Category: Construction of a Will
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Can Siblings Contest A Will?
When a parent passes away and the will doesn’t reflect what family members expected, a question inevitably comes up: can siblings actually contest the will or their parent’s estate? Yes, siblings can contest a will, but only under specific legal grounds and only if they have legal standing to bring a claim. While the process […]
Is Probate Necessary If There Is A Will?
When a loved one passes away, one of the first questions families ask is: “Is it necessary to go through probate if there is a will?” The short answer is that most often, yes. Having a last will and testament does not automatically mean you can avoid probate. In British Columbia, whether probate is required […]
How to Avoid Probate in BC
Estate planning in BC can feel complex, but having clear goals makes the process much simpler. If you want to avoid probate in BC, there are effective strategies to reduce or bypass it, lowering fees and easing estate administration. You can achieve this by using joint ownership, naming beneficiaries on accounts and insurance policies, creating […]
How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will in BC?
A will is a legally binding document that sets out how your assets will be distributed after your death, ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are cared for. The cost of making a will in BC can range from about $40 for an online DIY option to $450 to $650 through a […]
If You’re Named in a Will, Do You Get a Copy? Your Rights in BC
Quick answer: There is no formal reading of the will in British Columbia. As part of applying for probate, the executor must send written notice to everyone named in the will and to anyone who would inherit under BC’s intestacy rules. Beneficiaries are entitled to a copy of the will and to know what they […]
Dying Without a Will in BC
Short answer: When someone dies without a will in BC, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act decides who inherits, not the family. A spouse, including a common-law partner of at least two years, takes the first $300,000 (or $150,000 if the children aren’t also theirs), then splits the rest with the children. The court appoints […]
What Assets Are Not Subject To Probate In BC?
The issue of probate can be confusing. When you are preparing your will or thinking about your getting your estate plan in place, you will almost certainly have questions surrounding BC probate. Will a probate application be needed? How much are BC probate fees? Are there steps you can take to reduce probate fees or […]
Challenge a Will in BC
A Last Will and Testament is made so that the instructions and wishes of the will-maker are followed after their death. What happens when surviving family members or other beneficiaries dispute the will or question whether the will is legally valid? A will can be challenged after the will-maker has died—but legal action is only […]
Can a Will Be Changed Without the Executor Knowing?
Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While you don’t necessarily have to inform your executor of any potential changes to your will, it is not recommended. Wills are fundamental tools in estate planning that allow you to maintain control over your legacy. A […]
Can a Will be Changed After Death in British Columbia?
Do you want to ensure that your loved ones are adequately provided for when you die? Preparing a will creates peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and that your family members will be taken care of. If you die without a will, you have no control over who administers your estate […]