Wills and Estates

Wills and Incapacity Planning

All of the lawyers in our office are well versed in the drafting of wills, trusts, health care authorizations, living wills, powers of attorney and any documents or agreements related to estate needs. Because we have a strong Family Law practice, we also understand the unique estate needs of parties with blended families or who are contemplating a new relationship.

Well thought out and thorough estate planning can assist you and your loved ones from paying unnecessary taxes, as well as smoothing the transfer of assets upon your death. You may not want your assets and estate to pass to one of your relatives and we can ensure that your wishes regarding the disposition of your assets are made clear in your will. Additionally, you may want to have a living will or health care authorization to set out your wishes as to the medical treatment you may require in the future. A power of attorney is usually recommended so that, should you become incapacitated or unable to make decisions on your own behalf regarding your finances, the person you appoint would be empowered to handle all of those matters for you during your lifetime.

We offer the preparation of wills, health care authorizations, living wills and powers of attorney at a flat rate, so please call our office for a quote.

Our office also handles all aspects of estate administration, including applications for probate, letters of administration, passing of accounts and acting as executors or trustees. It is often overwhelming and a difficult time when someone passes away and to have the added burden of administering the estate can be one too many. We offer a free initial consultation on such matters, so please feel free to contact the office for an appointment.

We are experienced in estate litigation and can handle matters under both the Wills Variation Act and the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, which often involve a dispute over assets or property either inside or outside of the deceased’s estate and offer the 1st half hour consultation for $100.00, plus taxes, so please call our offices to book an appointment.

In addition, we are able to process applications for committeeship or adult guardianship and issues that involve the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia. We can help you arrange for the care of a loved-one who is incapable of making decisions on his or her own behalf and can prepare discretionary trust documents for persons with disabilities. We offer the 1st half hour consultation for $100.00, plus taxes, so please call our offices to book an appointment.

Wills, Estates and Succession Act Link http://www.bclaws.ca/civix/document/id/complete/statreg/09013_01