People usually have a good understandings of the basic principles of writing a will. Your will allows you to ensure your assets are managed according to your wishes after your death. However, there are many different types of testamentary documents…
Sometimes, will writers are aware that a gift in their will is going to cause conflict between loved ones and could lead to litigation after their passing. Will writers can create an in terrorem clause to help prevent legal conflict…
In BC, most will-writers should expect to have their will go through the probate process. This is a process where the courts verify that the will is real and legally valid. When a will goes through probate, the estate must…
Those involved with estate administration may have seen the phrases “per stirpes” or “per capita” in a will and wondered what they mean. Generally, these terms clarify how a gift will be distributed if the originally beneficiary passes away before…
Due to the nature of estate planning, it’s important that any errors are identified before it’s too late. By the time the plan is executed, the testator has already passed away and is unable to clarify any ambiguities. In this…
It’s not uncommon for will writers to want to make changes to their will at some point. In fact, will writers are encouraged to frequently review their wills and make changes where necessary. Sometimes, will writers are in a different…
It’s not uncommon for people to make loans to their family or close friends. Common reasons include helping with a down payment on a house or to kickstart a new business venture. However, many people don’t consider what would happen…
Name changes are common, whether due to personal reasons or marital status. If someone has changed their name and is listed in a will, they might wonder how it affects their inheritance. In a lot of cases, the answer to…
When people choose to write their own wills without the assistance of a professional, it’s not uncommon for there to be vague, non-legally binding provisions in the will. Words and statements that are expressions of wishes are precatory provisions. Precatory…
People are increasingly mobile – many are born in one country, go to school in another, and retire abroad. After living in a number of different countries, legally, where is home? While the answer might seem obvious to you, this…
