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5 good reasons to have a will

Section conseils - 5 bonnes raisons d’avoir un testament

Like life insurance, a last will and testament is an effective tool to protect your loved ones. While you won’t benefit from it personally, you’ll make things easier for your heirs.

While a survey by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that 57% of Canadians don’t have a will, there are many reasons to make one.

1. Choosing your heirs

The purpose of a will is to consolidate in a single document your instructions on what to do with your personal and real estate property after your death.

You don’t have to have a will. If you don’t have one, the laws of the province in which you reside will dictate how your estate is divided, and they state that only your family may inherit it.

Writing a will allows you to choose who can inherit your property. You can choose who you want; family, friends, charities, and so on. You can also choose who you don’t want to inherit.

In addition to choosing your heirs, you can choose what each of them inherits. Your house, your investments, your jewelry and even your cat… you can assign all your personal and real estate assets in your will. Without a will, the estate liquidator or your heirs will decide how to allocate your assets.

2. Appointing an estate liquidator

Another great reason to make a will is deciding who will take care of your estate. When you write a will, you have the option of appointing a liquidator. This is the person who will be responsible for settling all your affairs.

Being a liquidator is an important job. Their responsibilities can range from closing bank accounts to distributing assets to heirs you have or haven’t identified in your will. That means you have to choose someone you trust who is able to perform these tasks. If you don’t choose a liquidator, your heirs will play that role. If your heirs can’t agree on a liquidator, the court will appoint a one.

Being an estate liquidator is a lot of work, so it’s important to think about who in your life is most responsible and able to perform that role. While this liquidator doesn’t need to be an accounting expert, they must be organized and motivated.

3. Protecting your family members

According to the law, your property is divided up differently upon your death based on your marital status. If you’re married, your spouse will receive a different portion of your estate than if you were common-law partners. You need to make a will to decide for yourself what inheritance your partner receives.

If you’re a parent, you can use your will to designate a guardian for your underage children. When a parent dies, the surviving one usually obtains sole legal custody. However, if both parents die, it’s important to have measures in place for your children to be cared for by the people you have chosen.

The guardian will be responsible for all of your children’s daily needs, including food, shelter, health care, education and clothing. If you don’t designate a guardian in your will, the court will have to choose one for you. This could mean that someone you didn’t choose will end up raising your children.

Your will also enables you to can make financial arrangements for your children by leaving them a trust and setting conditions as to when they can receive their inheritance.

When writing your will, remember to talk to those you’ve chosen to be your children’s guardians to make sure they are ready to take on this role and aware of your wishes.

If you’re a pet owner, you can also benefit from having a will, as you ensure that someone will take care of it after your death. Since pets are considered to be property by law, you cannot leave them any property through your will. On the other hand, you can designate a beneficiary for your animal, leaving it to a trusted friend or family member. You can ask this person to act as your pet’s guardian, and even leave funds for them to care for your animal.

4. Keeping the law out of your estate

As mentioned earlier, if you don’t make a will to allocate your assets, the provincial government has a process in place to liquidate your estate.

Here’s how the Quebec government goes about it:

  • If you are a common-law partner, single, divorced or widowed
    • If you have children: 100% of your estate will go to your children and/or grandchildren
    • If you don’t have children: 50% of your estate will go to your parents and 50% to your siblings and/or nieces and nephews
  • If you are married
    • If you have children: 1/3 of your estate will go to your spouse and 2/3 to your children and/or grandchildren
    • If you don’t have children, but your parents are still alive: 2/3 of your estate will go to your spouse and 1/3 to your parents
    • If you have no children and no parents
      • If you have siblings: 2/3 of your estate will go to your spouse and 1/3 to your siblings and/or nieces and nephews
      • If you don’t have siblings: 100% of your estate will go to your spouse
Still have questions about the funeral expense insurance offered by Matcha Insurance? Our financial security advisors are available to answer any questions you may have and to reassure you. Contact us now by calling 1 844 532-3228 or Book an Appointment.

5. Avoiding family bickering

Even in the most tight-knit families, the death of a member can lead to conflict. If you don’t have a will, your family will have to guess what your last wishes were. And chances are they won’t all agree. This ambiguity can create friction, even fights, that sometimes last a long time and may even lead to a family rift or legal proceedings. Making a will solves the issue by eliminating speculation.

Give your family time to grieve by making as many decisions as possible in your lifetime so they won’t have to.

Your will may also include instructions for your funeral. While these instructions are not legally binding, they can provide guidance to your liquidators and loved ones.

With all these reasons in mind, it’s now time to get to work and write your will. Three types of will are valid in Quebec:

  • Will made in the presence of witnesses
  • Notarial will
  • Holograph will

Visit the Justice Québec website for full details.

Writing a will is cheaper than you might think. In fact, it costs nothing to produce a holograph will or a will in the presence of witnesses if you do so yourself.

If you wish to have a notarial will, you must ask your notary how much this costs. You can visit the Chambre des notaires website to find a notary specialized in drafting wills. Use the search filters to select the area of expertise.

