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I few questions related to will:

Q1: Is there any particular kind of assets for which you must have a will document or inheritance rules are sufficient? In particular:

  • Real Estate
  • Automobile
  • Possessions in Bank accounts
  • Stocks, TFSA, RRSP, RESP etc.
  • Life insurance through work
  • Pension Plan through work

Q2: Can you create a will in such a way so that you can include all your current assets as well as any future assets which you may acquire after the will document was created?

Q3: Is inheritance rules sufficient for a family with average income with above scenario?

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    Tip: relying on general laws around inheritance may open up the chances that there is family fighting about your assets after you die. You may assume 'well, I did not have a will because I knew everything would go to my wife, so there should be no reason to fight'. But your children may argue 'he forgot to write a will, and he would want me to have 1/3 of the family house!'. Don't leave it to chance.
    – Grade 'Eh' Bacon
    Jul 16, 2018 at 16:23
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    For the US: A will reduce the squabbling over the inheritance though it may still be contested if the beneficiaries don't like their share of the pie. A Trust (with will) is a more efficient way to handle it since it does not go through Probate (privacy) and the settlement charges are about 1/2 if done professionally. All of the assets that you listed (present and future) can be spelled out in either document. Family income is not a factor in setting up either will.
    – Bob Baerker
    Jul 16, 2018 at 17:39

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Is there any particular kind of assets for which you must have a will document or inheritance rules are sufficient?

There is nothing must. If there is no will Inheritance Rules will be applied. Although the rules may sound simple; the result could be very different from what you want. Some family member may want a different province rule to be applied; there could be disputes in the family; a stranger can claim to be partner ... even when things go fine; there is still a lengthy process to get a probate from court; establish the legal heirs and get the judgment.

It is always advisable to have a will as this will give out clearly how you want certain things to be dealt.

The will needs to be revised periodically to make it up to date with various events. Get a lawyer, as there would be certain items that would mean differently; for example if your spouse divorces you and marries someone else and dies before you; if you don't change the will; the funds still go to spouse and heirs determined or will left by spouse.

Can you create a will in such a way so that you can include all your current assets as well as any future assets which you may acquire after the will document was created?

Yes you can have the wording for example any future assets are to be divided equally between a, b and c. However it is advisable to redo the will when certain types of assets are acquired. For example an antique jewelry; items that can't be divided; can create dispute. Leave it to one and allocate more cash to others etc. Or clearly indicate this items needs to be sold in auction and cash divided.

Is inheritance rules sufficient for a family with average income with above scenario?

Inheritance rules are done as default allocation by the state to appear just. It is best to have a will.

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