Families sometimes find a handwritten note after someone dies that looks like “final wishes.” In British Columbia, such documents are not automatically valid wills. Whether they take effect depends on the formal signing rules in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) or, if those rules were not followed, on a discretionary court order. The […]
Handwritten (Holograph) Wills in British Columbia: Are They Valid? Read More »
Home sales in British Columbia usually turn on three key dates: completion, adjustment, and possession. They often sit close together on the calendar, but they do different things. Knowing the difference helps prevent last‑minute stress, extra costs, and disputes. Completion: When Ownership Changes Hands Completion is the legal closing day. Your lawyer or notary files
Completion, Adjustment, and Possession Dates in BC Real Estate: A Plain‑Language Guide Read More »
A common assumption is that, if a relationship ends, each person simply keeps what they owned at the start. British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA) does protect certain “excluded property,” but outcomes often turn on details such as growth in value, how assets were handled during the relationship, and the quality of the paper trail.
Workplace investigations help keep employees safe and reduce legal risk when problems arise. In British Columbia, employers are expected to act quickly and fairly when concerns surface about bullying and harassment, discrimination, sexual harassment, threats, or violence. Even if a complaint is not proven, exposure often turns on whether the response was timely, reasonable, and
Workplace Investigations in BC: A Plain‑Language Guide for Employers Read More »
For many British Columbia business owners, the company represents years of work and personal investment. Yet succession is often left until retirement—or until illness, incapacity, or death forces urgent decisions. A clear, coordinated plan protects the business, the people who rely on it, and the value you have built. Why planning matters in B.C. Succession
Business Succession Planning in British Columbia: Preparing for the Unexpected Read More »
When you buy property in British Columbia with another person—whether it’s a spouse, a business partner, or a family member—you have to make a critical legal decision: how will you hold the title? In BC, co-owners generally take title in one of two ways: as Joint Tenants or as Tenants-in-Common. While these terms sound similar,
Joint Tenancy vs. Tenants-in-Common in BC: What Property Buyers Need to Know Read More »
The Bank of Canada has reduced their lending rate by 0.25% this morning. Great news for variable rate mortgage holders, as we expect the banks will follow suit in the coming days. While inflation remains a bit stubborn, the economy showed signs of weakness, particularly in the job loss category. It’s widely expected we will
Bank of Canada: Reduction of Lending Rate Read More »
Estate and incapacity planning can be confusing, especially with so many legal terms and documents to understand. Three of the most fundamental instruments in British Columbia—a will, an advance directive, and a trust—are often discussed together, but they each serve a distinct and important purpose. Understanding the differences between them is crucial for creating a
Many people think of a will as something to put off until later in life. But the truth is, a will is a fundamental estate planning document that provides clarity and peace of mind for you and your loved ones, and certain life events make it an absolute necessity. Here’s a look at the optimal
When Is the Best Time to Prepare a Will? The Answer May Surprise You Read More »
If you’ve recently moved to British Columbia or own assets here, you may be wondering if your Power of Attorney (POA) from another Canadian province or even a foreign country is still legally valid. It’s a critical question, as an invalid POA could prevent a trusted person from managing your financial and legal affairs if
My Power of Attorney is From Another Province. Is it Valid in BC? 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.
