Wills, Trusts and Estates in Vancouver
Wills, Trusts and Estates Lawyers in Vancouver
Putting your affairs in order in Vancouver often means thinking about more than a simple list of belongings. A lot of families here hold most of their wealth in a home that has climbed in value over the years, a strata unit, an RRSP or TFSA, and sometimes a business or a property back in another country. A clear, current will tells the people you trust exactly what you want, and it keeps your estate from turning into a guessing game for the people you leave behind.
A complete plan is usually about three documents working together. Your will says who receives what and who manages it. A power of attorney lets someone handle your finances and property if you cannot, which matters if you own a home or run a business. A representation agreement covers health and personal care decisions if you are unable to speak for yourself. Without these in place, your family may have to apply to court for authority that a few signed pages could have handled, and that takes time and money at the worst possible moment.
We also help when someone has passed away and the work of administering an estate begins, including applying for probate through the Supreme Court of British Columbia. And when a will is contested, whether a spouse or child feels left out under WESA or a family member questions whether a will is valid, we help on both sides of that dispute. Wherever you are in this process, the first step is a conversation, and the first case evaluation is free.
How we help in Vancouver
Wills built around your situation
We draft wills that name your executor, set out who receives what, and plan for guardianship of minor children. We talk through real assets many Vancouver families hold, like a home that has gained value, a strata unit, registered accounts, or a small business, so your will fits your life rather than a generic form.
Powers of attorney
An enduring power of attorney lets someone you choose manage your finances and property if illness or injury leaves you unable to. We explain what authority you are handing over, when it takes effect, and how to put sensible limits in place so the document protects you rather than exposing you.
Representation agreements
A representation agreement names someone to make health and personal care decisions for you if you cannot make them yourself. We help you set this up alongside your will and power of attorney so your wishes are clear before a crisis, not decided by others after one.
Probate and estate administration
If you are an executor, we guide you through applying for probate at the Supreme Court of British Columbia, identifying and valuing assets, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate to beneficiaries. We help you meet your duties and keep clear records so your administration holds up.
Wills variation and estate disputes
When a spouse or child believes a will did not provide for them adequately, WESA allows a wills variation claim. We act for people bringing these claims and for executors and beneficiaries defending an estate, and we look for resolutions that avoid a long court fight where we can.
Will validity and capacity questions
Sometimes a will is challenged over whether the person had mental capacity, understood it, or signed under pressure from someone else. We assess these concerns carefully and advise you on whether there is a real issue worth pursuing or defending.
Common questions
Do I really need a will if I live in Vancouver and own a condo?
Yes. If you die without a will in British Columbia, WESA decides who inherits, and that formula may not match what you would have chosen. With a Vancouver home or strata unit often being the largest asset, a will lets you say clearly who receives it, name the executor who will handle the sale or transfer, and reduce the chance of conflict among the people you leave behind.
My parent left me out of their will. Can I do anything about it in BC?
Possibly. Under WESA, a spouse or child of the person who died can bring a wills variation claim asking the court to change how an estate is divided if the will did not make adequate provision for them. There are time limits and the facts matter a great deal, so it is worth getting advice early. We can review the will and your circumstances and explain your options at a free case evaluation.
How long does probate take in Vancouver?
It varies. A probate application goes to the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and timing depends on how complete the paperwork is, how complex the estate is, and current court processing times. Estates with property, a business, or beneficiaries who disagree usually take longer. We help executors prepare the application properly the first time so it moves as smoothly as the court allows.
More services in Vancouver
- Personal Injury in Vancouver
- ICBC & Enhanced Care in Vancouver
- Real Estate in Vancouver
- Criminal Defence in Vancouver
- Family Law in Vancouver
- Immigration in Vancouver
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Talk to us about Wills, Trusts & Estates in Vancouver
No pressure and no obligation. Just a clear conversation about where you stand and what comes next.