Wills, Estates & Final Wishes

At Park Memorial, we often meet families at one of the most emotional moments of their lives. And while we are honoured to walk alongside them in their grief, there is one sentence we hear far too often:

“We didn’t know.”

We didn’t know we needed a will.

We didn’t know our old will no longer reflected our life.

We didn’t know probate worked that way.

We didn’t know an executor had that much power.

That is exactly why we partnered with Megan Koper of WillWise to host our Wills, Estates & Final Wishes educational series — honest, factual conversations designed to make a complicated topic feel clearer, calmer, and more manageable.

Here’s what we covered — and why it matters to you.

Episode One: "What happens if I die without a will?"

Why Having a Will Isn’t Optional — At Any Age:

One statistic stopped people in their tracks: Only 48% of Canadians over 18 have a valid will.

That means that more than half of adults are leaving their loved ones to navigate:

• Legal confusion
• Delays in accessing money and assets
• Emotional strain layered on top of grief
• Government rules deciding who inherits — not the person who died

We shared real situations that we see in aftercare: sudden deaths, blended families, estranged relatives, and young adults with assets but no plan in place. When there is no will, families can face months of paperwork before they can even begin settling affairs.

Megan helped us understand that:

• A will is not just a form to fill out — it requires thoughtful, legally sound planning
• DIY kits and handwritten (holograph) wills can create serious problems if done incorrectly
• Marriage, divorce, new children, or changes in assets are all reasons to update a will
• An Enduring Power of Attorney is not a substitute for a will — they serve very different purposes

The biggest takeaway? A will is an act of care. It protects your family from confusion at the exact time they are least able to handle it.

Episode Two: "The importance of a well-written will and a carefully-chosen executor."

Executors, Relationships & When a Will Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story:

This episode surprised many viewers.

We explored a case where a man left everything to his adult children in a will written years earlier — but Alberta law required that his long-term partner be notified because she had the right to claim against the estate. Key lessons from this conversation:

1. Wills don’t override everything

Certain people — such as spouses, long-term partners, and dependent children — are legally protected, even if they are left out of a will.

2. An outdated will can create conflict

A 10- or 15-year-old will may no longer reflect:

• New relationships
• Blended families
• Changed assets
• Changed intentions

3. Choosing the right executor is critical

We talked openly about something families don’t often realize: an executor has significant power and discretion. Even when acting properly, they make major decisions about the estate. If they act improperly, it can be difficult and costly to challenge them.

We discussed the traits to look for in an executor:

• Organized
• Emotionally steady
• Fair and able to manage conflict
• Willing to do the work
• Able to communicate clearly

This session also connected deeply with our funeral preplanning work — because the person with legal authority can influence how final wishes are carried out. That’s another reason planning and communication matter so much.

Episode Three: "The truth about probate."

The Word That Sounds Scarier Than It Is:

Many people come into probate conversations assuming the worst: endless delays, huge costs, and a legal nightmare.

What we learned? Probate is actually a system of checks and balances that protects:

• The executor
• The beneficiaries
• The estate itself

Probate:

• Confirms the executor’s authority
• Allows financial institutions and land titles to safely release assets
• Ensures debts and taxes are properly handled
• Prevents fraud and mistakes

We also discussed important updates in Alberta that are improving timelines and making the process more efficient than in the past.

One powerful shift in perspective was this: Probate is not a punishment — it’s permission. Permission to move forward legally and safely

The Heart Behind These Conversations

None of these topics are easy. Talking about death, legal documents, and end-of-life wishes can feel uncomfortable.

We see every day what families are left to navigate when these conversations haven’t happened — and we share this information because a little preparation can make a very big difference. Our goal with this series was only to educate and help our community be empowered to make decisions that feel intentional and informed.

If watching these sessions prompts you to:

• Review your will
• Update your executor
• Speak to a lawyer
• Talk to your family about your wishes

… then these conversations have done exactly what they were meant to do.

Whether you’re 21 with your first savings account, part of a blended family, supporting aging parents, or simply wanting peace of mind — this information is for you. Because planning ahead isn’t about expecting the worst. It’s about making things gentler for the people you love — no matter what life brings.