Professional Wills in British Columbia: Secure Your Business and Client Interests
Safeguarding Your Professional Legacy: Why Every Practitioner Needs a Professional Will
Over the years, you've poured effort, time, and passion into building a thriving career. But have you taken steps to ensure your business is protected if you're suddenly unable to continue working—or worse, if you pass away unexpectedly? It’s not a comfortable topic, but preparing for the unexpected is part of being a responsible professional. That’s where a professional will becomes not only valuable but can be mandated by your profession.
A professional will is a specialized legal document that lays out the instructions for managing your practice in the event of your death. It plays a vital role in your overall estate planning by protecting your clients, your business, and your assets.
Why You Should Consider a Professional Will
1. Client Care and Continuity
Your clients rely on you—and if you’re no longer able to serve them, a professional will ensures they aren’t left in the dark. It clearly states who should take over your responsibilities and outlines how your clients will be informed and supported. This preserves trust and maintains the professional standards clients expect.
2. Business Continuity
For many professionals, their practice represents a major financial and personal investment. Without a plan in place, the business may face disruption or be tied up in legal proceedings. A professional will helps avoid such complications by designating a successor and facilitating a transition of operations set out by the professional in advance.
3. Asset Protection
You've worked hard to grow your business. A professional will helps shield your assets from unnecessary risk by ensuring they’re passed on according to your wishes. Without it, decisions could be made by default through probate or other legal mechanisms that don’t reflect your intentions.
4. Choosing the Right Person
You know your work and your clients best—so you should decide who steps in if you can’t continue. With a professional will, you choose a trusted colleague or professional who aligns with your approach and values, ensuring your clients and your business are in capable hands.
5. Mental Clarity and Reassurance
Having a professional will brings peace of mind. Instead of worrying about future uncertainties, you can focus on serving your clients today, knowing your business is protected tomorrow.
6. Professional Requirements
In some fields, creating a professional will isn't just a smart move—it’s required. For instance, the Association of Cooperative Counselling Therapists of Canada (ACCT), which oversees Registered Therapeutic Counsellors (RTC), Accredited Counsellors (AC), Master Therapeutic Counsellors (MTC), and Registered Counselling Supervisors (RCS), mandates a professional will under its Standards of Practice, section 2.16 and 3.4. Unexpected events like sudden illness, leave, or retirement can happen at any time, and having a will in place may be part of meeting your ethical and legal responsibilities as a professional.
Don’t Leave Your Legacy to Chance
A professional will isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about protecting the people who depend on you, the business you've worked so hard to build, and the reputation you’ve established. In some cases, not having one may result in consequences based on your profession.
Although it’s never easy to think about worst-case scenarios, planning ahead means you can continue doing what you do best with confidence—knowing your practice is secured.
This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No legal relationship is formed by reading or relying on this content.
If you’d like to learn more about professional wills or need guidance on any legal issue, reach out to Zachary Dallman for a free consultation. Booking, or contact Zachary directly at zachary@zacharydallmanlaw.ca or 778.653.6163.