Joint Tenancy – don’t give it away too early

On , In Commercial Litigation

Most homeowners will have at least heard of the term “Joint Tenancy”. In British Columbia, when you own property with another person, you can own it as Joint Tenants, or you can own it as Tenants in Common. If you are Joint Tenants, you share the property completely and equally. If you are Tenants in […]


Buried, Burned or Frozen – What’s Your Preference?

On , In Estate Administration

Many of us do not dwell very long on the topic of how we wish our remains to be dealt with after we pass away. When I finally turned my mind to this question, I was fascinated with the many different beliefs, positions and options available. One surprising fact that I came across is that here […]


Risky business: Do waivers offer complete immunity from liability?

On , In Business Law

It’s fantastic being able to live in the Okanagan with all the sports and recreational activities to choose from in our all-season playground.  Of course, some activities can involve slightly more risk for those of us with a thrill-seeking character.  Undoubtedly, most people have been presented with a liability waiver for themselves or their children […]


David H. Pihl, Q.C., appointed to roster of civil mediators

On , In Announcements

Pihl Law Corporation is proud to announce that Mr. David H. Pihl, Q.C., has been appointed as a qualified civil mediator to Mediate BC Society’s Roster of Civil Mediators. A well-trained, knowledgeable mediator can be an integral part in settling disputes quickly and inexpensively, and Mr. Pihl is pleased to expand his existing successful law […]


The right to die: which deathbed decisions do you need to consider?

On , In Estate Administration

As you may be aware, the Supreme Court of British Columbia recently made a ruling on Physician Assisted Suicide in the case of Carter v. Canada (Attorney General), 2012 BCSC 886. The Court found that the law against assisting a person to commit suicide was unconstitutional, as it violated the right of equality under the […]


TELUS Community Board Donation to Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs

On , In Announcements

TELUS Community Board members Sean Pihl and Al Tiller are seen presenting a cheque for $6,000 to the Okanagan Boys and Girls Clubs, a donation from the TELUS Thompson Okanagan Community Board. The funding is aimed at the organization’s Youth Leadership and Empowerment program and will help to ensure that youth in the Okanagan have […]


How do you disinherit someone in BC?

On , In Estate Administration

I have written before about British Columbia’s Wills Variation Act and the requirement in our province to make “adequate provision” in our wills for our spouse and children. This time, I will talk about the justification that the Court needs in order to respect your wishes to disinherit your spouse or children. British Columbia recognizes […]


It’s mine and I’ll leave it to whomever I please!

On , In Estate Administration

You can’t take it with you, but you can leave behind instructions in a will. The question is, will your instructions be followed? If you have decided to disinherit your children, or to cut your spouse out of the will, perhaps not. Adequate Provisions In British Columbia, we have an act called the Wills Variation […]


Oh Behave! In a strata complex, the rules rule

On , In Commercial Litigation

If you live in a strata complex you don’t have to love your neighbours or even like them but you do have to treat them properly according to your rules. Recently a judge ordered a family in a strata complex in Surrey to sell their unit and move.  This family had been the subject of […]