Do You Need a Will If You Don’t Own Property in Ontario?

2025-07-08
Wills & Estates

Many people assume that if they don’t own a house or significant assets, they don’t need a will. In reality, a will is about more than just distributing property it’s an important legal tool for managing your affairs and protecting the people you care about.

In fact, surveys show that over half of Canadian adults don’t have a will, with most believing it’s unnecessary if they’re young, single, or don’t own a home. But even if you don’t have real estate, you still have personal belongings, savings, insurance benefits, and other assets that will need to be handled if something unexpected happens.

Without a valid will, Ontario’s Succession Law Reform Act decides how your estate is distributed. This process follows a strict order of next-of-kin, which may not reflect your personal wishes or the people you’d want to take care of your affairs. It also leaves no say in who would manage your estate or make decisions on your behalf if needed.

At Hoss Law, we help clients of all ages and financial situations create clear, legally valid wills. Whether you have a home or not, having a will ensures that your loved ones are taken care of and your final wishes are respected.

For more information about wills, probate, and estate planning, reach out to our office we’re here to help.