Doctors may have more of a say in what happens to their patients’ estates than most people thought. British Columbia doctors may be called upon to testify in court as to the mental capacity of patients during the time wills were made. This usually happens after a patient has died, but in some instances, a physician’s advice […]
The terms advanced care planning and living wills are used interchangeably. But in British Columbia, and indeed in all of Canada, living wills is an American-coined term and has no legal status in Canada. That doesn’t mean to say Canadians cannot make plans in the event they are not able to communicate their wishes regarding […]
When business owners are no longer of this mortal coil, it’s extremely important that they have left behind a will. Wills are important for every adult in British Columbia, but when someone owns a business, it’s crucial to everyone associated with it — family members, employees, managers and co-owners — that the business can survive […]
There may be instances when British Columbia residents think it would save money to purchase “Do It Yourself” (DIY) wills kits, but that may not be the wisest decision. Whether it’s to try to save money, or to save time, DIY wills may cost residents more time and money in the long run. One thing is […]
Having more than one will has a very limited purpose. Multiple wills help reduce the overall value of assets that have to pass through probate in an uncontested will situation. The multiple-will technique has been used in Ontario to reduce exposure to probate taxes in that province, but it’s somewhat different in British Columbia. In one particular […]
Planning what to leave whom after death can be an emotionally fraught task, especially if children are in the picture. But wills don’t just have to include children. In fact in British Columbia — and all of Canada — folks don’t have to leave anything to their kids if they choose not to. Some movies […]
Families like the Brady Bunch might have been unusual back in the 1960s and 70s, but blended families are becoming the norm in today. There are many changes to get used to when two families are brought together. The need for two-family parents in British Columbia to have wills is essential when it comes to […]
Many people these days are taking steps to plan for the end of their lives. Part of the planning process includes getting a will, and in British Columbia it’s especially important to have the right documents in place. Unlike in some provinces — Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia for exanple — living wills, which spell out end-of-life instructions, […]
The elderly are often prime targets to take advantage of, so they need to have protection from being potential prey to unscrupulous financial abusers. British Columbia’s aging citizens become more vulnerable to financial abuse the older they get. However, there are safeguards these trusting souls can put into place to prevent a financial disaster, one […]
When a parent dies, there are many uncomfortable things an adult child must endure. The loved one may have suffered through a long illness that was difficult to watch, or the funeral may have been particularly emotional. Before the dust even settles, however, the matters of estate and probate administration begin, including some of the […]
When most people in British Columbia think about estate planning, they probably focus on what will happen to their assets after they pass away. Some especially astute men and women may also recognize the value of granting power of attorney to a trusted loved one in case they lose the ability to make decisions for […]
For nearly every task imaginable there is a professional one can hire to get the job done. Although some people prefer a do-it-yourself approach to life, there are some jobs best left to those with proper skills and training. The writing of wills is a great example; it is possible to make one’s own will, […]