Spring Cleaning Your Legal Life: Essential Documents Every Albertan Over 55 Should Review

By Christine Savoy

When most of us think about spring cleaning, we picture sorting closets, clearing out the garage, or finally dealing with that pile of papers on the kitchen counter. But there is another kind of spring cleaning that is just as important and often forgotten. Your legal documents.

If you are over 55 (or younger), taking time to review a few key documents can make a big difference later, both for you and for the people you care about.

Your Will: Set It and Forget It? Not Quite

A lot of people have a will tucked away somewhere and feel relieved knowing it is done. The problem is that life does not stay the same.

Families grow, relationships change, assets shift, and sometimes the people you named years ago are no longer the right fit. An executor may have moved away, or a beneficiary may no longer be someone you would choose today.

A good rule of thumb is to review your will every 5-10 years or any time something significant changes in your life. A quick review now can prevent confusion and frustration later.

Enduring Power of Attorney: Who Would Step In for You?

An enduring power of attorney allows someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you are unable to. This might include paying bills, managing bank accounts, or dealing with property.

Many people name someone once and never look at the document again. It is worth asking yourself whether that person is still the best choice and whether they understand what the role involves.

If you do not have an enduring power of attorney in place, your family may need to go through the court system to manage things for you. That is not something anyone wants to deal with during an already stressful time.

Personal Directives: Making Your Wishes Clear

A personal directive covers personal and health care decisions if you cannot make them yourself. This includes things like medical care, living arrangements, and daily support.

People often assume that their family will just know what they want. While that may be true in general, tough decisions can be much harder without clear guidance. A legal personal directive gives your loved ones the confidence that they are honouring your wishes.

It is also important to make sure the person you named is still someone you trust and is willing and able to take on that responsibility.

The Common Trap of “I Already Did That”

One of the biggest issues I see is people assuming their documents are fine simply because they exist. Documents can become outdated, no longer reflect your wishes, or be missing important details.

Another common problem is that no one knows where the documents are or how to access them. Reviewing them gives you a chance to get organized and make sure the right people know what is in place. If you have lost your documents, now is a good time to redo them and make sure they are in place for the future.

A Little Effort Now Goes a Long Way

Reviewing your legal documents is not about expecting something bad to happen. It is about making things easier if life throws a curveball.

Clear, up-to-date documents reduce stress, avoid misunderstandings, and give your loved ones the gift of clarity when they need it most. Think of it as spring cleaning for peace of mind.

If you have not looked at these documents in a while, now is a great time to dust them off and make sure they still work for you.

About the Author

Christine Savoy

Christine Savoy is a seasoned legal professional and entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in family law, divorce, and wills and estates. Raised on a farm in rural central Alberta, Christine brings a strong work ethic and a deep sense of community to her practice. After graduating from Red Deer College in 1993, she began her career as a legal assistant in Red Deer, working with a sole practitioner. Over the next 20 years, she advanced her career in Calgary and Edmonton, adapting to evolving technologies and contributing to leading law firms specializing in family law and estate planning.

Christine holds the designation of Alberta Registered Paralegal with the Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals and earned her Legal Coaching designation in 2022, reflecting her commitment to empowering individuals with practical, accessible guidance. To be able to better assist Executors, she recently obtained her Certified Executor Advisor designation, further expanding her ability to support families through complex transitions with clarity and care.