I’m 70 and I want to write a will and testament. My husband and I come from a country where writing a will is not common. After 30 years in Canada, he refuses to discuss this with me. Can I still write a will even without him? 

In personal finance, many things we consider routine in this country are unheard of elsewhere. The concept of filing income tax returns every year, for example, is something most people around the world never do. In many countries, customs or local laws sort out inheritance so predictably that writing a will seems unnecessary. But in North America, failing to plan can leave your family with complications you never intended.

A couple of infamous celebrity cases serve as cautionary tales as to what can happen with a lack of estate planning.

Musical icon Prince died unexpectedly in 2016 at age 57 without a will, sparking an eight-year legal battle among his six living heirs over his $150-million estate. Then there is the case of legendary soul singer Barry White, who had a will, but never updated it. When he died unexpectedly in 2003 at age 58, his estranged wife inherited most of his assets, estimated at about $20 million, while his long-time partner was left with nothing.

Both of the above examples could have been avoided........

© Montreal Gazette