MAKING A WILL GBLegalClinic（做一个会GBLegalClinic）.pdfVIP

MAKING A WILL This guide will give you some information about Wills and help you do your own basic, simple Will. This is not to be construed as legal advice. WHAT IS A WILL? A Will is a document that you prepare which says what you want done with your property, possessions, belongings (called your estate) after you die. It also names the person who you want to carry out the terms of your Will (called your executor). A Will is important because it simplifies matters upon your death and makes sure that your property passes to those people that you want to get it. WHO CAN MAKE A WILL? Anyone over 18 years of age can make a Will. When you make a Will, the law says that you have to be of sound mind. Sound mind means that you do not have a mental impairment that stops you from knowing what you are doing. KINDS OF WILLS 1. Handwritten Will A handwritten Will is called a holograph W ill and is legal. It has to be totally handwritten in your own handwriting. Then you have to date it and sign it at the end. A pre-printed form that you fill in by hand is not a holograph Will and must signed with witnesses, as described in the next paragraph. 2. Typed Will A typed Will has to be dated and signed in front of two witnesses. The two witnesses must also sign the Will. All three (you and your two witnesses) must be together when signing. The two witnesses cannot be people who will get something from your estate when you die. A videotaped Will is not valid in Ontario. DO I NEED A LAWYER? There is no legal requirement that a lawyer needs to make your Will. You should, however, get legal advice in any of the following situations: (a) if you are about to be married (a Will made before the marriage may be cancelled by the marriage); (b) if you ar