In British Columbia, the grounds for contesting a will and the evidence needed to support such claims are similar to those in other jurisdictions, but they must align with the specific legal framework of the province. The following are primary grounds for contesting a will in British Columbia and the evidence typically required to do […]
Grounds for Contesting a Will and Evidence To Prove Such Claims Read More »
Self-drafted wills may appear straightforward and cost-effective, but they come with significant risks if not executed properly. A will ensures a person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes after death. However, creating one without professional help can lead to unintended consequences, legal disputes, and challenges to its validity. Below are the primary risks associated
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Previous Rules On July 18, 2024, British Columbia updated its regulations regarding notices to end tenancy, requiring landlords and buyers to provide tenants with four months’ notice of eviction, instead of the previous notice of two months’ of eviction. Additionally, the dispute resolution period was increased from 15 days to 30 days. New Rules In
2024 Eviction rules in BC Read More »
In British Columbia, child support is governed by the Divorce Act, Family Law Act, and the federal Child Support Guidelines (CSG). These guidelines outline the rules and formula for determining the amount of child support that a parent or guardian is required to pay. The CSG provides support tables that set out the amount of
Child Support Guidelines Read More »
There are two methods that a buyer will typically use to acquire a business in British Columbia: an asset purchase or a share purchase. Each method has distinct characteristics and carries advantages and disadvantages for both the buyer and the seller. Asset Purchase In an asset purchase, the buyer will acquire specific assets (and liabilities)
Share Purchases vs Asset Purchases Read More »
The duties of both directors and officers are outlined in each company’s articles of incorporation, however statutory duties are further detailed in the Business Corporations Act (BCA). Under the Act, every director and officer is required to: Honesty, Good Faith and Company’s Best Interests? The duty of honesty requires directors and officers to be as
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Intestate Succession: What Happens if You Die Without a Will in BC? When you die without leaving a valid will, you are assumed to have died “intestate”. In this case, your estate will be distributed according to the rules of intestate succession under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Consequences of Dying Without a
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How the 50-Point Rate Drop Could Affect Your Finances and Legal Decisions The Bank of Canada has recently made a significant move by cutting its key interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing the policy rate down to 3.75%. This marks the fourth consecutive interest rate reduction since June and is the largest cut since
Divorce can bring significant changes to your life, and these changes often extend to your estate planning. In British Columbia, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) addresses how divorce affects your Will, but understanding these provisions is crucial to ensuring your estate is distributed according to your current wishes. Impact of Divorce on Your
Estate Planning FAQs: What Happens to My Will If I Don’t Update It After a Divorce? Read More »
One common question about estate planning in British Columbia is whether it’s necessary to register your Will. The answer is no—registering your Will isn’t required for it to be valid. However, understanding the benefits of registering your Will can help you make a more informed decision. Is Registering a Will Legally Required? In British Columbia,
FAQs on Estate Planning: Do I Need to Register My Will in British Columbia? Read More »
Melissa has 8+ years of combined Commercial, Business and Contract Law experience as In-House Counsel in manufacturing, health, real estate development, and broadcast communication industries. She is instrumental in developing strategies to minimize legal risk and ensure regulatory compliance.
She has 6+ years of Human Resources Management experience and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Her practice includes Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates and Real Estate & Conveyancing.
For fun, she visits ancient sites and ruins and belts out popular Broadway tunes.
Northam Law is a boutique law firm offering advisory services in Real Estate Law and Conveyancing, Business Law, and Human Resources. Our practice areas also include Wills & Estates and Family Law. Notarization services are also available.
