One of the most important things about a will is having the ability to change or revoke the document. When mutual wills are prepared correctly, the option to change a will may disappear. That does not necessarily mean that mutual wills are a bad idea for you and your spouse, but it does mean you […]
A power of attorney is an extremely powerful tool when it comes to estate planning. It can serve, support and protect a person’s very best interests. However, in the wrong hands, a power of attorney can create an obstacle-free pathway to elder financial abuse. It is safe to say that almost no British Columbia citizen […]
For most British Columbia citizens, being named as an estate executor is an honour. Executors take this responsibility seriously and want to do right by the deceased. Unfortunately, the depth of an estate executor’s duties can quickly overwhelm a person. If you have been named as executor or if you are in the process of […]
It is clear that you love your pet and want to make sure the animal is well cared for if you should die first. Unfortunately, in Canada, pets are considered property and are thus ineligible to be named as a beneficiary. In fact, you cannot even leave your pets gifts in your will and pet […]
Many older British Columbia residents have a poor understanding of financial powers of attorney. Conversely, some of the people who are appointed to serve as “attorney” in these documents do not understand them very well either. It is essential that everyone involved with a power of attorney know and understand what they are, how they […]
Whether you are creating an estate plan or been named to fill a role in another person’s estate, you will benefit from understanding some of the tools people include in their plans. One of these tools is a power of attorney. This document gives a person the power to make important decisions on behalf of […]
It is impossible to give you a precise figure as the total of any fees will be based on the value of the estate. However, you can likely calculate an estimate of any fees required for probate by educating yourself about the process. Alternatively, you can speak with a British Columbia lawyer practicing in the […]
Recently in our blog, we spoke about the grounds on which a citizen of British Columbia can challenge a will. In that post, we listed several of these grounds along with a brief explanation of what they mean. Now, we would like to focus on what a bereaved family member should do if he or […]
Representation agreement is a term clients looking into estate planning often hear. With all the terminology associated with estate planning, it can be difficult for the ordinary person to keep up. It is a good idea to explore all of the options available to you and asking questions is a great way to learn more. […]
Being the executor of a will comes with several challenges. Having to probate the estate can increase these challenges, leaving the executor feeling overwhelmed. However, like most everything, there is a method to the madness one may feel when probate is at issue. The best advice is to remain calm, seek help from an experienced […]
Contesting a will in Canada, including the British Columbia province, is no easy matter. In fact, it is often difficult and frustrating and generally requires legal assistance in order to be successful. If you think about it, it is a good thing that it is not a simple affair. The difficulty means only those who […]
Over the decades, the medical sciences have made advancements that help people enjoy longer and healthier lives. However, the unthinkable can still happen and you or someone you love could end up on life support or become incapable of making medical decisions. Medical science now offers the means of keeping people alive for an extended […]