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Thursday, January 15, 2015 - The IFP - H alton H ills - w w w .theifp.ca Page 39 Find local professionals here every Thursday! For advertising information please call 905-873-0301 Professionals Ask the I don't have a will but it seems like I should get one. Is there any particular reason why I should have a will? Does it matter? A: JEFFREY A. PATTERSON Barrister & Solicitor jp@howittlaw.com Tel: 905-877-5139 Fax: 905-877-1155 83 Mill Street, Suite 301 Georgetown, Ontario L7G 5E9 www.howittlaw.com Having a will is really about you having a say in how your property is distributed after you pass away and gives you control over that process. The most common use for a will is to give you the ability to choose who will get what from your estate, including personal items that may have sentimental value. Many times people want to make sure that when they pass away certain items or assets are given to their children, a friend, or even a special charity. This is only possible through a will. It also gives you the opportunity to choose who will administer (look after) your affairs once you pass away, such as funeral arrangements. If you do not have a will and pass away you are considered to have died "intestate" and your property will be divided according to the "rules of intestacy". When this happens, all of your estate will be divided up according to the rules regardless of what your wishes might have been. Part or all of your estate could go to a distant relative, or if you have no living heirs, your assets could go to the province. Instead, the simple and inexpensive process of creating a will lets you provide for your family as you see fit. It allows you to specify who you would like to act as a guardian for your children. It allows you to donate to a charity. It helps minimize taxes and ensures that your estate is divided up in the most efficient way. And perhaps most important it provides you with the peace of mind that your affairs are in order, with minimal cost and inconvenience. Q: 905-567-8858 1-866-506-PCCS (7227) reduCe CoSt & ConfliCt diVorCe WitH diGnitY And KeeP Your moneY in Your PoCKet! ACCredited mediAtorS GeorGetoWn, brAmPton, bolton, miSSiSSAuGA, orAnGeVille flexible HourSwww.pccs.ca Separation & Divorce mediation a:Retirement home information packages shouldclearly indicate what care services are included in the basic cost of a room. Generally included are such things as assistance with a weekly shower, administration of medications and emergency response. Many other services may also be included and this information should be "spelled out". A list of any extra costs should also be readily available whether you require these services now or "down the road". Some services that may incur added costs included: checking blood sugar levels, giving insulin injections, taking blood pressure, blood tests, assistance with dressing/undressing, grooming help and extra showers. Check to see if there is a choice per service or an hourly fee. Some residences will also charge per "treatment", a term which should be defined along with the costs. Remember too, that the Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) can be consulted and some assistance may be provided through this avenue. In short, ask many questions that pertain to your particular situation now, but also ask for a list of included care added costs so that there are no unpleasant surprises in the future. Q: When comparing retirement homes, whatextra costs should I expect in the line of care? Christoph Summer Owner/Administrator 222 Mountainview Rd. N. Georgetown, ON L7G 3R2 Bus: 905-877-1800 Fax: 905-873-9083 www.mountainviewresidence.com Mountainview Residence & Terrace owned and operated by the Summer family Truth in Advertising Matters. Creativity is subjective. The truth isn't. KENNERY KIA CONTEST WINNER Local resident Kyle Kennery (second from left) receives his $5,000 prize cheque from Georgetown Kia general manager Tony Garofoli just before Christmas in the CarNation$50,000 Giveaway contest. Kennery purchased a vehicle at the Georgetown dealership earlier this year in order to be eligible for the draw, which was broadcast on CH-TV Hamilton earlier this month.Kia Canada also donated $10,000 to McMaster University's Children's Hospital. Kennery was one of six secondary prize winners in the contest. Also in the photo are Kia sales representative Amrit Atwal (left) and finance manager Kevin Tostik. Photo by Eamonn Maher BUSINESS