Comprehensive Wills Services in Vancouver | Granville Law Group – Plan Your Legacy Today

Expert Wills Services in Vancouver | Protect Your Legacy with Granville Law Group

Protect your assets – distribution on intestacy

If you die intestate your assets will be distributed according to the intestacy rules, which may not be how you wanted it done, your heirs will apply to court to appoint an administrator for your estate, which may not be the person you wanted.  By making a will you appoint a person you trust to distribute your assets to intended recipients, in the amounts and at the times you think fit. 

Lack of Estate Planning may lead to depletion of the assets – not all assets need to become part of your estate and, as a result, subject to probate fees.  That can be avoided by passing assets outside the estate or under a separate will, which does not require probate, for that to happen Estate Planning and Tax Planning are necessary.

Protect your minor children

  • By naming testamentary guardians for the children;
  • By setting out how the estate will be administered to take care of the children; and
  • By directing when and in what shares it will be distributed to them.

Careful drafting – variation by the courts

BC legislation (Wills, Estates and Succession Act) entitles children, spouses and common-law partners that are not happy with the distribution to them to apply to court to vary that distribution.  We will carefully draft your will to lessen possibility of variation by the courts. 

Avoid probate, pass assets outside the will

  • Pursuant to the terms of a Trust;
  • By a right of survivorship under the joint tenancy;
  • By beneficiary designation in a life insurance, TFSA, RRSP or RRIF.

You can find additional information on our blog.

Protect your assets and secure your wishes. Get legal advice today.

Contact Granville Law Group and schedule a free, 30-minute consultation with our lawyers. Call us at 604-669-6580 or arrange a meeting using our online form. 

Schedule a Free, 30-Minute Consultation

Call Granville Law Group at 604-669-6580 

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the purpose of creating a will in British Columbia?

  1. A will ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, avoids legal complications for your loved ones, and allows you to appoint guardians for minor children.

2. What happens if I die without a will in British Columbia?

If you die intestate (without a will), your assets will be distributed according to BC’s intestacy laws, which may not align with your preferences. A court-appointed administrator will manage your estate.

3. How can a will help protect my minor children?

A will allows you to appoint testamentary guardians for your children, manage their inheritance, and specify when and how they receive their share of the estate.

4. What are the benefits of having a professionally drafted will?

A professionally drafted will minimizes legal disputes, ensures clarity, and helps reduce the risk of court variations under the Wills, Estates, and Succession Act in BC.

5. Can a will help minimize taxes on my estate?

Yes, a will combined with proper estate and tax planning can help minimize probate fees, taxes, and ensure that your beneficiaries receive the maximum inheritance.

6. How can I avoid probate on my assets in British Columbia?

You can avoid probate by using trust arrangements, joint tenancy with rights of survivorship, or naming beneficiaries directly on assets like life insurance, TFSAs, RRSPs, or RRIFs.

7. Can someone challenge my will in British Columbia?

Under BC’s Wills, Estates, and Succession Act, certain individuals, like spouses and children, can challenge a will if they feel its provisions are inadequate.

8. How often should I update my will?

You should update your will whenever you experience major life changes, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or significant financial changes.

9. What are the legal requirements for a valid will in British Columbia?

In BC, a will must be in writing, signed by the testator (will-maker) in the presence of two witnesses, who must also sign it.

10. How can Granville Law Group assist with creating a will?

Granville Law Group provides personalized legal advice to draft clear and legally sound wills, ensuring your wishes are upheld and your loved ones are protected.