Can I Open My Parents Will

Question of the week:

"My mother sent me a copy of her will. I want to read it to make sure she didn’t make any mistakes, but I’m worried it could make the will invalid?"

If it is the original will and your mother advised you to look at it, go ahead. There’s nothing illegal about opening a copy of someone else’s will that they sent directly to you. Just make sure you save the envelope so you can prove it, if need be.

One important thing to remember, however, is that you should not undo any staples. The will must stay intact.

If you have any assets of value, you should have a proper estate plan to ensure those assets are properly managed. An executor is someone who ensures that the instructions in the will are carried out. Business owners should have a will for themselves and for their companies because if the will for your company has a separate executor, then you bypass probate for the company shares.

If you don’t have a will or an executor, set up a time to speak and we can help you utilize our firm’s resources to set up a proper estate plan.

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Sources

RBC Global Asset Management. RRSPs vs TFSAs: Understanding the differences between them. https://www.rbcgam.com/en/ca/learn-plan/retirement-resources/rrsp-vs-tfsa/detail

Disclaimer:

Information in this article is from sources believed to be reliable, however, we cannot represent that it is accurate or complete. It is provided as a general source of information and should not be considered personal investment advice or solicitation to buy or sell securities. The views are those of the author, Eric Muir and Derek Lacroix and not necessarily those of Raymond James Ltd. Investors considering any investment should consult with their Investment Advisor to ensure that it is suitable for the investor’s circumstances and risk tolerance before making any investment decision. Raymond James Ltd. is a Member Canadian Investor Protection Fund.