NEWS
Do All Wills Need to Go Through Probate in BC?
One of the first questions people often ask after a loved one passes away is: “Does the will have to go through probate?” It’s a fair question — especially when you're trying to settle an estate during a difficult time. In British Columbia, not all wills need to be probated, but many do. Whether or not probate is required depends on the types of assets involved, how they were owned, and whether there are named beneficiaries. In this post, we’ll walk through common situations where probate is required, where it may be avoided, and what that looks [...]
Probate Fees in British Columbia: What You Need to Know
As an experienced probate lawyer in British Columbia, I understand that dealing with a loved one’s estate can be overwhelming. One common concern is the cost of probate, including probate fees. Understanding these fees, how they're calculated, and strategies to minimize them can help ensure a smoother estate administration process. What Are Probate Fees in BC? In British Columbia, probate fees are charges imposed by the provincial government when an estate goes through probate. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and granting authority to the executor to administer the estate. These fees are payable [...]
Who Gets Custody? Understanding Parenting Arrangements in BC
When parents separate or divorce in British Columbia, one of the most pressing concerns is determining parenting arrangements for their children. Many people are familiar with the term "custody," but BC family law now uses terms like "guardianship," "parenting time," and "parenting responsibilities" instead. Understanding these terms and the legal framework around parenting arrangements is crucial for ensuring the best outcome for children and families. Custody vs. Guardianship vs. Parenting Time: What’s the Difference? Under BC’s Family Law Act (FLA), the concept of “custody” has been replaced with more precise terms: Guardianship: A guardian is responsible for [...]
How Long Does Probate Take in BC? Timelines & What to Expect
When a loved one passes on, understanding and learning to navigate the legal process of an Estate can be daunting and overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help. One of the most common questions we receive as lawyers practicing in Probate and Estate Law in British Columbia is: "How long does probate take?" While every estate is different, this guide provides an overview of typical probate timelines, factors that can cause delays, and tips to streamline the process. Average Probate Timelines in BC In British Columbia, probate can take anywhere from a few months to [...]
What Is Probate in British Columbia? A Beginner’s Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal matters that follow can often feel overwhelming. As a practicing Lawyer, I often encounter questions about probate—a process that many find confusing and daunting. This guide is designed to help you understand the basics of probate, why it's necessary, and when it might not be required. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process through which a will is validated by the court. It confirms the executor’s authority to manage the deceased person's estate, including gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries. [...]
Unfair Treatment of Daughters in Wills: Understanding Your Rights in British Columbia
In my years of practicing law in Greater Vancouver, there have been a number of times I have encountered situations where daughters feel they have been treated unfairly in a parent’s will. This is particularly common in cultural contexts, including South Asian communities, where traditional norms may favour sons in matters of inheritance. While cultural values play an important role in shaping families, BC law provides legal protections to ensure fairness and equality in the distribution of estates. If you believe you’ve been unfairly treated in a will, it’s essential to understand your rights and options under [...]
Contesting a Will in British Columbia: What You Need to Know
As a lawyer practicing in British Columbia, I often encounter individuals who feel they have been unfairly excluded or treated unequally in a loved one’s will. Contesting a will can be a complex and emotional process, but the law in British Columbia provides avenues for those who believe a will does not reflect the true intentions of the deceased or is otherwise invalid. In this post, we’ll explore: Grounds for Contesting a Will Time Limits for Filing a Challenge The Role of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) Examples of Real-Life Will Disputes and Resolutions Grounds [...]
Divorce in Abbotsford – Steps to Take and the Importance of a Divorce Lawyer
The decision to divorce is a difficult one for most married couples. Whether it is a mutual agreement or initiated by one spouse, it can bring about emotional and financial distress and requires legal guidance. If you are contemplating a divorce, it's essential to understand the necessary steps and the role an Abbotsford divorce lawyer plays in the process. Understanding the Divorce Process The decision to end a marriage is undoubtedly hard, and the legal process that follows can be complex. In Abbotsford, as in the rest of British Columbia, there are specific steps to follow when [...]
Understanding Child Custody Laws in Abbotsford
Understanding child custody laws is crucial for parents and guardians navigating the complex and emotionally charged terrain of family law. These laws provide a framework for how custody is determined. The law also outlines the rights and responsibilities of each parent while prioritizing the best interests of the child. Whether you're facing divorce, separation or other circumstances requiring custody considerations, it’s crucial to understand child custody laws clearly and consult an experienced Abbotsford family lawyer about your case. Here is what you should know about custody laws in order to safeguard the welfare of your child. Custody [...]
