MCK Client Based Services hosted on two separate dates at the KSCS Family Services Building a new workshop entitled Steps to Preparing Your Will. This workshop was designed this year following the feedback from Year One participants’ who attended the 2024 fiscal year Introduction to Estate Planning Workshops. Last years’ we offered 4 separate sessions and the participants felt it would be beneficial for the Will and Estate Campaign to add an additional workshop specifically on preparing your own Will. The feedback was received and a new 2-hour Hands on Workshop was designed and tailored to coach and walk the participants through a Will Template. Using the 7 steps to preparing your Will Worksheet.
Steps to Preparing Your Will – April 3 & April 24, 2025 (Morning Sessions)
Two morning sessions of Steps to Preparing Your Will were held for returning participants from last year’s 2024 Introduction to Estate Planning workshops (which had 74 attendees across four groups). These sessions focused on practical guidance for preparing a Will.
- April 3: 19 participants (8 men and 11 women)
- April 24: 14 participants (5 men and 9 women)
In total, 33 participants from the 2024 cohort attended these sessions, reinforcing a sustained interest and need for personalized estate planning guidance.
Introduction to Estate Planning (April 3, 2025 – Evening Session)
Part 1 – Inter Vivas (while you are living)
The goal of the Part 1 workshop offers the participants with key information on Inter Vivos Planning. Inter Vivos, its explanation and applications were explained in detail by the facilitator. All the associated legal documents a person should prepare while you are living, for example, Power of Authority, Living Will, Protection Mandate and Advanced Medical Directives. The workshop also focused on matrimonial contract and regime and each participant received an Estate Planning toolkit entitled Patrimony: Your 360 Guide – Report on your Life. The work book will provide the participants with a handbook to describe/record all their personal property, assets and legal documents in one booklet.
The session received excellent feedback, and participants expressed strong interest in future workshops on related topics such as pension planning.
Part 2 – Last Will and Testament (April 24, 2025 – Evening Session)
This session built on the first and focused specifically on the Last Will and Testament. It was attended by 14 returning participants from Part 1.
The workshop first described Intestate, dying without a Will and how Indigenous Services Canada references the Federal Intestate Filiation and appointment of an Administrator. The workshop also explored the three types of Wills and identifying an Executor and their responsibilities, inventorying assets, allocating assets, and planning funeral wishes. One participant completed their Will during the session, while others scheduled appointments for additional support. Evaluation forms were distributed at both sessions, with results pending. Overall, the strong engagement signals ongoing demand for estate planning support in the community.
