For many executors in British Columbia, the probate process is a necessary hurdle to clearing a loved one’s estate. Simply put, probate is the legal procedure where the Supreme Court of BC confirms the validity of a will and grants the executor the authority to distribute assets. While the court’s “stamp of approval” provides essential […]
Probate Fees in BC: How They Work and How to Reduce Them 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 »
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
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 »
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
How to Revoke or Change a Power of Attorney in British Columbia Read More »
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
Understanding the Differences: Powers of Attorney in British Columbia Read More »
Severing Joint Tenancy in British Columbia: Methods and Estate Implications In British Columbia, joint tenancy is a common form of property co-ownership where two or more individuals hold equal, undivided interests in real property. The defining characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship, meaning that upon the death of one joint tenant, their
Severing Joint Tenancy in British Columbia Read More »
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
Risks of Self-Drafted Wills Read More »
A Will is one of the most important documents you’ll create in your lifetime. It ensures that your wishes are honored and provides clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time. However, simply drafting a Will is not enough—you must also review and update it regularly to ensure it remains relevant and effective. When
FAQs on Estate Planning: How Often Should I Update My Will? 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.
