Mediation Works in Estate Matters
As the Scottish Bard, Robbie Bruns, said, “the best laid schemes of Mice and Men, go oft awry.” In other words, even the most carefully prepared plans can, and sometimes do, go wrong. Estate [...]
Representation Agreements
A Representation Agreement is a document that allows an adult to choose a person (or persons) to make decisions for them. It is similar to an Enduring Power of Attorney in that regard, but it [...]
Contested Wills Expected To Become More Common
Disputes about wills and inheritances may be set to grow dramatically in the coming years. According to CBC News, a confluence of various factors is setting the stage for an increase in contested [...]
Medical Assistance in Dying
The Federal House of Commons passed Bill C-14 in 2016 which amended the Criminal Code to provide an exemption to the law that made it a criminal offence to assist someone to commit suicide. The [...]
Many Family Members Rely on an Anticipated Inheritance
Canada has already started to see the biggest inter-generational transfer of wealth in its history, as Baby Boomers look set to inherit the wealth of their aging parents. In fact, most Canadians [...]
Joint Bank Accounts
The Supreme Court of Canada considered two cases involving joint holdings with children and the presumption of advancement. Pecore v. Pecore, [2007] 1 S.C.R. 795, 2007 SCC 17 and Madsen Estate v. [...]
Contesting A Will Or An Estate
I. Introduction There are a numbers of ways to “contest” a will or estate – challenge the validity of the Will, vary the terms of the Will or make another type of claim against the estate. The [...]
Duties Of A Personal Representative*
* This is not an exhaustive list, but are applicable to most estates. Note: Do not meddle with the estate if you plan to renounce your right to probate. Make the funeral arrangements (usually the [...]
The 10 Most Often Asked Questions About Powers Of Attorney In British Columbia
1) What Is A Power Of Attorney? This is a document that allows a person (called an attorney) or persons to handle the financial and legal affairs of another person (called a donor). It does not [...]
