When someone is no longer able to care for their own financial well-being, a designated individual takes over. The financial power of attorney is an important tool to help British Columbia seniors and their families ensure finances are taken care of even if capacity diminishes. But, deciding when it is appropriate to turn control of finances wholly […]
Those who are planning for the succession of their wealth often focus on real estate, bank accounts, beloved items and dependants in their estate plans. However, an increasing number of less tangible assets are making their way into British Columbia wills. Digital assets, a term for access to accounts and technology that may carry financial or emotional value, is a growing […]
Having an estate plan is vitally important for all adults regardless of their circumstances. In fashioning an estate plan, British Columbia residents must keep in mind who will be involved in estate administration once the time comes and there are a few things to think about when choosing an executor — especially if the executor […]
Having a comprehensive estate plan is a wise move for every individual, especially when children are involved. British Columbia residents, however, who have adult children living stateside should have another look at their wills to ensure all legal aspects are met and that there won’t be issues when the time comes for those wills to come into […]
Talking about an inheritance may not be the easiest discussion parents will ever have with their adult children. Speaking to children about wills and other estate planning documents may not be pleasant, but it is necessary. British Columbia residents who want to keep peace in their families when they’re gone should really discuss who will […]
Some couples may have lived together for years, yet choose to remain unmarried. Things are different today than they were decades ago and it has become socially acceptable for couples to live in common law unions. But some things still aren’t so easy for such couples and one of them involves estate planning so that estate […]
Individuals who choose someone to act on their behalf want to avoid potential horror stories at all costs. British Columbia residents who are choosing someone to act on a power of attorney should be mindful of what it takes to do the job. One of the issues they could come up against is whether a […]
Life moves quickly. Everyone is caught up in living his or her own life and often very little attention is paid to the future and to the unforeseen events that might happen. British Columbia residents need to take some time out of their busy schedules to consider fashioning their wills as well as other estate […]
Fraud has long been associated with some aspects of estate planning. British Columbia residents who are planning their estates and deciding on someone to look after their power of attorney should take the time to make a prudent decision and choose someone they trust implicitly. A power of attorney is an extremely potent document and […]
The probate process is when a court declares a will to be valid, and authorizes the named executor to administer the estate. It’s an important step in the estate administration process – but many people may not realize they need to perform this step. The average person is most likely not familiar with estate laws, […]
Taxes are something about which most adults are concerned. It’s no different when it comes to estate planning. An individual who has been tasked with estate administration duties in British Columbia needs to have some knowledge of how RRSPs and RRIFs are taxed after a person’s death. The values of both are usually included in […]
It may be very appealing for one to think about writing one’s own will. But there are many reasons it might not be the best idea. When it comes to writing wills in British Columbia, there are laws to which a testator must adhere and not being aware of what those are could render a […]