One of the more difficult parts of Estate Planning involves naming a guardian for your children. The task of appointing someone to care for your minor child (under 19 years in B.C.) after you are gone can be an understandably difficult decision to make. Nonetheless, this is a decision that will be critical in the…
An executor is the person named in a Will to carry out the directions contained in the Will. The executor is responsible for settling the person’s affairs after death and is accountable to the beneficiaries and those entitled to benefit from an estate. If you are asked by a will maker to act as an…
When your child is under the age of majority, you — as the parent or legal guardian of your child — get to make various decisions on their behalf and plan for your child’s future. However, this changes when your child becomes an adult. The age at which a child passes into adulthood varies from…
It’s that time of year to set new goals and to strive for positive change to build the life you want today and in the future. Many of us make resolutions to eat healthier, quit smoking, or to get organized. In addition to tackling these ambitious goals, it’s a great time of year to contemplate…
Practical advice on how to really help those living with loss. As an Estate lawyer, I assist individuals and families experiencing grief every day, but it wasn’t until this summer, when I lost my own mother, that I experienced grief deeply and personally, which afforded me a new perspective on grief. Shortly after my loss,…
“Probate” is the legal process whereby a Will is “proved” in a court and accepted as a valid public document that is the true last testament of the deceased. In B.C., essentially the need for probate is determined by the policy of the agency or financial institution which holds an asset which is part of…
A general principle of law is that a person making a Will (a “Will-Maker”) has the testamentary freedom to dispose of his or her property as he or she wishes. However, like many legal principles, there are exceptions. An important exception to a Will-Maker’s freedom to leave what he or she owns to whomever he…
Every day, all over Canada, people’s lives are enriched by the work of registered charities and foundations, and other not-for-profit organizations in our communities. Funding for mental health, cancer research, shelter for the homeless, food for animal shelters, or a live performance by a local arts organization are just some of the ways not-for-profit organizations improve all of our lives…
Almost all of my clients share the same goals eliminating uncertainties over the administration of their estate and the maximization of the value of their estate. Unfortunately, many of them also share myths and misconceptions around estate planning. Here are some of the most prevalent estate planning myths and misconceptions and the facts behind them:…
A Will is the best way to ensure that the people, charities and organizations you cherish most receive the benefit of your estate. Your Will is also your last communication with your family and friends and your opportunity to leave clear instructions on how you want your assets to be handled, and how you want…
