The process of preparing and writing a Will can be daunting. Not only because clients think the process is complicated and emotionally taxing. But also, because people find writing a will constitutes something existential; an acknowledgment that we will not always be...
Why a Will Is Important at Any Age
A Will is important for everyone to have at any age. If one dies without a will, that is called dying “intestate,” and there are laws (WESA) that govern what will happen to any of your assets or minor children, but how it plays out may not be what you want or intend....
What Is a Representation Agreement, and How Can a British Columbia Notary Help
Whether or not it’s nice to admit, aging and accidents are an inevitable part of life. The best one can do is to be prepared, and a little bit of foresight and proactive planning can save one’s family members from having to spend a lot of money to be able to...
Resolutions to Get Your Estate in Order
While many often have extravagant plans as part of their new year’s resolutions, few take the new year as an opportunity to get their estate in order. However, leaving your will preparations untouched could put your loved ones in a stressful situation if anything were...
How Do I Write My Own Will?
FREE TIPS on WRITING YOUR OWN WILL (Based on WESA – BC, Canada Legislation) This is not a legal advice, but general guidelines about writing a Will in BC, Canada. Thinking about a Will can be emotional and maybe that is the reason we all drag to...
Why Are Canadians Rushing to Make a Will?
In an unusual surprise for Notary Publics, Canadians are rushing to make a Will these days. You may wonder why there is a rush on wills. Here are some of the reasons. COVID-19 Unknowns There is so much that we don’t know about the current pandemic. COVID-19 appears to...
What Assets Should Be Included in Your Will?
If you are in the process of updating your Will or drafting a Will for the first time, you may wonder what assets should be included in it. Here are some guidelines: 1. Assets held in your own name alone. If you have assets, like bank accounts or real estate property...
What Is a Wills Notice Search?
After you make your will, you might think it is automatically filed with the government. In fact, the will document itself is not filed anywhere. Rather, it remains private until the death of the will maker. To keep track of wills in British Columbia, the provincial...
Advance Directives and Representation Agreements
Don’t delay personal planning if you become seriously ill. Being diagnosed with a serious illness can be emotionally trying—for you and your family and friends. Still, it’s important to take a few minutes and consider your personal planning options. Every illness...
What Is a Spouse? How Courts Award Spousal Benefits Under BC Estate Law
You probably have a clear-cut idea of what makes a spouse. A marriage certificate with both your names is a good start. So is sharing a home for at least two years. For the courts, however, determining spousal status isn’t always simple. Recent rulings based on the...