Wills, Trusts and Estates in Surrey
Wills, Trusts and Estates Lawyers in Surrey
Putting a will in place is one of those things most people in Surrey mean to do and keep pushing off. Life is busy, the topic is uncomfortable, and it never feels urgent until it suddenly is. But a clear will is really a gift to the people you love. It says who raises your children, who handles your affairs, and where your home and savings go, so no one is left guessing or pulled into conflict at the worst possible time.
Surrey families often have a few extra things to sort out. Many own a home that has grown a lot in value, support parents or relatives overseas, or are blending households and children from more than one marriage. A will written years ago, or a generic form pulled off the internet, may no longer match your life or hold up the way you expect. We sit down with you, in plain language, and build a plan that fits your family as it actually is today.
If you have recently lost someone and feel buried in paperwork and deadlines, you are in the right place too. We guide Surrey executors and families through probate and estate administration, and we step in when a will is being disputed or a wills variation claim is on the table. Our head office is right here in Surrey, so it is easy to meet in person, and we will always tell you plainly where you stand and what comes next.
How we help in Surrey
Wills
We draft clear, valid wills under BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act so your wishes are written down properly and stand up when they matter, whether you have a straightforward estate or a blended family and property to consider.
Powers of attorney and representation agreements
We set up the documents that let someone you trust manage your finances and health decisions if illness or age means you can no longer do so yourself, so your family is not left applying to court.
Trusts and estate planning
We use trusts and tailored planning to provide for young children, a family member with a disability, or relatives in another country, and to keep things simpler and more private down the road.
Probate and estate administration
We guide Surrey executors through the BC probate process and the day to day work of settling an estate, from notifying beneficiaries to paying debts and taxes and distributing what is left.
Wills variation and estate disputes
If you were left out or treated unfairly in a will, or you are an executor facing a claim, we explain your options under WESA and act on your behalf, looking for a fair resolution wherever we can.
Incapacity planning
We help you plan ahead for serious illness or aging so the people you choose can step in for you, instead of your family facing a stressful court application during an already hard time.
Common questions
Do I need a will if I own a home in Surrey?
It is worth having one. With property values in Surrey, a home is often the largest part of an estate, and without a will the law decides who inherits it and in what shares, which may not match what you would have chosen. A clear will lets you name who receives the home, who acts as executor, and how everything is handled, which can save your family time, cost, and conflict.
I have been named executor of a Surrey estate. What do I actually have to do?
As executor you carry out the will. That can mean applying to the court for probate, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, paying debts and taxes, and then distributing what remains. It is a real job with legal duties attached, and mistakes can fall back on you personally. You do not have to figure it out alone. We can walk you through each step or handle the heavy lifting for you.
I think I was unfairly left out of a parent's or spouse's will. Can I do anything?
Possibly. In BC, a spouse or child who was not adequately provided for can ask the court to vary a will under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act. There are strict time limits, and a claim generally must be started within 180 days of the grant of probate, so it is worth speaking with us sooner rather than later so you do not lose the chance to act.
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Talk to us about Wills, Trusts & Estates in Surrey
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.