And since you’ll already be dealing with a notary, you could take that opportunity to draft a protection mandate—another document that will make things easier for your loved ones!

On the same subject

Two Ways to Get a Quick Quote

By Phone: 1 844 532‑3228

Online:

Fill out the form. One of our financial security advisors will contact you as soon as possible.
Abraham Daoud Junior Diabaté 
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

Abraham is a versatile professional with strong language skills in French, English and Portuguese. He also boasts an extensive background in finance, insurance sales, and technical banking support.

With six years of experience in customer service and sales to his name, he is a master at managing multiple client files simultaneously and draws on an in-depth knowledge of financial products and banking services. His expertise also extends to the areas of compliance, anti-money laundering, and credit and investment product management. His ability to work in fast-paced, stressful environments and his finely honed communication skills only strengthen Abraham’s reputation as an accomplished professional. He has achieved notable success in his career, hitting sales targets and earning official recognition from company leadership for his contributions.

As a Matcha Insurance financial services advisor, Abraham is now on a mission to get you the very best insurance coverage, wherever you are, whatever your needs, whatever your financial capacity—and whatever it takes.

Ginette St-Laurent
Ginette St-Laurent
FINANCIAL SECURITY
ADVISOR

Known for her natural ability to advise, Ginette is highly valued by her clients.

Ginette holds an AMF accreditation in personal insurance and is a member of the CSF. She is a seasoned financial security advisor with extensive industry experience. Ginette’s expertise lies in providing financial services and advice.

During her career, she has worked at reputed financial institutions such as Industriel Alliance and National Bank, where she served as a financial security advisor. Through this experience, Ginette developed a thorough understanding of people’s personal financial needs.

As a financial services advisor for Matcha Insurance, now her mission is to make every effort possible to find you the best insurance coverage, wherever you are, based on your needs and financial means.

Two Ways to Get a Quick Quote

By Phone: 1 844 532‑3228

Online:

Fill out the form. One of our financial security advisors will contact you as soon as possible.

Two Ways to Get a Quick Quote

By Phone: 1 844 532‑3228

Online:

Fill out the form. One of our financial security advisors will contact you as soon as possible.
Marc Moisan
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

Marc works with you, providing smart, conscientious, expert advice based on tons of experience.

Marc is coming on 20 years’ experience in property and casualty insurance as well as financial services. He’s a proud alumnus of Cégep de Jonquière and the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi.

And as a former personal insurance broker and financial services representative with the likes of Industrial Alliance, Infoprimes, and Bélair Direct, he knows it all, and that means solutions that are incredibly well suited to your needs.

Today as a Matcha Insurance financial services advisor, he’s on a mission to get you the very best insurance coverage, wherever you are, whatever your needs, whatever your financial capacity—and whatever it takes.

Fatimata Dia
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

When Fatima is on your case, you notice the difference. She’s right there—patient, attentive, meticulous—with insurance solutions that do exactly what you need them do.

Her ACS in customer service and degree in management inform 15+ years’ experience in client services. Before joining the Matcha Insurance team, her career included a multi-year position as financial security advisor with IA Financial Group.

That experience left her with the expertise both to help you understand your financial situation and to come up with insurance solutions personalized to your specific needs.

Now that she’s a Matcha Insurance financial services advisor, she’ll make sure you get the best insurance coverage based on your needs and financial capacity.

Laurent Goyette - Conseillers
Laurent Goyette
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

Laurent’s proactive approach to finding the best insurance solution for each client and his sympathetic ear make him a trusted advisor.

Young and vibrant, Laurent has a mission to develop relationships of trust with his clients in the search for the best insurance of persons on the market.

Laurent listens to everyone’s needs and expectations and takes the time to explain all the intricacies of insurance policies in order to educate each of his clients about insurance.

Today, as a financial services advisor for Matcha Insurance, his mission is to make every effort possible to obtain the best insurance coverage for you wherever you are, based on your needs and financial means.

Sylvie Chartrand - Conseillère
Sylvie Chartrand
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

With her expertise in improving administrative processes, Sylvie is a master of the art of mobilizing and engaging

Sylvie has a bachelor’s degree in business administration and accounting (B.A.A.) from the Université du Québec en Outaouais and has been a Financial Security Advisor licensed with the Chambre de la sécurité financière since 1994.

Financial security advice, business process coordination or administrative and financial management, Sylvie is able to skillfully combine all the ingredients needed to lead the firm’s operations. With more than 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, on both the insurer and the distributor sides, she has strong expertise in accounting and compensation, as well as in improving internal processes and implementing innovative IT solutions.

Karl Lenz Gravenhorst - Conseillers
Karl Lenz Gravenhorst
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

With an ongoing commitment to protect the future of my clients through life’s uncertainties, I promise to guide and inform you with full transparency so that you are able to make the right decisions.

I am Karl Lenz Gravenhorst, a financial security advisor for Matcha Insurance, a Quebec-based financial services firm. As a financial security advisor since 2014, I have more than six years’ experience in the banking and financial services industries. I belong to that young generation of professionals who have developed a passion for working with people and an aptitude for clearly explaining at-times complex concepts.

