Making a will in Alberta: the essentials

What happens without a will

When a person dies intestate in Alberta, the Wills and Succession Act determines who inherits, in fixed shares. The court also appoints the administrator. Blended families and common-law relationships are where the statutory result most often diverges sharply from what the deceased intended.

The core decisions

A will records a small number of significant choices:

• Who your personal representative (executor) will be
• Who receives your estate, and in what proportions
• Guardianship wishes for minor children
• Any trusts for beneficiaries who should not receive funds outright

The companion documents

An estate plan typically includes an enduring power of attorney, which addresses financial decisions if you lose capacity, and a personal directive, which addresses personal and health decisions. A will governs only what happens after death; these documents cover the period before it.

Keeping it current

Marriage, separation, a new child, a death among named beneficiaries, or a significant change in assets are all reasons to review a will. An out-of-date will can be worse than none at all.