Wills & Estates
Wills & Estate Planning Lawyers in North Vancouver
We draft wills, powers of attorney, and trusts for individuals and families across the North Shore and Greater Vancouver. When the time comes, we guide families through probate and estate administration in British Columbia.
Our Estate Planning Practice
A will from an online form might feel like enough - until your family has to rely on it. We sit down with clients, understand their family, their assets, and what they want to happen, and then draft documents that hold up when they’re needed most.
When a loved one passes, the last thing a family wants is legal complexity. Our estate administration practice is built around making a difficult time less burdensome. We handle the court applications, asset transfers, and coordination so families can focus on what matters.
Estate Planning & Drafting
The documents that protect your family and set out your wishes clearly under BC law.
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Comprehensive wills tailored to your family structure, assets, and objectives - drafted by a lawyer in North Vancouver who understands BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act.
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Naming someone you trust to handle your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to manage them yourself.
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Designating who can make health care and personal decisions on your behalf under BC’s Representation Agreement Act.
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Inter vivos and testamentary trusts for asset protection, tax planning, or providing for dependents with specific needs.
Estate Administration
Guiding executors, administrators, and families through the practical and legal steps of settling an estate in BC.
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Preparing and filing probate applications in the BC Supreme Court to confirm the executor’s authority to administer the estate.
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When someone dies without a will in British Columbia, we guide the family through appointing an administrator and distributing assets under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act.
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Recognizing grants of probate issued in other Canadian provinces or foreign jurisdictions so BC assets can be administered.
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Transferring assets during your lifetime to simplify your estate, reduce probate fees, and provide for family members sooner.
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Handling the sale of real estate held by an estate, including obtaining any necessary court approvals in BC.
What to Expect
Step 01: An honest conversation
Tell us about your transaction - a purchase, sale, refinance, or something more involved. We’ll explain what we handle, what it costs, and what we need from you. No obligation.
Step 02: Documents drafted with care
Once retained, we take care of title searches, document preparation, lender requirements, and coordination with the other side. You’ll hear from us with clear updates throughout.
Step 03: Proper execution and safekeeping
We handle the signing formalities required under BC law and can arrange for secure storage of your original documents. When your family needs them, they’ll know where to find them.
Wills & Estates FAQ
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A basic will for a single individual in BC typically starts at a few hundred dollars. More complex estates - those involving trusts, blended families, or business interests - will cost more. We provide a clear quote after a short initial conversation. Powers of attorney and representation agreements are usually prepared at the same time, and we offer package pricing for the full set.
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When someone dies without a will in British Columbia, their estate is distributed according to Part 3 of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act. The surviving spouse typically has first priority, followed by children. If there is no will, someone must apply to the BC Supreme Court for a grant of administration before the estate can be dealt with. Our lawyers in North Vancouver handle intestate estate administrations regularly.
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A representation agreement is a legal document specific to British Columbia that lets you name someone to make health care and personal care decisions on your behalf if you become incapable. It’s governed by the Representation Agreement Act. Most people prepare a representation agreement at the same time as their will and power of attorney.
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The BC Supreme Court typically processes straightforward probate applications in four to eight weeks, though timelines can vary. Complex estates or estates with issues such as missing beneficiaries or foreign assets may take longer. Our lawyers handle the application preparation, filing, and follow-up with the court registry.
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Not always. Whether probate is required depends on the assets in the estate. Financial institutions and the BC Land Title Office typically require a grant of probate before they will transfer assets. Joint assets and assets with designated beneficiaries (like RRSPs and life insurance) generally pass outside the estate without probate. We can review the estate and advise on whether a grant is needed.
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It’s possible to transfer property during your lifetime to reduce or avoid probate fees (currently 1.4% on estates over $50,000 in BC), but this should be done carefully. There can be tax consequences, including property transfer tax and potential capital gains tax. We advise on the full picture before recommending any transfers.
Let’s Work Together
