ESTATE AND CARE
PLANNING SERVICES
A WILL outlines how assets will be distributed, while a POWER OF ATTORNEY designates someone to make financial, healthcare, or legal decisions on behalf of an individual if they are unable to do so. A HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE (or LIVING WILL) specifies medical preferences and appoints a decision-maker for care in the event of incapacity. Note that these terms may vary from province to province.
Many individuals lack the financial resources to afford legal services or may be unaware of the critical importance of having estate and care planning documents drafted and notarized. The complexity of the legal process can also be intimidating, causing many to hesitate in seeking the assistance they need.
Only 48% of Canadians have a will in place and only 40% of Canadians have a Power of Attorney.
At PBSC, we are committed to making estate and care planning more accessible through two key initiatives:
Public Legal Education
Informing people about the
importance of Wills, Powers of Attorney, and Health Care Directives.
Wills Clinics
Offering free community-based legal assistance to provide eligible individuals with Estate and Care
Planning Services.
GET SUPPORT
Do you need a will or a power of attorney?
Wills services are available through a limited number of PBSC Chapters. Please email us at admin@probonostudents.ca to find out if there is programming available near you.
INNOVATIVE RESOURCES
In 2024, with the generous support of RBC Royal Trust, PBSC introduced new resources to strengthen our Chapters’ ability to deliver Wills Clinics and address service gaps in their communities. These resources empower Chapters across Canada to provide essential legal support to those in need.
Together, we are breaking down barriers to justice, giving low-income Canadians the opportunity to plan for their futures with dignity and confidence.
Read more about RBC Royal Trust's support of our Wills Clinics.
