Estates & Probate
General Estate Services
Planning for the future can feel overwhelming, but with the right legal guidance, it becomes a thoughtful and empowering process. Our firm offers comprehensive estate law services to help you protect your legacy, care for your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are respected.
Estate Planning
Effective estate planning goes beyond writing a will. It’s about organizing your affairs to reflect your values, protect your assets, and provide clarity for those you leave behind. We work closely with clients to create personalized plans that may include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives. Whether your estate is simple or complex, we help ensure your intentions are clear and legally enforceable.
Estate Grants (Probate and Administration)
When someone passes away, their estate must often go through a legal process known as probate. In British Columbia, this is done by applying for an Estate Grant—either a Grant of Probate (if there’s a will) or a Grant of Administration (if there isn’t). We assist executors and administrators with preparing and submitting estate grant applications, navigating the probate registry, and fulfilling their legal responsibilities efficiently and with confidence.
Will
A will is the cornerstone of any estate plan. It outlines how you want your assets distributed, names guardians for minor children, and appoints an executor to carry out your wishes. Without a valid will, your estate will be distributed according to B.C.’s intestacy laws, which may not reflect your intentions. We work with you to draft a clear will or codicil to minimize uncertainty and support your family when they need it most.
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney is a legal document that lets you appoint someone to manage your financial and legal affairs if you're unable to do so. This can include paying bills, managing real estate, or handling investments. Having a Power of Attorney in place ensures that a trusted person can step in to protect your interests without the need for costly court intervention. We help you tailor this document to your needs—whether for limited use, temporary use or long-term planning.
Representation Agreements
A Representation Agreement allows you to authorize someone to make health care and personal decisions on your behalf if you become incapable of doing so yourself. This can include medical treatments, care arrangements, and end-of-life decisions. In British Columbia, these agreements are an important part of personal planning and work alongside advance directives. We assist clients in drafting comprehensive and legally valid agreements that reflect their values and give them peace of mind.
Trusts
Trusts can be a powerful tool in estate planning, offering flexibility, privacy, and potential tax advantages. Whether you're looking to set up a trust for a child, a person with disabilities, or for general asset protection, we provide advice on the most appropriate trust structures for your needs. We also assist with the administration of existing trusts and can help resolve trust-related disputes.
Advance Directives and Personal Planning
An advance directive allows you to make health care decisions in advance, in the event you're unable to communicate your wishes later. We help clients prepare legally valid advance directives and other personal planning documents, such as Representation Agreements and Enduring Powers of Attorney. These documents provide peace of mind and ensure that your care, finances, and personal decisions are managed according to your values and instructions.
Estate Document Package: Basic Will, Enduring Power of Attorney, and Representation Agreement
The Basic Estate Package is designed to provide essential legal documents that ensure your wishes are honoured and your affairs are managed effectively. This package includes a Basic Will, an Enduring Power of Attorney, and a Representation Agreement, all tailored to meet your unique needs.
If you require a complex document, you may not fall into the Estate Package category, but I offer complex versions of each document as well.
Important Note: Review Process:
Before proceeding with the Basic Estate Package, each application is subject to a review. This review is to confirm that the individual applying meets the criteria for the package. This ensures that the services provided are appropriate for your specific situation.
Flat Fee Pricing
Our Basic Estate Package is offered at a flat fee price, making it straightforward and transparent for you. This pricing includes all aspects of the service, from the initial review to the finalization of your documents, allowing you to budget effectively for your estate planning needs.
Why Choose Our Estate Package?
Comprehensive Protection: Addresses critical aspects of estate planning to ensure your wishes are documented and respected.
Personalized Guidance: Our legal team provides advice tailored to your unique circumstances.
Peace of Mind: By preparing these essential documents, you can feel confident that your affairs will be handled according to your wishes, alleviating stress for you and your loved ones’ needs.
The Basic Estate Package is a valuable investment in your future and the well-being of your family. With a review process to ensure eligibility and a flat fee price, the aim is to provide a holistic approach to your estate planning needs. Reach out today to learn more about how I can assist you in preparing for the future.