BC Couple Enforces Contract Promising Inheritance
If a person agrees to leave someone an inheritance in a will, then does not do so, is the agreement enforceable? Contracts to bequeath property on death…
Cultural Tradition Favouring Sons Rejected by BC Courts
Equal treatment of siblings is not always required when dividing an estate in BC. However, variation of a will may be in order if unequal treatment of…
BC Wills Variation Claim Nets Increased Inheritance for Only Child
In BC, if a child is disinherited by a parent or left only a modest benefit, that child can bring a wills variation claim. The parent’s reasons…
BC Court Finds Father had Good Reason to Disinherit Two Sons
If you have been left out of your parent’s will or not treated equally when compared with your siblings, it may be open to you to bring…
Spite Not a “Valid and Rational” Reason to Disinherit a Child
Wills variation proceedings are often brought about by estrangement, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings within a family. Enns v. Gordon Estate, 2018 BCSC 705 shows how family grudges…
BC Court Refuses Disinherited Daughter’s Wills Variation Claim
A spouse or child who is left out of a will can bring a wills variation claim, which requires the court to consider the reason for disinheritance….
Who Caused the Estrangement that led Father to Disinherit Daughter?
In cases where a parent disinherits an adult child, the BC courts will examine the relationship between the parent and child and consider a number of factors,…
Can a Suicide Note be a Valid Will?
In certain circumstances a handwritten document can be effective as a valid will, as our Vancouver estate lawyers have discussed. Similarly, under the right conditions, a handwritten…
Dispute over Mother’s Mental Capacity Gives Rise to Vancouver Litigation
Family disputes can be significantly exacerbated by the heavy weight of dealing with an ailing parent. Family members can become mired in conflict over whether a loved…
BC Committeeship: Court-Appointed Decision-Maker for Adult who Lacks Capacity
The BC population is aging, and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and related disorders are on the rise. Over the years, our BC estate litigation team has written extensively…