Young Adults: Why You Need a Will

Many people assume Wills are something to think about much later in life, perhaps after buying a house, getting married, or having children. Or perhaps not even until retirement. But the reality is that if you are over 18 and have any personal property, or specific wishes about how your affairs should be handled, having a Will is a smart and responsible step. It is not about preparing for the worst. It is about taking control and making things clearer for the people you care about.

Putting a Will in place now does not mean locking in decisions forever. It simply means your wishes are known and legally recognized, and the process for those left behind would be significantly less complicated.

You Probably Own More Than You Think

Even if you do not own real estate, you likely have property that cannot be transferred without legal authority. That might include your car, a bank account, digital assets like intellectual property, cryptocurrency, or even your social media or content platforms.

Without a Will, your family or friends will likely need to apply to the court for a Grant of Administration. If you own real estate or car, they will certainly need to do so. This process takes more time and effort than applying for a Grant of Probate, which is available when a valid Will is in place. In short, a Will can simplify what comes next and save your loved ones added stress during a difficult time.

If you are renting, your personal belongings inside your home may also be difficult to access. Depending on your landlord, your family may not be able to collect your things without formal authority. That too requires court approval, and again, the timeline is longer when there is no Will. With a Will, the person you name to manage your estate has immediate authority to take certain steps based on the document itself, even before court approval is granted.

A Will Puts You in the Driver’s Seat

Without a Will, your estate is distributed according to default legal rules set out in Alberta’s Wills and Succession Act. The law decides who manages your estate and who inherits your property. Even if the result ends up being something you would have chosen, the process is more complex and will take longer, and the law does not account for your specific relationships or preferences.

Further, without a Will, there is often confusion about a person's intentions, which can lead to conflict, during an difficult time, and drag out the administration of an estate. A Will allows you to choose the person who will handle your estate and make decisions based on your instructions. It also reduces uncertainty and potential conflict among those closest to you.

Planning for Incapacity is Valuable Too

For young adults, an Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive are just as important, if not more so, than a Will. These documents allow you to appoint someone to make financial and health-related decisions, respectively, on your behalf if you are ever unable to do so. They provide peace of mind and help avoid unnecessary delays, costs, and confusion in emergency situations. An estate planning package includes a Will, as well as an Enduring Power of Attorney and Personal Directive.

It Does Not Have to Be Complicated

If you are over 18 and have a vehicle, a bank account or investment account over $15,000 or so, any real estate, any digital or intellectual property, or a child, you can benefit from a Will. The good news is that creating a Will does not need to be overwhelming. We draft Wills such that they would achieve your goals if needed tomorrow but that they will continue to work if what we predict the future holds occurs. However, you can certainly start with a Will that reflects your current situation and update it as your life changes. Wills are intended to be living documents that grow with you.

It is common to feel like your situation is “simple” or that you just need a “basic Will.” But even seemingly straightforward circumstances can come with decisions that deserve legal advice. Working with a lawyer ensures your Will is properly drafted, valid under Alberta law, and truly reflects what you intend. At Modern Wills, our goal is to keep the process approachable and practical, with clear flat fees and thoughtful guidance every step of the way.

Getting this in place now means you are thinking ahead, not just for yourself but for the people you care about.

This post provides general legal information and is not personalized advice. For your specific circumstances, it is important to seek personalized legal advice. While we strive to provide accurate information, please note that we will not update this post going forward. You may also wish to review our FAQs page and previous blogs to better understand the value of working with a lawyer on your estate planning documents.

This earlier version of this blog was originally posted in June 2023. Thanks very much to Katelyne Steele for her assistance in preparing this post.