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
The law on out of province Litigation Guardians in BC
Under the BC Supreme Court Civil Rules (“SCCR”) a proceeding brought by or against a person under legal disability must be started or defended by ... 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
Committeeship Applications: the Uragi Case
A growing area in estate litigation is committeeship applications. A committee is a person or institution who is appointed to make personal, medical, legal and/or ... 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 is a marriage-like relationship?
Wills variation claims often involve claims by persons alleging to be a spouse of the deceased.
What does an entrepreneur need to know about making a charitable donation?
Proper planning can maximize the charitable gifts made by entrepreneurs.