A Power of Attorney (POA) is a powerful and essential legal document, but it’s not set in stone. Circumstances can change—relationships evolve, or you may simply decide you want to appoint a different person to manage your affairs. Fortunately, you can revoke or change a POA, but it’s crucial to follow the correct legal steps […]
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Powers of attorney are essential legal instruments in estate and incapacity planning, allowing individuals to appoint trusted persons to manage their financial and legal affairs. In British Columbia, the law distinguishes between several types of powers of attorney, each with distinct features, legal requirements, and practical applications. This article provides a detailed analysis of the
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Title insurance has become an essential component of real estate transactions in British Columbia and across Canada. While the Land Title Act (BC) and the Torrens system provide significant protections for registered owners, title insurance offers an additional layer of security for both purchasers and lenders. This article examines the role and importance of title
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In British Columbia, discovering a material latent defect after the completion of a property purchase can be distressing for buyers. However, the law provides certain protections and remedies, which depend on the nature of the defect, the conduct of the seller, and the terms of the contract. What Is a Material Latent Defect? A latent defect is
In British Columbia, the conduct of real estate licensees—including realtors, brokers, and property managers—is governed by the Real Estate Services Act, SBC 2004, c 42 (RESA), the Real Estate Services Rules, and the Real Estate Services Regulation. The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) is the regulatory body responsible for oversight and enforcement. 1. Duty to Act Honestly and
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What Protections Does the Land Title Act (BC) Offer Registered Property Owners? In British Columbia, the security and certainty of property ownership are underpinned by the Torrens land title system, as set out in the Land Title Act, RSBC 1996, c 250. This system is designed to provide robust legal protections for registered property owners,
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Legal Title vs. Equitable Title in British Columbia Real Estate Transactions When buying or selling real estate in British Columbia, two key concepts frequently arise: legal title and equitable title. While closely related, understanding the distinction is essential for anyone involved in a real estate transaction. Legal Title Legal title refers to the official ownership of a property as
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What You Need to Know: The New GST Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers in British Columbia Good news for first-time home buyers in British Columbia! The federal government has delivered on a major promise, and as of May 27, 2025, a new Goods and Services Tax (GST) rebate is available for buyers of newly built
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Employees in British Columbia are comprehensively protected from workplace harassment and discrimination through a robust framework of human rights legislation, occupational health and safety laws, and, in certain instances, common law. Employers bear a significant legal obligation to actively maintain a work environment that is safe, respectful, and entirely free from discrimination and harassment. Foremost
Protections Against Workplace Harassment and Discrimination in British Columbia Read More »
Can an Employer Reduce an Employee’s Wages or Hours Without Agreement in British Columbia? A frequent question in employment law, particularly in British Columbia, is whether an employer possesses the unilateral right to reduce an employee’s pay or hours. The general rule is clear: an employer cannot make significant, fundamental changes to essential terms of
Employee Hours and Reduction – Is It Okay? 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.
