Do I Need a Will If I'm Single in Alberta?

In short, yes, you should have a will.

The Government of Alberta recommends that you have 3 legal documents:

a personal directive,
an enduring power of attorney; and
a will.

If you're single and over the age of 18, drafting and executing a will is one of the simplest ways to protect your wishes in the event of your death.

Without one, Alberta's Wills and Succession Act determines how your estate is distributed. That may not reflect what you would have wanted with your assets.

Make Important Decisions for Yourself

Even if you don't own a home or have significant savings, you may still have a vehicle, bank accounts, investments, family heirlooms, digital assets, or sentimental items you want to leave to specific people. For example, decisions about who will care for your pet or pets are very important. If you die, are your animals going to be well taken care of?

A will provides you the opportunity to make those decisions yourself.

Another important reason to have a will is choosing your personal representative, also known as an executor. This is the person responsible for carrying out your wishes, paying your debts, and distributing your estate. Without a will, the court may need to appoint someone to manage your estate, which can add time and expense.

What About My Pets?

If you are single and have pets, a will can also include instructions about who you would like to care for them. While pets cannot inherit property, you can leave money to a trusted person to help cover their care. This can be done inside WillGenie.

In the WillGenie system, we recommend adding a person who will receive a Specific Bequest (a gift to a person).
During step 3 (Beneficiaries), add the person who will inherit your pet under Specific Bequests.
During step 4 (Assets), add your pet and associate the correct beneficiary.

Life changes quickly. You may buy a home, adopt pets, start a business, enter a common-law relationship, or have children in the future. Creating a will now gives you peace of mind, and you can update it as your circumstances change.

Being single doesn't mean you don't need a will. It means you have the freedom to decide what happens to your estate (including assets, pets and important belongings) instead of leaving those decisions to Alberta law.

Creating a will today is a simple step that can make a difficult time much easier for the people you leave behind.

Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every person's circumstances are different, and estate planning laws can vary depending on your province and personal situation. If you have questions about your legal rights or how Alberta's laws apply to you, consider consulting a qualified lawyer. If your estate planning needs are straightforward, use WillGenie to prepare your Last Will and Testament, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Personal Directive online, at your own pace.