How much do you stand to save by preparing a will based on a will kit, or with a notary as compared to a wills and estates lawyer? It is true that there are likely savings to be found and you stand to save even more if you don’t even prepare a will (around half…
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An 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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What 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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The probate process is a court application seeking an order from the Supreme Court of B.C. which confirms the legality of your Will, recognizes the executor in your Will as the person legally responsible to administer your estate, and requires the executor to administer and distribute your estate according to your Will. The court proceeding…
Read MoreJoint ownership is a topic that comes up frequently in estate planning practice. When two or more people own property in “joint tenancy”, each owner has an undivided interest in the entire property. When one of the owners dies, the property will automatically pass to the surviving owner(s). Joint ownership is attractive because a grant…
Read MoreLet me set the scene. You are the executor of your Aunt Etna’s estate. Her only son disowned her when he was in his twenties as he wanted to open a dog tattoo business and she was not as supportive of his dreams as he would have liked. Let’s call him Waldo. You had a…
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