How to protect your loved ones after you die

March 18, 2026 | 7 min read

When someone passes away without clearly recording their final wishes in a will, they may not realize they could be leaving their loved ones to cope not only with legal complications, but significant mental and financial stress. Yet half of Canadians don’t have a will—including one in five people aged 55 and over. Krystle Vieira, a clinical worker at the Douglas Research Centre explains the compounded impact this can have on your loved ones as they grieve and Serge Lessard, Assistant Vice President Regional Tax, Retirement & Estate Planning Services within Wealth at Manulife gives tips on how to take the first steps toward planning your will.

Becoming aware of your unique family situation and the people who depend on you in different ways is the first step in protecting those you love. Some families become more vulnerable after the loss of a loved one, especially when they lack support.

Without clear instructions and proper preparation, your entire group of heirs will be jointly responsible for settling your affairs and distributing your assets. “The longer the process drags on, the harder it can be for loved ones to grieve, and the more vulnerable the family may feel,” adds Krystle Vieira.

Notaries have the legal expertise necessary to draft a clear will that carries legal weight and, most importantly, truly accomplishes your wishes while minimizing the risk of misinterpretation.

Note that Quebec laws establish basic rules that apply in the absence of a will—and the outcome can be very different from what was intended. Serge Lessard gives the example of a man who was common-law partners with the mother of his child: “When he died, the house he had bought alone and fully paid for went entirely to the child because he had no will,” he explains. “Since the couple was neither married nor in a civil union, his partner ended up having to pay rent to her own child in order to continue living there.”

Clear instructions outlined in your will can simplify legal procedures, reduce the risk of conflicts, provide peace of mind, and allow your family to focus on what matters most: taking the necessary time to heal and get through the difficult experience.

Serge recommends reviewing and updating your will regularly, especially following major life changes such as marriage, the arrival of a child, purchasing a property, or starting a business.

Your financial planner can offer you insurance protections and other financial tools based on your needs, such as segregated funds.

In particular, you can name the beneficiary directly in your contract with the insurer and change it at any time. “Upon your death, the money is usually paid to the beneficiary within 10 business days after receiving the required documents, compared to an average of nine months or more to settle an estate,” explains Serge Lessard.

In most cases, the payment is made directly to your beneficiary; it is not handled by the estate, thus providing additional protection against most debts.

Finally, the payment can be arranged in different ways, including as a monthly annuity spread over several years. “This is a solution that could be considered to protect an heir who might have difficulty managing a large sum of money responsibly,” adds Serge Lessard.

This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose or treat a condition. If you have questions or concerns about your specific situation or are seeking medical advice, contact your medical doctor or your healthcare provider. 

The Douglas Foundation
The Douglas Foundation's mission is to unite great minds and build resources to improve the mental health of all, today and tomorrow. Founded in 1972, its mission is to fund the development of the Douglas Institute: patient care and their environment, research in neuroscience and mental health, as well as education and training. Manulife supports the Douglas Foundation in alignment with our Impact Agenda and our commitment to Empowering sustained health and well-being to support the journey towards a better life.