Choosing the Right Family Lawyer in Abbotsford – What to Look For
Your choice of family lawyer significantly impacts your personal and legal concerns. The right legal counsel is crucial – whether you're facing a divorce, custody battle, adoption or other family-related legal matter. Although choosing a family lawyer can be challenging, it is a key part of protecting your rights and interests. Taking the time to research and meet with potential family lawyers in Abbotsford allows you to make an informed choice that will help you navigate the complexities of family law with confidence and peace of mind. Here are six important factors to consider to ensure you [...]
Why Hiring a Family Lawyer in Abbotsford is Essential
If you're reading this, chances are you're confronting a family-related legal matter. It's not uncommon for families to encounter challenges that require legal expertise – whether it's a divorce, child custody dispute, child support matters or the complexities of spousal support. In the following blog post, we will highlight the multitude of reasons that make retaining a family lawyer in Abbotsford not only a wise decision but often a necessary one. The Role of a Family Lawyer in Abbotsford Family lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in matters related to family law. They are well-versed in [...]
Can a Couple Share a Divorce Lawyer?
Traditionally, divorcing couples each hire a lawyer to represent and protect their interests when negotiating divorce-related matters. This can often lead to a tense and hostile court process. If you and your spouse have already agreed to the terms of your divorce, hiring the same divorce lawyer to represent you and your spouse may be a good decision. It can save you money on legal bills and time on the back-and-forth communication between different legal teams. Sharing a divorce lawyer is tempting, but make sure to consider all angles before making this choice. When Can a Couple [...]
Set-Off Child Support and Tax Deductions
Parents strive to ensure that their children are cared for physically, emotionally and financially. This desire does not change even if spouses separate or divorce. Child support allows parents who have separated to provide financially for the well-being of their children even if they cannot be physically present. Children under the age of 19 have a legal right to be financially supported by their parents. If you and your partner have recently separated or divorced, an experienced family lawyer in Surrey can help you: calculate the amount of child support each parent should pay, understand how paying [...]
5 Tips for Successful Divorce Mediation
You and your partner have decided to end your marriage amicably. Though the dissolution of a marriage can be emotionally stressful, it also presents an opportunity to create a healthier household for you and your family. An unhappy relationship affects your mental and physical health; if you have children, it can be emotionally difficult for them as well. Divorce mediation is less expensive, quicker and less stressful than a divorce trial. Guided by a neutral third party, or mediator, couples can cordially discuss and resolve divorce-related issues outside of a courtroom. Mediation empowers couples to determine the [...]
Tips for Creating a Divorce Settlement Agreement
At the end of a marriage, ex-spouses have to make tough decisions about family matters like property division, asset distribution, alimony and – if they have children – custody and support. The decisions are formalized in a divorce settlement agreement signed by both parties. Divorce settlement agreements are also known as marital settlement agreements, divorce agreements and separation agreements. Regardless of what they are called, the documents are legally binding. As such, they suit the divorcing couple and withstand the scrutiny of the courts. Failure to do so can result in discord between ex-spouses following the divorce [...]
Things to Consider When Hiring a Family Lawyer
Navigating the ins and outs of the legal system can be daunting. Legal counsel makes the process much easier, but how do you pick the right person to represent you when there are so many options? Here are six things to consider when selecting a family lawyerꓽ Your Goals Before compiling a list of potential lawyers, the first thing to consider is what you want to achieve. Are you looking to hire a lawyer to assist with litigation, or are you simply seeking legal advice about your situation? You should also consider the approach you wish to [...]
What You Need to Know About Prenuptial Agreements
When you are about to get married, conversations about prenuptial agreements are not the most romantic or the most comfortable to have—but they are necessary, given what you risk should your marriage fail. Knowing and understanding the purpose and nature of prenuptial agreements can make these conversations easier. The media already furnishes us with instances of how celebrities use these agreements to protect their assets, but there is so much more to prenuptial agreements. Here are some important things you should know about these essential documents: Prenuptial Agreements Do More than Protect Premarital Assets Prenuptial agreements—or prenups—are [...]
Reasons You Should Hire a Surrey Divorce Lawyer
While some people may not consider divorce or family law lawyers crucial during a divorce, ex-spouses can benefit significantly from their legal training and expertise. In seemingly straightforward divorce cases, experienced divorce lawyers can identify issues that can potentially impact a client in the long run. A divorce lawyer works in your best interests, using their in-depth knowledge of the legislative environment and familiarity with the divorce landscape to achieve a favourable outcome. With the prevalence of high net-worth cases in the area, a Surrey divorce lawyer can successfully navigate these divorces' unique challenges. Here are [...]