Nowadays, second marriages are not uncommon. This brings us blended families and changes may occur in your estate plan because of this. Generally, a person who is writing a will when a second or third marriage takes place will do his or her best to create a balanced picture. This person tries to appease his […]
Have you contemplated putting an estate plan in place, only to stop because the task seems too daunting and difficult on your own? The law firm of Garton & Harris understands this, and with our extensive knowledge of the subject, we know how to organize your documents, do research on your situation and give you […]
What happens when you are no longer here? What documentation do you have in place that will guide your executor, trustee or the person who has power of attorney over your estate to make sure that your wishes are handled accordingly? Many times, it comes down to the fact that your executor doesn’t even know […]
British Columbia seniors may have questions about what the advantages of having a power of attorney are. You want to know the risks as well. There are certain overriding premises that are found in researching this subject. Having a power of attorney makes it clear to everyone who is responsible for your property, assets and […]
Estate administration is something that every person needs to think about, no matter what type of assets they have, small or large. To the people that you will be leaving your assets to, it is important. No matter if it is the family china or a successful company, if you leave a clear path that […]
The Canadian government wants you to know all about what a power of attorney is and how you use one. A power of attorney is a legal document that you sign, much like a contract, with one or more trusted individuals. This person will have the authority to manage your money and property on your […]
When you begin to face your life’s finances, you begin to see that the end of the road will eventually come for us all and it may be a good idea to get something in place that tells your heirs what you want to happen and who gets what. This is called a will and […]
Estate planning is something that comes about because you have assets that will be left behind when you are no longer here. Getting married a second time should be somewhat of a red flag for you to revisit your estate plan in general. Usually, there are children involved from the first marriage that will need […]
For most British Columbia estate plans, the will is the most important estate planning document. Your will allows you to express what you want to happen with your estate in the event of your incapacitation and/or death. Wills provide important direction as to who shall be named the guardian of your children. They say who […]
Probate fees are defined as valuing all of the assets of your estate. What assets are included in determining the value of your estate for probate fee purposes? How is the value of your assets determined? When you seek to set up an estate plan, you need to be aware that probate fees may come […]
When you are looking at your estate plan and read the news, you know that a lot of people in British Columbia are buying vacation homes in America. The people doing the buying are doing well and are looking for property that will do well for them and their heirs in the future. There are […]
When you are setting up an estate plan, one of the likely activities you will engage in is setting up a trust. What is a trust? A trust is a legal relationship that allows the trustee, whom you name, to hold interest in money, property and other assets for another person’s benefit. This person is […]