Wills

A Will is a legal document that explains how you want your property to be distributed after your death.

The resources on this page were hand-picked by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta's staff as a good place to start.

Legislation

Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta resources:

All CPLEA publications: www.cplea.ca/publications

For a further resources on this topic and related documents, see the legal topic: Wills and estates


CPLEA Suggested Resources

Not sure where to begin finding answers to your questions. Get started with our suggested resources. See additional resources below for more information.

This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta explains what is involved in being a Personal Representative. It is divided into two sections:  a question and answer section that looks at issues to consider before you accept the job as well as common questions and examples; and a checklist section that helps guide you when the testator—the person who made the Will—dies. This booklet gives general information only, not legal advice. It is not a do-it-yourself guide. This 20 page PDF is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

You need a lawyer to create an international will, which must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian and Trustee (OPGT).

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

This booklet produced by the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta is for people who are wondering if they should write a Will. It explains what is involved in making a Will. The purpose of writing a Will is to pass on your belongings to your loved ones according to your wishes and with as few problems as possible. If you die without a Will, it’s often more costly, complicated, and time-consuming to settle your estate, and this booklet describes some common examples. This 24 page PDF is available for free download.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

Alberta Resources

This website of the Centre for Public Legal Education Alberta (CPLEA) focuses on how Canadian law protects and affects older adults. Topic areas covered include elder abuse, planning for the future, personal and family relationships, and various other issues (e.g. consumer, travel).

Related legal topic(s): Consumer protection and fraud, Elder abuse, Family law general resources, Guardianship and trusteeship, Wills and estates

The Calgary Chinese Community Service Association is an ethnocultural community service agency. CCSA offers four core programs: Children and Youth, Integration and Civic Engagement (ICE), Health Program, and Legal Program. Their Law and Advocacy Program is funded by the Alberta Law Foundation and provides a range of services including: basic legal information and referrals, Commissioner for Oaths and Notary, a free legal outreach clinic.  and free Wills & Estates Document Drafting Services (CCCSA provides free drafting services for Personal Directives, Enduring Powers of Attorney, and Wills for low-income seniors (ages 65+). Asset screening will be conducted for eligibility. and will and estate documents drafting services.)

Related legal topic(s): Advocacy, Citizenship and nationality, Legal services, Multiculturalism, Wills and estates

This resource discusses what happens to your estate if you die without a will. A will is a document that says how you wish property to be divided after your death. In Alberta, if you die without a will or if you leave property that is not disposed of by will, the Wills and Succession Act determines what will happen to your property.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

This guide from Servus Credit Union provides key information for nine stages in estate administration: death, locate will, funeral, family conference, inventory assets and liabilities, probate, manage estate, tax returns and final distribution. Also provided are contact numbers for related services, a form for making an estate information record, an outline of the role of a trustee, and a glossary of terms. (PDF - 40 pages)

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

Leaving a legacy is no simple matter. Planning ahead is the best way to ensure that you maximize the benefit to your families and loved ones even after you’ve kicked the bucket. A series of articles that provide information on wills and estates planning.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

This is a series of publications developed with funding from Employment and Social Development Canada. The multimedia resource package is focused on increasing the knowledge and awareness of how intermediaries can use the law to prevent and reduce elder abuse. (Resources are available in English and French)

Related legal topic(s): Elder abuse, Wills and estates

This onine resource prepared by Calgary Legal Guidance discusses the requirements for making a will valid in Alberta.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

Planning Your Own Funeral - Booklet

This booklet provides important information about legal issues related to pre-arranging your own funeral and it can help you make some of the arrangements that will help your family and friends in the time following your death.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

These pages on the Alberta Justice website provide information and answers to common questions for Albertans on administering estates for deceased people, family property division on death, and planning ahead for your will.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

“Have You Heard the One About The Canadian Who Died Without a Will?”

A lighthearted twist on a serious topic, here are five excuses, together with rebuttal, for you to share with colleagues and clients or consider in your own situation. This article first appeared in the Centre for Public Legal Education's LawNow Magazine Vol 42-1: Wills and Estates.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates

Canada/Federal

Having a Will and Making Funeral Plans - Information to help.

Related legal topic(s): Wills and estates