Wills & Estates Series

Why a Professionally Drafted Will Matters

April 13, 2026 | Vernon, Armstrong & Lake Country, BC

Most people in the North Okanagan know they should have a will. Yet between busy family life in Vernon, farm and business commitments around Armstrong, and everything else that fills the calendar in Lake Country, it is one of those tasks that quietly slips down the list. Others take a different shortcut: a do-it-yourself will kit from a store shelf, or a template downloaded from the internet.

The trouble is that a will is not just a form; it is a legal document that must work perfectly at the very moment you are no longer here to explain what you meant. A professionally drafted will is one of the most practical gifts you can leave your family: clear instructions, fewer disputes, and a smoother path through an already difficult time.

What a Will Actually Does

A will is your written direction for what happens after your death. In British Columbia, wills and estates are governed by provincial legislation, including the Wills, Estates and Succession Act. A properly prepared will typically:

Names your executor: the person responsible for gathering your assets, paying debts, and distributing your estate
Directs who inherits your property, savings, and personal belongings
Appoints a guardian for minor children, one of the most important decisions a parent can record
Sets out trusts or conditions where appropriate, such as holding funds for children until a certain age
Reduces uncertainty for your loved ones by putting your wishes in a legally recognized form

Without a valid will, provincial legislation decides who administers your estate and who inherits, and the result may look very different from what you would have chosen.

The Risks of DIY Wills and Will Kits

Will kits and online templates promise simplicity, but they carry hidden risks precisely because no one reviews the result. Common problems include:

Improper signing and witnessing. BC law has specific requirements for how a will must be executed. A will that is not properly witnessed can be challenged or may require a court application to validate.
Ambiguous wording. Phrases that seem clear to you may have more than one legal meaning. Ambiguity is a leading cause of estate disputes between family members.
Assets that do not pass under the will. Jointly owned property and accounts with designated beneficiaries may fall outside your will entirely. A template cannot tell you how your specific assets actually flow.
Missing scenarios. What happens if a beneficiary dies before you? If your executor cannot act? Good wills plan for the "what ifs"; templates often do not.
Family circumstances the kit never asks about. Blended families, children from previous relationships, family businesses, and farm properties all raise questions a generic form simply does not address.

A lawyer's job is not just to type your wishes into a document. It is to ask the questions you did not know needed asking.

Legal Obligations You Might Not Know About

British Columbia has features of estate law that surprise many people. For example, BC legislation allows a spouse or child to ask the court to vary a will if they believe they were not adequately provided for. That means simply writing someone out of a will does not always end the conversation, and a professionally drafted plan can anticipate and reduce the risk of a challenge.

There are also rules about how marriage, separation, and divorce affect a will, and about what happens when a will refers to property you no longer own. These are exactly the kinds of details a lawyer considers as your will is drafted, and exactly the kind that DIY documents miss.

When to Update an Existing Will

A will is not a "set it and forget it" document. It should be reviewed whenever life changes in a meaningful way, including:

Marriage, separation, or divorce
The birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
Buying or selling significant property, such as a home in Vernon or acreage near Armstrong
Starting, buying, or selling a business
The death of an executor, guardian, or beneficiary named in your will
A move to or from British Columbia, since estate rules vary between provinces

Even without a major event, reviewing your will every few years is a healthy habit. An outdated will can create almost as many problems as no will at all.

Common Questions About Wills in BC

Is a handwritten will valid in BC?

BC courts have some ability to give effect to documents that do not meet the formal requirements, but relying on that possibility means a court application, added cost, and uncertainty for your family. A properly executed will avoids the issue entirely.

Who should I choose as my executor?

Someone trustworthy, organized, and ideally younger than you or likely to outlive you. Many people name a spouse or adult child, with an alternate in case that person cannot act. Your lawyer can talk through the practicalities.

Does my spouse automatically get everything if I die without a will?

Not necessarily. Under BC's intestacy rules, the outcome depends on your family situation, and a spouse may share the estate with children. The division set by legislation may not match your wishes.

What about my will and my other planning documents?

A will only speaks after death. Documents like a power of attorney and a representation agreement cover decision-making while you are alive. A complete estate plan usually considers all three together.

How long does making a will take?

For most people, it involves an initial meeting to discuss your wishes and circumstances, followed by a second appointment to review and sign the finished documents. It is a modest investment of time for decades of peace of mind.

Clear Answers, Close to Home

At Abbey Law Corporation, we help individuals and families across Vernon, Armstrong, Lake Country, and the North Okanagan put thoughtful, legally sound wills in place. We know the local context (family farms, small businesses, recreational properties, and multi-generational households) and we take the time to understand yours.

Our approach is straightforward: plain language, honest guidance, and documents you actually understand before you sign them. Estate planning does not have to be intimidating. With the right help, it becomes what it should be: a clear, considered plan that protects the people you care about.

Need Estate Planning Support?

Contact Abbey Law Corporation to book a consultation.