To draft a valid will, the testator must have mental capacity, the will must be in writing, and the testator’s signature on the will must be witnessed by two or more people who also sign the will. There are some other requirements under the law you should talk to a lawyer about.
A Power of Attorney is a document executed by an individual during their lifetime that gives power to someone else to manage their financial and legal affairs. Powers of Attorney can take effect at different times, depending on how they are drafted (for example, when the individual becomes mentally incapable).
The Wills, Estates and Succession Act outlines who will receive the assets in the estate when there is no will. This is known as dying intestate. Who receives the assets will depend on which relatives of the deceased are alive.
Contact us immediately for help filing the probate of a will.
You have 180 days from the grant of probate to bring a wills variation claim against an estate. Other types of claims may have longer timelines, but it is best practice to start your claim as soon as possible to protect your rights.
The only individuals who can bring this type of claim are the children (natural born and adopted) or spouse (married or common law) of the deceased. Grandchildren, ex-spouses and stepchildren cannot challenge the distribution of assets.
The assets that form part of the estate will depend on the individual’s estate planning during their lifetime. Any assets that the individual owned themselves such as their home, vehicles and bank accounts often form part of the estate.
If these assets are jointly owned with another individual, they may pass outside the estate. Other items like RRSPs or insurance policies with a designated beneficiary will also fall outside of the estate.
No. Any assets that are transferred or gifted to someone else while the deceased is alive will not form part of their estate unless there were conditions attached to those transfers.
If the deceased executed their will due to undue influence, you can challenge the validity of the will in court.
It depends on where the person who died resided and if they had a connection to British Columbia. If they resided in B.C., or they had property in B.C., then it may be prudent to speak with a lawyer in B.C., even if the will was prepared elsewhere.
However, if there is no connection to B.C. then we do not take on cases that relate to estates in other jurisdictions as the legislation for wills and estates is provincial.
Estate planning can be emotionally charged, especially when complex family dynamics are at play.
Hammerco Lawyers included in the 2025 Edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada™ for their top work in the legal profession and their exceptional commitment to advocating for their clients.
Estate matters can be emotionally charged and made more complex when it comes to the question of whether cultural norms and traditions can justify disinheriting one child over another.
Special considerations apply to Indigenous estates and wills made by Indigenous persons.