as you intend.
Need to update your Will urgently?
Contact AzPerLegal Services now for fast, professional assistance with your Estate planning needs.
Blog posts from AzPerLegal Services Inc. are for general information only. The content should not be considered legal advice. If you are in need of professional legal advice, please reach out to our Paralegal Services team.
