Wills, Trusts & Estates
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Whether you are planning ahead or sorting out the affairs of someone you have lost, we make the next step clear and take the weight off your shoulders.
Thinking about a will is easy to put off. It asks you to picture a day none of us wants to think about, and the legal side can feel like a lot. We get that. Most people who sit down with us are not experts in any of this, and they do not need to be. That is our job.
A good plan is really about the people you love. It says who looks after your children, who handles your affairs, and where your home and savings go, so the people left behind are not guessing or pulled into conflict. It also covers what happens if illness or age means someone needs to step in for you while you are still here.
If you have recently lost someone and feel buried in paperwork and deadlines, you are in the right place too. We help executors and families through probate and estate administration, and we step in when a will is being disputed. We will tell you plainly where you stand and what comes next.
How we can help
Wills
We draft clear, valid wills under BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act so your wishes are written down properly and hold up when they matter.
Powers of Attorney & Representation Agreements
We set up the documents that let someone you trust manage your finances and health decisions if you can no longer do so yourself.
Trusts & Estate Planning
We use trusts and tailored planning to provide for children, family members with disabilities, and blended families, and to keep things simple down the road.
Probate & Estate Administration
We guide executors through the court process and the day to day work of settling an estate, from notifying beneficiaries to paying debts and distributing assets.
Wills Variation & Estate Disputes
If you have been left out or treated unfairly in a will, or you are an executor facing a claim, we explain your options and act on your behalf.
Incapacity Planning
We help you plan ahead for illness or aging so your family is not left applying to court during an already hard time.
Common questions
What makes a will valid in British Columbia?
In general, a will must be in writing, signed by you, and signed by two witnesses who are present when you sign. There are other rules that can affect whether a will stands up, which is why it helps to have it prepared properly. We make sure yours meets the requirements set out in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act.
I have been named executor. What do I actually have to do?
As executor you are responsible for carrying out the will. That can mean applying to court for probate, telling beneficiaries and creditors, paying off debts and taxes, and then distributing what is left. It is a real job with legal duties attached. You do not have to figure it out alone, and we can guide you through each step or handle the heavy lifting for you.
I think I was unfairly left out of a parent's or spouse's will. Can I do anything?
Possibly. In BC, a spouse or child who was not adequately provided for can ask the court to vary a will. There are time limits, and a claim generally must be started within 180 days of the grant of probate, so it is worth speaking with us sooner rather than later so you do not lose the chance to act.
What happens if I become unable to manage my own affairs?
If you have planned ahead with a power of attorney and a representation agreement, the people you chose can step in to manage your finances and health decisions. Without those documents in place, your family may have to apply to court to be appointed, which takes time and money. A short planning session now can spare them that.
What happens if I die without a will in BC?
British Columbia's Wills, Estates and Succession Act sets out who inherits, generally dividing the estate between a surviving spouse and children according to a fixed formula. The result may be very different from what you would have chosen, and the process is often slower and harder on your family. A will puts you back in control.
How often should I update my will?
Review it every few years and after major life events, such as marriage, separation, a new child, a significant purchase or sale, or the death of someone named in it. Many reviews confirm no change is needed. The point is making sure the document still reflects your life and wishes.
What does an executor actually have to do?
An executor gathers the estate's assets, pays debts and taxes, applies for probate where required, and distributes what remains to beneficiaries according to the will. Executors must act in the estate's best interest throughout. It is a real responsibility, and executors are entitled to get professional help along the way.
How long does probate take in BC?
It varies with the complexity of the estate, the completeness of the paperwork, and court registry volumes, so honest answers avoid fixed timelines. Straightforward estates generally move faster than complicated ones. Preparing complete, accurate documents the first time is the single best way to avoid unnecessary delay.
Where should I keep my will?
Somewhere safe, known, and accessible, such as with your lawyer, in a secure spot at home, or in a safety deposit box your executor can access. Tell your executor where it is. In BC you can also register a wills notice so the will's location can be found after death.
Wills, Trusts & Estates across the Lower Mainland
We help clients with wills, trusts & estates matters across the region. Find guidance for your city:
Let's make a plan together
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.