Will
A legal document stating how you want your estate distributed after death, and who should carry that out.
Last reviewed July 28, 2026
Reviewed for accuracy and clarity by Sandeep Singh before publication. Learn about our editorial process.
What it means
A will is a legal document that says how you want your property and assets distributed after you die, and names an executor to carry that out. Requirements for a valid will (witnesses, format, sometimes handwriting) vary by province.
Why it matters
Without one, provincial default rules — not your own wishes — decide who inherits what and who has authority to manage your estate, which can produce an outcome you never would have chosen.
Common misunderstandings
- A will doesn't control everything — assets with a named beneficiary (like life insurance or an RRSP) or held jointly generally pass outside the will entirely.
- A will only takes effect after death — it has no legal power while you're alive, which is what a power of attorney is for instead.
- Dying without a valid will ("intestate") doesn't mean the government keeps everything — it means a province's default distribution formula applies instead of your own choices.
Where you'll see it
In estate planning conversations, and as the foundational document any lawyer or notary starts with.
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