Help me convince my mom and her spouse they need a will.
Looking for some advice to pass along to a parent with no will who is hesitant to complete one.
My mom has been with her partner for approximately 20 years. They have never been married but have lived common law the entire time.
He has 2 children from a previous marriage who he has no contact with and who he has stated does not want to inherit anything. They are estranged and have been for quite some time.
I am the oldest of 4 children that my mom has from her previous marriage.
I recently learned that my mom has no will and neither does her spouse. I’ve tried to direct her to some references to do a free will and she had said she will maybe do it but that her partner is hesitant as he thinks everything will just go to her.
They own a home together that I do not believe is paid off, unsure of other debts.
I’m terrified of the mess my siblings and I will be left with, especially given his dynamic with his. estranged children.
If he passes before her will she be forced to sell the house or re-mortgage in order to pay them out? I’ve done some reading and my understanding is that when someone passes with no will their estate, including home will not automatically pass to the spouse and that she could be left with a huge mess. I’m terrified she will be left homeless.
I’ve witnessed the stress that comes with dealing with an estate when there is a will, I’m absolutely terrified of what we will be left to pick up if either of them pass with no will.
She lives in British Columbia.