It is sad but true: disagreements between family members can and often do arise. They typically fester, simmering just beneath the surface, for years. All it takes is the right trigger to make them rise to the surface with vigor. As an estate lawyer, I’ve seen it time and again and a family member getting…
Read MoreStrata Property: Why ‘Special Levy’ is a dirty word(s)
TagsArticles, Strata Property LawIf you live in a condo, townhouse, or other strata property, or if you’re thinking of buying one, you may want to get familiar with the term ‘special levy’. A special levy is money collected from strata lot owners for a specific purpose and for a common expense. They are often collected when a large…
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Fort McMurray Relief
TagscommunityThe team at Doak Shirreff raised money within the firm and the community for the Canadian Red Cross to help residents of Fort McMurray affected by the 2016 wildfire. Funds helped open emergency shelters, deliver critical relief supplies, and provide financial assistance to families in need.
Read MoreShannon Christensen & Mamas for Mamas | In Focus Spotlight
TagsCommunity SupportDoak Shirreff is the sponsor of a community featured called "In Focus" on KelownaNow.com. Each weekday, a new person is featured in a Q&A profile, giving the community an opportunity to learn more about the great people who make Kelowna a wonderful place to live and work. As part of our partnership with KelownaNow, Doak…
Read MoreGiving Blood: A Truly Special Way to Give Back
TagsArticles, Community Support, UncategorizedOne of the values that our firm prides itself on is giving back to the community, something we do in a number of different ways. One example of our community commitment is our participation in the Partners for Life program at Canadian Blood Services, a voluntary program for organizations and businesses to donate blood. By…
Read MoreTop 10 Do’s and Don’ts of High-Net-Worth Divorce
TagsArticles, Divorce, Family LawHigh-net-worth divorce is expensive. A quick skim of celebrity divorces serves as a cautionary tale for all, but particularly for wealthy individuals who enjoy the lifestyle of the rich, and sometimes famous. One of the world’s most expensive divorces was between Bernie Ecclestone, the CEO of Formula One Group, and Slavica Ecclestone in 2009. That…
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Kelowna Lawyer Proud to Work with Mamas for Mamas Charity
TagsArticles, Community SupportThis February, I had the honour of being named “Mama of the Month” by the non-profit organization Mamas for Mamas. Mamas for Mamas is a local organization dedicated to providing ongoing support to low income mothers who are struggling with poverty and marginalization, including the often overlooked “working poor”. So, what did I do to…
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Leaving Your Estate to a Pet
TagsArticles, Estate Litigation, Wills & Estate PlanningAn Estate plan will usually involve leaving your assets to family members, friends, and/or charities. However, what about those furry members of your family? Although not common, an increasing number of Canadians are writing provisions for their pets in their Wills, to ensure that their “fur-babies” are well taken care of after they pass. A…
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Protecting the Vulnerable: Committeeship in BC
TagsArticles, Estate Litigation, Real Estate and Transactions, Wills & Estate PlanningWhat is a Committee? A Committee (pronounced Caw-mi-tee) is a person, trust company, or the Public Guardian and Trustee (“PGT”) who is appointed by the Supreme Court of BC to act as a Guardian and to make decisions for an adult who cannot manage themselves or their finances. You or a family member may need…
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On the Lawn
TagscommunityJohn, Zachary, Kate, Kristin, and Alison attended this fundraiser for Elevation Outdoors. Turns out we're all terrible lawn bowlers but we had a great time and helped raise money for a great cause.
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