People can feel overwhelmed by the number of choices they must make when drawing up estate plans. It can be particularly difficult when one’s plans include strategies to increase the value of their estate, such as using trusts to hold…
The Covid-19 pandemic and related lockdowns unfortunately resulted in a wave of divorces in British Columbia and around the world. In British Columbia, couples who already agree on the terms of their divorce can file for a desk order divorce.…
In November 2020, BC's new Land Owner Transparency Act (LOTA) came into force. The Act creates new disclosure obligations for owners of real estate in the province. It has a very broad scope and could impact many people. Keep reading…
In BC, there are strict rules that govern when a will can be deemed a valid will. Wills must be (1) in writing, (2) signed and (3) witnessed by two or more people. When the testator’s intentions are clear, courts…
An estate executor must act in the best interests of the beneficiaries as part of their responsibilities. Executors have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interest of beneficiaries, regardless of their personal relationship. Sometimes, the executor and beneficiaries…
Within 50 years of marriage, an estimated 40% of unions will culminate in divorce. The Covid-19 pandemic has only amplified these unfortunate numbers. Although many partners navigate the divorce process amicably, the legal aspects and court appearances can generate unique…
When a loved one passes away unexpectedly, it may leave family and friends without any idea of who should plan the funeral or what the deceased’s preferences would have been. As a general rule of thumb, the deceased’s estate executor…
Unfortunately, it’s common that at some point in your life you will require someone else to make decisions on your behalf – whether those decisions are financial, legal or health related. Before an illness or injury renders you incapable, you…
A BC woman found dead without any legal will written in her name left a hand-written note in her car explaining her final wishes for how she wanted her estate to be distributed. The question before the courts was whether…
A Vancouver couple divorced after 17 years of marriage, and later had a dispute over the spousal support payments they had agreed to in their divorce agreement. After the divorce, their three children spent most of their time living with…
