Question 1

What is a will readiness score?

Accepted Answer

It is a checklist score, not a legal opinion. Each decision you have already made — executor, backup executor, beneficiaries, guardian for minor children, specific bequests, a storage plan, and a power of attorney — earns points (90 points total, scaled to 100). A score of 80–100 means you are ready to draft; 50–79 means a few decisions are left; below 50 means you should settle the missing items first. A score of 100 does not make a will valid — signing formalities decide that.

Question 2

Do I need a will in Canada?

Accepted Answer

Without a will, your province's intestacy rules decide who gets what — and in Quebec, a common-law partner does not inherit the way a married spouse does. A will lets you name an executor (liquidator in Quebec), choose your beneficiaries, name a guardian for minor children, and leave specific items to specific people. If you own property, have children, or have a partner, a will is how you control those decisions instead of leaving them to default rules or a court.

Question 3

What is the difference between an executor and a liquidator?

Accepted Answer

They are the same job under different names. Common-law provinces use 'executor'; Quebec's civil law uses 'liquidator' (liquidateur). Whoever you name gathers your assets, pays debts and taxes, and distributes what remains to your beneficiaries. Name a backup too — if your first choice can't act, the court picks someone instead.

Question 4

Why does Quebec treat wills differently?

Accepted Answer

Quebec is a civil-law jurisdiction with three forms of will: notarial, holograph (handwritten), and witnessed. Only a notarial will takes effect on death without further process — a holograph or witnessed will must be verified (probated) by a notary or the Superior Court first, which can take several months and add professional fees. Quebec also uses a protection mandate (mandat de protection) instead of a power of attorney, and a tutor instead of a guardian.

Question 5

I already have a will. Do I need a new one?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. Review your will after any major life change — marriage, divorce or separation, the birth of a child, the death of a beneficiary or executor, buying property, or starting a business. For a small change, a codicil (an amendment to your existing will) is often enough; you only need a brand-new will for a major overhaul. Use the checklist above with 'existing will' set to outdated or current to see which path fits.

Are You Ready to Make a Will?