Yes and no. In Alberta, a former spouse or independent adult child has no claim on any part of your estate, however, certain individuals are protected under the Wills and Succession Act to ensure adequate provision is provided for that individual. Spouses, common law partners, children who are minors, and dependent adult children may make an application for family maintenance and support under the Wills and Succession Act, in the case that the deceased’s Will does not provide adequate support and maintenance. If their claim is reasonable, the Court may rewrite the deceased’s Will to endure the individual(s) receive adequate provision. It is important to note that they will not be able to access anything outside of the estate such as insurance policies, RRSPS, or property owned in joint tenancy. An individual can technically choose to include or exclude anyone of their choosing from their Will, but if the document does not include adequate provision for dependents, and that exclusion goes against moral obligation or uses offensive wording, the Will may be overturned in court. If you have been unfairly excluded from a Will or if you have questions about writing a Will, please call or email us for a free consultation.