Ontario Bar Association hosting free info session on wills

NEWS RELEASE
ONTARIO BAR ASSOCIATION
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November is Make a Will Month, and the Ontario Bar Association (OBA) is once again spearheading a campaign to educate the public about the need for a will and how lawyers can help people draft one properly.

Throughout the month, volunteers from the OBA will be leading free information sessions for the public in communities across Ontario, including a virtual session in partnership with six Simcoe County libraries on Thursday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.

“Make a Will Month is a perfect example of the great work being done by our members right across the province,” says OBA president Karen Perron. “It’s a service that not only shows the involvement so many of our volunteer lawyers have in their communities, but also showcases the expertise of the OBA and its members, and how valuable this knowledge is for the public.”

Drafting mistakes in wills can lead to ambiguities, problems and costly litigation, even in families where everyone gets along. Digital assets, retirement savings, marital status, and online accounts are just a few things that must be considered. Documents should also be reviewed on a regular basis to ensure wills are up to date.

“DIY is becoming increasingly common in many areas of life, but it is important to consult a will and estate lawyer to have your will prepared,” says Georgia Swan, of TD Wealth in Barrie, who will be leading the virtual session. “An improperly prepared will may result in your instructions not being carried out when it comes to the division of your assets, may make things more difficult for the people who will be handling your estate, and may result in disputes among your loved ones. Consider your properly prepared will your final act of love for those you are leaving behind.”

“Wills have changed over the years, but the importance of having one hasn’t,” says Darren Lund, chair of the OBA’s trusts and estates law section. “These days, there are more and more factors that people must think about when making a will or updating it. Since wills help provide for loved ones, they need to be drafted in a way that truly reflects a person’s wishes. Lawyers can give people the peace of mind that comes with knowing it has been done right.”

For more information about wills, and to register for this session, visit www.oba.org/makeawill.

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