My mission is to do the utmost to ensure you get the best insurance coverage, no matter where you are, based on your needs and your payment capacity.

Driss Labad - Conseillers
Driss Labad
Financial Security Advisor

With an ability to break things down in an easy-to-understand manner, Driss can clearly explain life and health insurance products and discuss their pros and cons.

With a master’s degree in computer science from the Université du Québec à Montréal and a bachelor’s degree in science, Driss has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Before joining the Matcha Insurance team, he held various positions in the life and health insurance industry, particularly with Industrial Alliance and InfoPrimes as a financial advisor. Decoding an insurance policy and reading between the lines holds no secret for him. The more specific your needs, the more effective he can be.

Today, as a financial advisor for Matcha Insurance, his mission is to do the utmost to ensure you get the best insurance coverage, no matter where you are, based on your needs and your payment capacity.

Anita Mpola Mbele - Conseillers
Anita
Mpola Mbele
Financial Security Advisor

Thanks to her keen analytical and synthesis skills, she will easily guide you through your process.

Anita Mpola Mbele is known for her thoroughness and professionalism. She quickly identifies her clients’ needs and supports them throughout their process.

She has worked as a financial security advisor since 2015 and has over five years of experience in managing the financial health of individuals, including roles at Industrial Alliance and Desjardins Financial Security. In addition, Anita has experience with life insurance products and in personal finance. She will be happy to help you and propose solutions that meet your needs.

Today, as a financial services advisor for Matcha Insurance, her mission is to make every effort possible to obtain the best insurance coverage for you wherever you are, based on your needs and financial means.

Roberto Sepulveda - Conseillers
Roberto Sepulveda
Financial Security Advisor

Known for his analytical mind and ability to synthesize information, he will assess your needs in a thorough and capable manner

With a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering from the École de Technologie Supérieure de Montréal, Roberto has over 8 years of experience in financial services. Before joining Matcha Insurance, Roberto held a number of management positions across Canada, including at Desjardins Financial Security, London Life and United Chartering in Vancouver.

Drawing from his experience in life insurance, disability and critical illness files, and wealth transfer and investment portfolio maximization, he has the skills required to provide the best solutions to his clients. He pays close attention to his clients’ needs to design strategies that will meet their objectives.

Today, as a financial services advisor for Matcha Insurance, his mission is to make every effort possible to obtain the best insurance coverage for you wherever you are, based on your needs and financial means.

Mickaël Miller - Conseillers
Mickaël Miller
Financial Security Advisor

Mickaël's thoroughness, his ability to listen and his drive make him a versatile advisor and unifier

With strong listening and analytical skills, Mickaël knows how to identify and understand his clients’ needs. His humour and drive also allow him to find new ways to take the analysis of his files to the next level.

A financial security advisor since 2015, Mickaël has over four years of experience in managing the financial health of individuals, including roles at RBC Insurance and Combined Insurance.

Today, as a financial services advisor for Matcha Insurance, his mission is to make every effort possible to obtain the best insurance coverage for you wherever you are, based on your needs and financial means.

Michael Stearns - Conseillers
Michael Stearns
FINANCIAL SECURITY ADVISOR

Known for his analytical skills and his judicious guidance and advice, Michael consistently rises to the challenge.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton and a Certificate in Personal Finance from the Institute of Canadian Bankers in Montreal, Michael has more than 15 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Before joining the Matcha Insurance team, he held several positions where he was involved in managing the financial health of individuals and businesses, particularly for National Bank Insurance and Freedom 55 Financial. Perfectly bilingual, Michael is also a mutual fund representative.

Today, as a financial advisor for Matcha Insurance, his mission is to do the utmost to ensure you get the best insurance coverage, no matter where you are, based on your needs and your payment capacity.

How do I file a complaint?

  • In case of dissatisfaction, start by getting in touch with our Director of operations, Mrs Sylvie Chartrand:
    Mrs Sylvie Chartrand
    Director of operations:
    sylvie.chartrand@matchaassurance.ca
    Telephone: 1-844-532-3228
  • If you are not satisfied with her response, you can contact our Complaints officer to make a formal complaint:
    Mr. Jean-Benoît Forgues
    Assistant Vice President, Legal Affairs and Compliance
    1705-625, Avenue President-Kennedy
    Montreal (Québec) H3A 1K2
    Email: jean-benoit.forgues@humania.ca
    Telephone: 1-800-363-1334 ext. 263
    or from Montreal: 514-485-1334, ext. 307
    Fax: 1-844-773-4999

The complaint must be filed in writing. If you need help filing your complaint, you may call Ms. Marie-Kim Larouche, Legal advisor, at 1-800-363-1334 ext. 479.

Any complaint made in writing to our Complaints officer will be recorded in Matcha Insurance’s complaints registry if it includes at least one of the following:

  • A reproach against Matcha Insurance;
  • The identification of real or potential harm that a consumer has sustained or may sustain; or
  • A request for remedial action.

A complaint file is opened for each complaint. The file includes all of the documents required to assess your complaint.