End-of-Year Will and Personal Directive Checkup

The end of the year is a natural moment to pause and check whether your important documents still reflect your wishes, yet wills and personal directives are often written once and then forgotten for years. At Edmonton Notary Public, we make it simple and affordable to review these documents before the new year begins.

Life changes, whether that means a new relationship, a growing family, a change in health, or simply a shift in what matters to you, and your will and personal directive should keep pace with those changes rather than lagging years behind.

This guide covers why an annual checkup matters and what a simple review typically involves.

Why an Annual Will Checkup Makes Sense

A will that no longer reflects your current wishes can create genuine confusion and hardship for your loved ones at an already difficult time, particularly if it names an executor or beneficiary who is no longer appropriate.

Common life changes that should prompt a will review include marriage, separation or divorce, the birth of children or grandchildren, a significant change in assets, or the death of a named executor or beneficiary.

Even without a major life event, reviewing your will every year or two is good practice, simply to confirm that everything still reflects your intentions as your circumstances naturally evolve over time.

What to Check in Your Will

Confirm that your named executor is still willing and able to act, that beneficiaries are correctly listed, and that any specific bequests still make sense given your current assets and relationships.

It is also worth checking that guardianship provisions for any minor children remain appropriate, since these arrangements often need updating as family circumstances change over the years.

Reviewing Your Personal Directive

A personal directive, sometimes called a healthcare directive or living will in other provinces, sets out your wishes for medical treatment and appoints someone to make decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so.

This document deserves the same regular attention as a will, particularly since your named agent should be someone you trust completely and who remains willing and able to take on this responsibility.

Reviewing your personal directive alongside your will ensures both documents work together consistently, rather than containing conflicting or outdated instructions that could cause confusion when they matter most.

A simple end-of-year checkup should confirm the following for both documents:

• Named executors and agents are still appropriate and willing to act
• Beneficiaries and bequests reflect your current wishes
• Guardianship provisions for minor children remain suitable
• Contact details for all named individuals are current
• Both documents are stored somewhere accessible to those who need them

Common Personal Directive Updates

Updating the named agent, adding specific instructions about treatments you would or would not want, and confirming contact details are all common reasons for revisiting a personal directive.

If your health circumstances have changed significantly since the directive was written, it is particularly worth reviewing whether the instructions still reflect your current wishes accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to redo my whole will if something has changed?

Not necessarily. Minor changes can sometimes be made through a codicil, while more significant changes are usually better handled by drafting a new will entirely. We can advise which approach suits your specific situation.

How often should I review my will and personal directive?

A general review every one to two years is sensible, alongside a prompt review whenever a significant life change occurs, such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

Is a personal directive the same as a power of attorney?

No, a personal directive covers healthcare decisions, while a power of attorney covers financial and legal decisions. Most people benefit from having both documents in place and reviewed together.

Conclusion

An end-of-year checkup for your will and personal directive is a simple, affordable way to start the new year with confidence that your wishes are properly documented and up to date.

Edmonton Notary Public offers clear, competitively priced legal services for wills, estates and personal directives, with notary fees starting at just $35.

Ready for your end-of-year document checkup? Book an appointment with Edmonton Notary Public today.