Father Disinherits Daughters in a Misguided Attempt to Punish Them
A Will can be a last opportunity for a parent to do right by a child. In a recent BC estate matter, a father instead used his…
Charitable Gift in BC Will Leads to Estate Litigation
Many people leave gifts to charitable organizations in their Wills. BC sisters in Galloway Estate v. British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 2021…
Punitive Special Costs in BC Committeeship Proceedings
It is common in committeeship disputes for families and loved ones to have diametrically opposed views of the best interests of the patient. Disagreements about the best interests…
Court Appoints Administrator to Investigate $5 Million Vancouver Estate Litigation Claim
A person who is left out of a will may believe he or she has a valid claim, but not have access to the evidence required to…
Disinherited Second Wife’s Lawsuit Against Her Stepchildren Dismissed
Transferring property into joint tenancy for estate planning purposes often leads to family disputes and in some cases, litigation. For example, a parent may add their adult…
Family of BC Senior with Dementia Sues Alleged Financial Predator
Predatory marriage is a form of elder abuse that is on the rise. In addition to being conned into marriage by opportunistic predators, vulnerable seniors are taken…
Will Not Updated Post-Separation, But Former Spouse Still Inherits Ex’s Estate
When married or common-law partners cease to be spouses, s. 56(2) of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, S.B.C. 2009, c. 13 (“WESA”) automatically revokes testamentary gifts…
Too Late for Mother to “Change Her Mind” After Gifting House to Daughter
A mother signed the paperwork to transfer ownership of her home to her daughter. No money was paid by the daughter when the transfer was made. A…
Legal Presumption Determines Outcome of BC Estate Dispute Among Siblings
A recent BC estate dispute between a brother and sister over their father’s estate demonstrates the importance of proving intention when it comes to gifts of property…
Father Died. No Will. Does Live-In Girlfriend Inherit His Estate?
The rules of intestacy set out how an estate is to be distributed if a person dies with no will. BC law gives the largest share of…