Will a marriage agreement stop a court from varying a will?
For almost 100 years, we have had legislation in BC that allows a court to vary a will to cause a larger part of the ... Continued
Drafting a Will In Light of the Rule in Howe v. Earl of Dartmouth
When deciding how to distribute property under a will, a will-maker will sometimes wish to delay when those assets are transferred to a particular beneficiary, ... Continued
The Sensitive Issue of Burial
Issues surrounding the control of human remains and burial sites may involve substantial emotional, cultural, and legal issues. Most relevant provincial legislation across Canada gives ... Continued
Another leading case by our estates team: Court Confirms Multiple Wills for Business Owners
We recently acted in the first BC court case to confirm that multiple wills may be used to reduce probate taxes for business owners. We ... Continued
Probating a USA Will and BC Assets
Obtaining a grant of probate from the BC court provides assurance for anyone dealing with an estate that the deceased’s will is legally valid and ... Continued
Which Jurisdiction’s laws will govern your estate?
Introduction In our globalized world, it is not uncommon for people to own property or have residences in multiple jurisdictions. The international aspect of a ... Continued
Case Comment – S.A. v MVHC, 2017 BCCA 2
This case provided rulings on a few key issues: Is an interest in a discretionary trust an asset? Yes. The interest has no legal value ... Continued
Executor Granted Disclosure of Legal Advice Given to Deceased Will-maker
Solicitor-client privilege is a legal principle that protects, or “privileges”, communications that involve the provision of legal advice between a lawyer and their client, and ... Continued
Court Rejects Disinheritance of Children based on “Invalid” Reasons
“Testamentary freedom” is the notion that a will-maker (or “testator”) is entitled to divide her property upon death however, and to whoever, he or she ... Continued
High evidentiary threshold to rebut the presumption of resulting trust
Gifts can fail if one does not make their intention to give a gift expressly known.
Estop and Think Before Relying on Future Estate Interests
Recent BCCA case might signal return to more stringent application of the doctrine of proprietary estoppel.
What does an entrepreneur need to know about making a charitable donation?
Proper planning can maximize the charitable gifts made by entrepreneurs.