No will and putting it off — where to start and who to trust

You've thought about making a will maybe a hundred times. Each time something else comes up — work, kids, load-shedding, next week's problem — and it slips your mind again. But now, perhaps after a health scare or a conversation with a friend, you've stopped ignoring it. You know you should have one. You just don't know where to begin or who you're actually looking for.

That uncertainty is what keeps people stuck. There's no single profession called "will-maker" or "estate planner" — you could end up talking to a lawyer, an accountant, a financial adviser, or someone who went online and hung out a shingle. Each brings different strengths. What matters is understanding who does what, so you don't waste time with the wrong person or, worse, end up with a will that falls apart when it's needed.

The provider landscape is wider than you think

When you search for someone to help, you'll run into several types of professionals. Attorneys (also called advocates or conveyancers in their specialist forms) are trained in law and can draft wills, trusts and other legal documents. They can represent you in court if disputes arise later. Financial advisers and wealth managers often help with estate planning as part of a broader money-management relationship — they see how your will fits into your tax position and insurance. Accountants, especially those who work with SMME owners, understand the tax and business-succession angles that affect your estate. And then there are online template services and paralegals offering cheaper, simpler documents.

Each has a role. An attorney gives you legal certainty. A financial adviser connects your will to your retirement and tax picture. An accountant flags issues an accountant-only client might miss. A template or paralegal gets you something written down fast and cheaply if your affairs are straightforward.

The trap is choosing based on price alone or picking someone at random because they advertise loudly. You might end up with a document that technically exists but doesn't actually do what you need, or one that doesn't hold up when challenged.

Why your situation matters more than the profession label

The right first step depends on what your estate actually involves. If you own a business, have a blended family, hold property in multiple provinces, have minor children, or have complex financial assets, you need someone who understands those angles — not just someone who can fill in a form.

If you are single, have few assets, no dependents, and no business, a simpler process might work fine. But even then, getting the language right matters. A will that doesn't name guardians clearly, or that leaves ambiguity about who gets what, creates exactly the kind of family conflict it was supposed to prevent.

Start by writing down what you own, who depends on you, and what you want to happen. Be honest about complication: Is there a former partner involved? Do your kids have different fathers or mothers? Do you employ family? Are you the main earner? Do you have debt? That list tells you whether you need a generalist or someone with specific expertise.

Your confident first move

Once you've sketched your situation, you're ready to ask for a quote and a conversation. A good professional will ask you questions before giving a price — they want to understand whether this is a simple will or something more involved. They should explain what they do and why, not just hand you a bill.

You can also ask for references, especially if your situation is complex. And check that they're registered where they need to be: attorneys with the Law Society, financial advisers with their relevant regulatory body. That's not overkill; it's basic due diligence.

Finding the right person doesn't have to mean ringing every attorney in your contact list or hoping word-of-mouth lands you someone decent. Strove lets you browse qualified estate-planning professionals in your area, see what they charge, read what others say, and reach out to a few for a chat before you decide. It's the less lonely way to stop putting it off.