KFPL to host talk on importance of having a will during Make A Will Month

November is Make a Will Month, a time to raise awareness of how important it is to have an up-to-date will. Throughout the month, Ontario Bar Association (OBA) members help the public understand the importance of having a will and having it done by a lawyer, according to a release from Kingston Frontenac Public Library (KFPL).

A 2018 Angus Reid poll found that over half of Canadians do not have a will in place, and for those who do have a will, only 35 per cent said it is current. While some survey respondents said they are too young to worry about a will or do not have enough assets to consider, the OBA says wills are still important in managing and administrating one’s estate. A will can reduce delays and expenses in the division and distribution of any property and can reduce family tensions, the library stated.

On Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2022, Ryan MacNeil, an associate in a wills and estates group, will lead a free information session on will and estate planning. According to the release, he will share information about powers of attorney, components of a will, and what the absence of a will could mean.

The session will take place at the Calvin Park Branch from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register at https://calendar.kfpl.ca/event/7466181.

“Wills and estate planning can be stressful and complex topics,” said Jake Miller, Librarian, Adult Programming. “The Ontario Bar Association has prioritized providing information sessions on these subjects to raise awareness and encourage action. It’s important to provide the space and time for the community to learn.”