Prepare Your Will

The cornerstone of an estate plan is an up-to-date Will. Your Will can be a simple or complex legal document. Once prepared, it should be reviewed regularly, since changes to legislation and personal life events can alter your objectives.

A Will appoints your executors who will carry out your instructions. Among other things, a Will names your beneficiaries who will receive your assets, directs the distribution of your assets, appoints guardians for minors and may also include provisions for trusts.

If you die without a Will, you are said to have died intestate. This situation can result in a loss of control of assets, and may require a longer period to settle your estate. Without proper instructions, your family's heirlooms and assets may not be bequeathed according to your wishes.

In the absence of a Will, your assets will be divided according to provincial legislation. Don't hinder the settling of your estate - prepare a Will.

Estate planning is more than simply writing a Will, although a Will is an important step. It provides a framework to ensure the distribution of your assets to your heirs in a timely and tax-efficient manner. Your legal advisor can assist you in reviewing your Will to ensure it will achieve your goals. A CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor can assist you in establishing estate planning strategies to accomplish your needs and goals.

Use our Find An Advisor tool to locate a CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisor near you and take the first step to achieving the financial future you want.

The information contained herein is considered accurate at the time of posting. CIBC and CIBC World Markets Inc. reserve the right to change any of it without prior notice. It is for general information purposes only.