Wills & Estates

People frequently come to us and say, I just want a simple will”. They then inform us of their circumstances and intentions. In a great many cases, there are several elements that cry out for estate planning that goes beyond a “simple will”. For blended families (couples in which one or both has children from…

It is unfortunately common for people, particularly young adults, to neglect putting in place estate and incapacity planning documents. As we have discussed in a previous post, most adults would be well advised to put an enduring power of attorney in place. Not having one can have unfortunate and expensive consequences.  Today however, we will…

If you live in British Columbia and you own a pet, you may wish to consider making specific arrangements to provide for your non-human family members upon your passing. Despite how much we pet loving folks care about our pets and consider them to be part of our family, they are considered our property as…

In this day and age of electronic storage of documents, there are still certain documents the need to be kept in their paper form. Your will and power of attorney are documents that need to be produced in their original form in order to be recognized.   Accordingly, they should be stored by you safely.…

Most people have heard the term “probate” before, but may not have a clear understanding as to what probating a will entails. When a will maker dies with a will and the estate owns assets that require probate in order to be transferred, an order of the court must be obtained. This order is commonly…

Let’s face it, having a Will prepared is not necessarily a priority item for most people under 65. When we are younger, death seems a far off notion that we spend little time thinking about. However, consider what the state your affairs would be in should you be in an accident or have a life…

Most people have heard the term power of attorney (POA) before but may not fully understand the use and intent of such a document. A power of attorney allows for the appointment of another person to manage your financial affairs on your behalf. Usually the power granted is broad and could encompass allowing someone to…

This is an issue that you start to think about more often as you age, watch your children get married, have children, and as your own parent age and eventually pass. Your will can be the most important and far reaching document you will ever sign. But the larger issue is what is referred to…