How to Use a Trust in Estate Planning

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A Trust is a legal relationship in which property is transferred by the person making the Trust (the “Testator”) to a party who manages the property, for the benefit of the Testator or another.  Trusts are separate legal entities.  Assets inside a Trust are managed by a trustee who has legal responsibility for managing and…


Tips for Estate Planning in Blended Families

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The number of blended families in Canada grows every year as the divorce rate and the lifespan increases. This trend means that these couples must manage the legal and financial challenges inherent in a blended family, which are particularly challenging when there are children from a previous relationship.  Couples with blended families must balance between…


How to Protect Your Digital Assets

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It used to be that you knew what to do with all the memorabilia of your life. You’d put it in a box to give to your kids, or you’d write it into your will.  But these days, the most complete record of your life may be online. The Internet plays a major role in…


2015 New Years Resolution – Estate Planning!

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Here’s a suggestion for a New Year’s resolution that will benefit both you and your family and will be relatively simple to complete:  make or update your estate plan this year. Many people look for any reason to procrastinate about this stressful subject. And it always feels painful to spend money on estate planning, because…


Are You Still Putting Off Making Your Will?

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Baby Boomers lead very busy lives and there never seems to be a good time to undertake estate planning but the time is now!  According to a BMO study, boomers will  inherit over $1 trillion  over the next 20 years yet almost half of all Canadians don’t have a Will, and much fewer have a…


6 Habits of Highly Successful Baby Boomers

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As legal counsel for many successful Baby Boomers in the Okanagan, our team has noticed a pattern of 6 habits of highly successful baby boomers. We are happy to share these with you to help all Baby Boomers live their best life possible. The happiest adults are those who are physically fit and mentally engaged. …


Estate Planning for Parents with a Child with Special Needs

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Estate planning for parents with a child with special needs is simply having a financial plan to guide you in making your financial decisions. It involves setting a goal and adopting strategies that will help to achieve that goal. No successful plan begins without an end in mind. Yet most estate planners never adequately address…


Correcting a Will in Court

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In recent months lawyers throughout BC have been learning new wills and estates laws, which came into force on March 31, 2014. The Trial Lawyers Association of BC recently held a program to address these significant changes and the uncertainty arising from them. What do you need to know about correcting a will in court?…


Wills, Estates and Succession Act – Overhaul of Estate Law in B.C.

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The Wills, Estates and Succession Act (“WESA”) came into force on March 31, 2014.  WESA replaces and consolidates (with substantial changes) four statutes that governed the passing of property on death and the administration of the estates of deceased persons. The act provides greater certainty for individuals who put their last wishes into writing and simplifies the…