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01/24/2023By Judith A. Janzen
Does a Stepparent Have to Pay Child Support in BC?
When it comes to child support, many people assume that only biological parents are responsible for financially supporting their children. However, the laws su…
01/16/2023By Candace Cho
Father Died Without A Will. Does His Common Law Partner Inherit His Estate?
In BC, if someone dies without a will, WESA sets the order of inheritance. A common-law partner inherits as a spouse only after at least two years of living to…
12/30/2022By Judith A. Janzen
Unjust Enrichment vs Quantum Meruit in British Columbia Law
Short answer: Unjust enrichment has a three-part test: the defendant was enriched, the plaintiff suffered a corresponding deprivation, and there is no juristi…
12/21/2022By Candace Cho
Everything You Should Know About Alter Ego Trusts
When you think about estate planning, your will likely comes to mind. You may also think about powers of attorney and other types of incapacity planning. What…
12/11/2022By Judith A. Janzen
Spousal Rights After Death in BC
Quick answer: Yes. In British Columbia, a family property-division claim under the Family Law Act survives the death of a separated spouse. As confirmed in Wea…
12/10/2022By Judith A. Janzen
Are You Entitled To Spousal Support in BC?
When your marriage comes to an end, are you entitled to spousal support? The answer depends on whether you can establish an entitlement to spousal support on o…
05/19/2022By Candace Cho
Unsigned Will Given Effect Despite Fluctuating Mental State of Will-Maker
In this article we will discuss important points from Gibb Estate (Re), 2021 BCSC 2461 on mental capacity, validity of wills, and the court’s duty to give ef…
04/13/2022By Candace Cho
BC Court Declares Unsigned Will Valid in Landmark Estate Case
In March 2020, the world ground to a halt as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Offices were shuttered and in-person meetings were only permitted for essenti…
04/08/2022By Candace Cho
Adult Guardianship in BC: Resolving Competing Committeeship Petitions and Family Disputes
Dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other medical issues can leave a person unable to look after themselves. When that occurs, a “committee” can be appointed…
04/04/2022By Judith A. Janzen
Court Rejects Daughters’ Claim that Dad and Stepmom Separated Prior to his Death
If spouses separate before one of them dies, there is a right to property division under the Family Law Act at the instance of either the surviving spouse or…