Updating or Changing Your Will in Alberta: A Clear Guide
Your will is one of the most important legal documents you’ll ever prepare—but it’s not a document you should create once and forget about. Life circumstances change frequently, and your will should clearly reflect those changes. At Mobile Wills Calgary we help you keep your will up to date professionally, easily, and conveniently.
Here’s exactly when, why, and how you should update or change your will in Alberta.
When Should You Update Your Will in Alberta?
Life is full of changes, and your estate planning documents should clearly reflect those important transitions. You should strongly consider updating your will after any of these life events:
1. Changes in Your Family Situation
Marriage or entering a common-law relationship.
Divorce, separation, or remarriage.
Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild.
Death or incapacity of a named beneficiary, executor, or guardian.
2. Significant Changes to Your Financial Situation
Acquisition or sale of real estate or substantial assets.
Significant increase or decrease in your net worth.
Changes to business ownership or partnerships.
3. Moving to or from Alberta
If you relocate to Alberta, ensure your will is compliant with local laws.
If you move away from Alberta, your will may need adjustments to comply with your new jurisdiction.
4. Changes in Relationships or Wishes
Falling out with previously trusted executors, beneficiaries, or guardians.
Changing your mind about how your estate should be distributed.
At Mobile Wills Calgary, we clearly recommend reviewing your will at least every three to five years, or sooner after any major life changes, to ensure your estate plan remains accurate and enforceable.
How Can You Legally Update or Change Your Will in Alberta?
In Alberta, you have two main options for updating your will:
1. Drafting a Codicil
A codicil is a separate legal document clearly used to make minor amendments to your existing will, such as:
Changing an executor.
Updating specific asset distribution.
Naming a new guardian for minor children.
Codicils must meet the same legal requirements as wills (written, signed, and witnessed properly). At Mobile Wills Calgary, we provide clear, professional guidance to create valid codicils when minor updates are sufficient.
2. Creating a New Will (Recommended for Major Changes)
If your changes are significant, drafting an entirely new will is clearly the simplest and safest approach. Your new will explicitly revokes previous wills and codicils, clearly providing a fresh start with updated instructions.
Mobile Wills Calgary can help you draft a completely new, professionally prepared simple will quickly and affordably, fully reflecting your current wishes.
While you might feel tempted to make handwritten changes directly onto your existing will, this practice is highly discouraged in Alberta. Handwritten changes—even if initialed—are typically invalid, potentially causing your entire will to become ambiguous or even invalid.
Professionally prepared codicils or new wills from licensed estate lawyers clearly avoid:
Legal invalidity.
Expensive court challenges.
Family disputes and confusion.
Mobile Wills Calgary clearly and affordably helps you update your will correctly, ensuring complete validity and peace of mind.
Updating Your Will Clearly Protects Your Loved Ones
Regular updates ensure your estate is clearly distributed exactly as you intend, significantly reducing confusion and family disputes. Clear updates:
- Ensure your minor children have the guardians you specifically choose.
- Guarantee assets go precisely where you want, clearly reflecting current relationships.
- Avoid unintended outcomes from outdated instructions.
Practical Tips When Updating Your Will
When updating your will, clearly consider these practical steps:
Review beneficiaries of registered accounts (RRSP, TFSA, insurance policies).
Update your inventory of assets and liabilities.
Communicate clearly with newly appointed executors or guardians about their responsibilities.
Properly store updated wills and codicils safely and clearly inform executors where these documents are located.
Mobile Wills Calgary helps you navigate every step clearly, simply, and professionally.
We understand updating your will can feel overwhelming—but Mobile Wills Calgary clearly makes it simple:
Convenience at Your Location (Always Included):
We come to you—home, office, or preferred location—with evening and weekend appointments clearly included in our flat-rate fees.Transparent, Affordable Pricing:
No hidden charges, clearly stated pricing from the start.Professional Drafting & Guidance:
Expert lawyer drafting and consultation clearly ensure legal validity and effectiveness.
Is Updating Your Will Expensive or Difficult? (Quick Answer: No!)
Mobile Wills Calgary provides affordable, simple, and professional will updating services clearly designed to be convenient and stress-free. Compared to potential probate problems, disputes, or unintended distributions caused by an outdated will, professionally updating your will is a clear and worthwhile investment.
Why Trust Mobile Wills Calgary for Updating Your Will?
- Clear & Transparent Flat-Rate Fees:
No hidden charges or hourly rates—straightforward, reliable pricing upfront. - Complete Mobile Convenience (Fully Included):
No additional fees—we clearly visit you at home or office. - Professional Expertise & Peace of Mind:
Expert legal drafting clearly tailored specifically to your needs and compliant with Alberta law.
