When Is the Best Time to Make a Will?

People often delay writing a Will because they’re waiting for the “right” time—after buying a house, having kids, or nearing retirement. But the truth is, the best time to make a Will is before you think you urgently need one.

A Will is not a sign that something is wrong. It’s a sign that you’re planning ahead. By taking the time to create a Will during calm, stable periods, you protect yourself and your loved ones from the stress of having to make decisions in a crisis.

Why It’s Best to Make a Will Before You Urgently Need One

It’s natural to put off tasks that deal with death or serious illness. But waiting for the “perfect” moment often means waiting too long.

The best time to create a Will is when:

You are clear-headed and able to make thoughtful decisions
Your life is relatively stable and free of immediate legal pressure
You want to take control, rather than leave choices to default rules

Creating a Will under stress, illness, or time pressure can make it harder to get things right—or even risk your Will being contested.

Tip: Don’t wait for a major life event to get your Will in place. Writing a Will before you feel pressure means your wishes are more likely to be honored, clearly and confidently.

Key Life Events That Should Trigger a Will Update

You don’t need to wait for these events to get started, but if any of the following apply to you, now is an ideal time to act.

Life Event	Why It’s a Trigger for a Will
Marriage or entering a common-law union	Your legal status and shared assets change
Becoming a parent or guardian	You’ll want to name a guardian and provide for your child’s future
Buying real estate	Property is often a major asset that should be addressed in a Will
Starting or growing a business	You may need to consider succession or asset division
Receiving an inheritance	This can change the size and complexity of your estate
Divorce or separation	Your old Will may no longer reflect your relationships or priorities
Experiencing a major health change	Clarifying your wishes becomes even more urgent

These moments reshape your financial and personal responsibilities—your Will should evolve with them.

How Age, Health, and Family Shape the Need for a Will

There’s no minimum asset threshold or perfect age for making a Will. It’s less about how much you own and more about who depends on you, what responsibilities you carry, and how you want your affairs handled.

You should strongly consider having a Will if:

You’re over 18 and have any income, savings, or debts
You have children or dependants
You’re in a long-term relationship
You have personal items or values you want respected
You want to reduce the burden on loved ones later

Important: If you pass away without a Will, your estate enters intestacy. This means provincial laws decide what happens, which may go against your preferences or family situation.

Where Your Will Fits in Your Broader Financial Plan

At Optimize, we view your Will as one piece of a complete plan—not a separate legal task. It sits alongside your investment strategy, insurance coverage, retirement goals, and tax planning.

We help you think about:

When your estate may grow or become more complex
How your Will aligns with named beneficiaries on registered accounts
Whether you’re prepared for both short-term needs and long-term wishes

The earlier you begin planning, the more flexibility and confidence you gain. And as your life changes, we help ensure your Will and financial plans stay aligned.

Why Today Might Be the Right Time to Start

If you’re asking when the best time to make a Will is, you’re likely ready to take that step. The hardest part is often getting started. Once you do, the process is often easier and more empowering than you expect.

Your Will can evolve. It’s meant to change. But having one in place today means:

Your wishes are respected if the unexpected happens
Your family won’t be left guessing or unprepared
You’ve taken an active role in shaping your legacy