The Okanagan Rail Trail is an incredible display of the Okanagan community, the Province of B.C. and multiple local governments coming together to create a lasting legacy for generations to come. Stretching from Coldstream to Kelowna, the initiative seeks to transform the former CN Rail line into a multi-use transportation corridor, connecting communities throughout the…
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Articles
Bad Blood: How to Prevent a Family Feud After You Die
TagsArticles, Wills & Estate PlanningIt 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…
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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Violated trust: the vulnerability of seniors with dementia
TagsArticles, Wills & Estate PlanningDementia attacks the ability of the mind to make sense of everyday events. It can strip us of our normal common-sense that would normally allow us to pick out individuals that are seeking to take something from us. Family members unfortunately are placed in a position of opportunity to take advantage of persons with dementia.…
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When exactly is your will a will?
TagsArticles, Wills & Estate PlanningUnder the Wills Act, a valid Will had to be in writing signed before two witnesses who also signed the Will at the same time in each others' presence. These requirements were mandatory. If they were not followed, the document was not a Will. Will Estates and Succession Act On March 31, 2014 the Wills…
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