Sometimes, a person’s estate isn't large enough to pay all of the debt they owe to creditors from their lifetime. This is called an insolvent estate. When this happens, loved ones and beneficiaries are often worried that they will be…
If you’ve recently been named as a beneficiary of a will for the first time in your life, you’re probably wondering what you have to do to receive your inheritance. In some cases, beneficiaries don’t even know that they are…
Sometimes, a lawyer’s file containing notes and documents written during the testator’s will-writing process can be helpful in resolving litigation. However, lawyers aren’t always able to release this information. Lawyers have a certain degree of confidentiality they must adhere to.…
Probating a will and proving a will in solemn form are two different legal concepts which can be easily confused. Probating a will, known as proving a will in common form, proves your will is real and properly prepared. Conversely,…
Relocating to a new country means adapting to its estate laws. Your old will may not be valid there. It might need significant updates, or even a complete rewrite to ensure its validity in your new home. But, what about…
Executors have several responsibilities when administering an estate. This includes accounting for all assets, debts, and money exchanges coming into and out of the estate. When the executor is ready to distribute to beneficiaries, they are typically required to provide…
In a tragic incident at Grouse Mountain in 2016, an Australian snowboarder (Apps) seriously injured his spine after an accident on the mountain, resulting in him becoming a quadriplegic. The snowboarder, sued Grouse Mountain Resorts (Grouse) for negligence and breach…
While BC has relatively generous estate laws for children who have been unfairly disinherited, estate planning or litigation can become complicated for families who have either adopted children or given children up for adoption. When there are no valid reasons…
Old age, injury, and mental illness are some factors that can leave an adult incapable of making legally binding decisions. Before a person loses capacity, they can name a power of attorney and create a representation agreement in their will.…
Unfortunately, elderly parents and grandparents can be easy targets for financial abuse as people try to take advantage of their elder’s mental state. Especially with estate-related matters, family and friends have been found to unduly influence the elderly, tricking them…
