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 […]
In March of 2014, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act made estate administration and probate a more simplified process. Now, testators have a modern and easy to understand resource for learning about the laws that govern estates and wills in British Columbia and other Canadian provinces. Ideally, WESA will make estate administration and even probate […]
Have you put any thought into what will happen to your assets and debt when you are no longer here? Who will take care of getting your last and final payments? Who will sell your home? How will your property be divided? Everyone needs a will, no matter what the size your estate. Talking this […]
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that allows someone besides you to act on your behalf in case you become incapacitated. The term “attorney” means that a person or some persons have been chosen by you to act on your behalf. This person doesn’t have to be a lawyer. There are different types […]
You may not think that you need a will. After all, your estate is pretty small and you know that you have told everyone who gets what. Believe it or not, a will is needed for any estate. Have you seen in the news or experienced it first-hand when someone’s loved one dies and the […]
If you have ever been involved when a loved one has died without a will and had no will or power of attorney, you know how convoluted it can be. The property this person owned had to be probated by the British Columbian court system and this can literally take months if not years. All […]
As you go through life, the longer you live, the more you realize that there may be times when you can’t make decisions for yourself. You need someone to do that for you. This includes paying bills, managing assets and handling your health care decisions. Assigning someone as a power of attorney, someone you trust […]
Did you know that if you die without a will or an estate plan in place, this is called intestacy? The laws of Canada are very specific about what happens to your assets and property if you die without a will. There is a pattern that is followed, by law, when this happens. If you […]
While the law doesn’t require you to have a power of attorney in place, it may be a good idea to have someone legally named so that if something happens and you can’t make decisions for yourself, you have someone you trust looking out for your best interests. The term “attorney” means a person or […]
Putting a will in place just makes good sense, no matter how wealthy or poor you are. You have valuable things that your heirs want to keep in the family. Ensuring that they get what it is they most want ought to be on the top of list for you at this stage of the […]