A will is a legally binding document that outlines the instructions you want to leave behind after you die. This includes how you want to distribute your property and assets and who you want to care for any minor children or pets you may have. It’s an incredibly important document, and all adults should have an up-to-date will for the following reasons:
- Provides peace of mind. It’s important to know that the loved ones you leave behind will be cared for, and that the personal treasures you’ve accumulated throughout your life will go the people you’ve chosen. As a legally binding document, reference is made to your will to help understand what your personal wishes were.
- Ensures clarity. Without a legal will, there is no way to communicate your wishes or to ensure that someone you trust will be taking care of your affairs. A will allows you to appoint an executor who will manage your estate after you’ve passed away.
- Allows you to choose who will care for minors. A will enables you to name someone you trust as guardian who you wish to care for any minor children
- Allows you to specify funeral instructions. Some people aren’t concerned about their final send-off, but others have specific preferences, such as burial versus cremation. A will allows you to clarify yours.
- Saves time and money. It’s easier, quicker and less expensive for your family when they don’t have to go through lawyers to determine where your possessions and assets should go.
- Allows you to make sure your pets are cared for. It’s something that is sometimes overlooked, but pet owners can include their furry friends in their will, including naming who they would like to look after them and allotting money for their care.
- Ensures only those you choose will benefit from your estate. If you die without a will, it’s possible that someone who you would not choose to leave money to, like an ex-spouse or estranged relative, could inherit some or all of your estate. With a will, you can help protect against that by naming beneficiaries for all of your assets and you can be very specific about dollar values or individual items.
- Enables you to leave money to charity. If there are charitable organizations that are important to you, a will may allow you to support those organizations and leave a lasting legacy by naming them in your list of beneficiaries.
- Helps avoid chaos. A death is difficult on those left behind. Leaving a clear, concise will that explains exactly how you want things done helps to make a difficult time a little easier for those who are grieving your loss.
- Enables you to leave instructions for digital assets. Many people have online accounts such as Facebook or email, as well as digital files (photos and videos) that belong to them.
Foresters members can access LawAssure, a convenient and easy-to-use member benefit that can help you get your affairs in order and protect your family’s future. With LawAssure, members can create a will. It’s convenient and tailored to the local jurisdiction of the member.
And it has expanded to include Quebec!
Both English- and French-speaking members from la belle province can now use LawAssure to create a will from the comfort of home in whichever language they prefer.
Foresters members can visit MyForesters.com for more information and to start using LawAssure today. The information above is general in nature and subject to the specific laws of the applicable jurisdiction. You may wish to consult with a licensed attorney for that jurisdiction in the event you have questions about your situation.
Footnote
Description of member benefits that you may receive assumes you are a Foresters member. Foresters Financial member benefits are non-contractual, subject to benefit specific eligibility requirements, definitions and limitations and may be changed or cancelled without notice or are no longer available.LawAssure is provided by Epoq, Inc. Epoq is an independent service provider and is not affiliated with Foresters. Some features may not be available based on your jurisdiction. LawAssure not available in the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. LawAssure is not a legal service or legal advice and is not a substitute for legal advice or services of a lawyer.
Foresters Financial, its employees and life insurance representatives, do not provide, on Foresters behalf, legal, estate or tax advice.
Foresters Financial, Foresters, Foresters Care, Foresters Moments, Foresters Renew and Helping Is Who We Are are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries. For more information, please visit MyForesters.com or foresters.com. To contact us, please call 800 828 1540 (toll-free) or email service@foresters.com.
421707 CAN (09/23)
