Most people believe they should be fair when writing their estate plans. But when a British Columbia testator (one who writes a will) doesn’t have children of his or her own and would like to leave assets to nieces and nephews, he or she may feel like those assets should be divided equally among those […]
When choosing someone to look after their affairs when they are incapable, Canadians have to keep a few things in mind. Those who hold a financial power of attorney in British Columbia are in positions of authority over someone else’s money, so choosing a person who is trustworthy and knows something about finances is pretty […]
Many couples think that the process of separating from each other will automatically change their wills, powers of attorney, insurance beneficiaries, representation agreements and trusts. It does not. The two ex-spouses are in for a rude shock. If they do not actively change these documents, their ex-spouse will remain the beneficiary of their wills and […]
The 21st century is no doubt the technological age. Many legal documents are actually executed online using an electronic signature. But when it comes to wills, it’s not that easy for British Columbia residents. Actually, all Canadians can electronically sign invoices, quotes, proposals, contracts and many other kinds of documents. Wills, however, are another story. […]
People who have worked hard all their lives and have several accounts with sizable assets — like life insurance policies or retirement savings plans — still need to plan their estates. British Columbia residents who have beneficiaries attached to these assets still need to write wills to streamline the process of disseminating specified assets when […]
It’s important to plan for the inevitable. Estate planning should be a part of every adult British Columbia resident’s life, but for many people writing wills is the last thing on their radar. When they do think of it, they might resort to doing it the best way they believe is possible. Some turn to […]
When a person receives the diagnosis of dementia, his or her world changes. There are so many things to consider, especially when the diagnosis is made early on. In British Columbia, it is important for people who have dementia to take action to protect themselves financially and that includes having a power of attorney in […]
Unmarried seniors who have no children or extended family members may have an issue when it comes to their estates. If these British Columbia residents don’t have family, who then will look after their estate administration when it’s a job usually relegated to adult children or some other family member? Naming a corporate executor is […]
The elderly are one of the most vulnerable groups in society. It is especially devastating when the individuals who are taking advantage of seniors are the very people seniors most trust. A power of attorney is a very powerful document in British Columbia that grants a great amount of authority to an individual or individuals […]
Planning a well-rounded, legally sound estate goes a long way to keeping the peace in the family. By the same token, estate plans in British Columbia with wills that are poorly written and unclear may cause family angst that need not have happened, especially when there is a lot of stake. The last thing anyone would […]