Writing a will may not seem necessary to many people. Still, its significance becomes evident when considering that no one knows when or how they will depart this world and what rights the survivors have regarding their possessions and properties. Different countries have different laws, but when residing in Canada, the local regulations must be taken into account upon one's demise.

In the closing days of 2023, the Canadian Iranian Foundation organized a seminar at the North Vancouver Community Center, inviting an Iranian lawyer named Bijan Ahmadian to discuss the importance of having a will in the province of British Columbia. Initially, Nassreen Filsoof, the founder of the Canadian Iranian Foundation, provided a brief overview of the organization's goals and introduced Mr. Ahmadian.

Subsequently, the Iranian lawyer delved into the details of writing a will in the province of British Columbia during the Will Week. He emphasized that not having a will can lead to numerous troubles for the survivors. When it comes to the distribution of assets, the absence of such documents prompts government entities to intervene, adding complexity beyond the ordinary.

Bijan provided insights into real estate, tax implications, and the appreciation of property values that can be precisely outlined with the supervision of a lawyer in the will. He discussed the differences between a notary public and a lawyer in drafting a will, highlighting the specific details that a lawyer considers in the process.

Responding to a question during the session, Bijan explained that a lawyer in the province of British Columbia cannot draft a will for your properties in Iran because the will in this province is based solely on its laws, and immigrants should be aware of this important point.

In conclusion, Bijan reiterated that two pages of a will can alter the lives of survivors, and not having one can erase the entire legacy of the deceased individual. The seminar shed light on the importance of proper legal documentation, especially in a diverse society where individuals may have assets in different jurisdictions.

Organizer: Canadian Iranian Foundation

Guest: Bijan Ahmadian

Journalist: Majid Mahichi

Skyrise Media Society