Court Orders a Letter to be Effective as the Last Will of the Deceased
Court uses new WESA provision to proivde flexibility in relation to formal requirements of wills.
Will a Separate Residence Affect Your Spousal Status?
Recent case finds couple to be in a marriage-like relationship despite maintaining separate residences.
Making Advance Health Care Decisions – Getting Started
BC government publishes a comprehensive guide to help start your advance health care plan.
Proposed Changes Impacting Charitable Giving
Changes provide flexibility so that charitable donation tax credits can be used by the deceased or the deceased’s estate.
Should you appoint more than one person under an Enduring Power of Attorney?
Recent case illustrates the challenges that can arise when more than one person is appointed.
When are Couples Considered “Spouses”?
Recent case outlines objective and subjective factors for determining whether couples are spouses.
Does the Public Guardian and Trustee Charge Fees?
The PGT is partially funded by the fees it collects.
What happens when a beneficiary is criminally responsible for the deceased’s death?
Persons cannot benefit from their own crime, even through inheritance
Court clarifies WESA notice requirement
Dates of mailing notice of intended estate grant applications should be included in affidavits.
Court Upholds Effective Disinheritence
Court finds deceased had valid and rational reasons for leaving her son only a small amount
Court of Appeal in the position of a Trial Court in Wills Variation Appeals
Appellate courts not required to defer to trial judge except on oral testimony in wills variation cases
Revoking a Will – Destruction of a True Copy Not Sufficient
Detroying true copy does not revoke will when original known to be safe elsewhere.