http://www.financialpost.com/opinion/columnists/wait+till+death+part/5214925/story.html

Don't wait till death do you part

Wills lawyer Les Kotzer says common-law couples are often shocked to learn that if their partner dies, the survivor is not an automatic beneficiary. "They think if you live together for three years, they're considered a spouse, but that's not the case for inheritance purposes," he says. As pointed out in an earlier column, marriage revokes a will, but living common-law does not.

Jonathan Chevreau, Financial Post · Aug. 6, 2011

For members of the United Church's benefits plans, beneficiary information can be updated by members simply by contacting the Benefits Centre: 1-866-859-5025.