An appointment as executor of an estate means a difficult process is about to begin, likely during a time of great emotional stress. Going through the stages of probate and estate administration in British Columbia can be a complex task even for a professional. The good news is, there are circumstances under which probate may be minimized, or bypassed altogether. … Read More
Is There a Way to Streamline the Probate Process?
Sometimes death comes as a bolt out of the blue, an unwelcome surprise to the survivors of the decedent and the administrator of his or her estate. But other times, there is foreknowledge that death is imminent, whether it is months, weeks or even just days away. If you know that you are named as administrator of someone’s estate, and … Read More
Let a Legal Professional Probate the Estate
The responsibility for filing for probate of a deceased person’s estate can sometimes be burdensome, especially when the estate is large or complex. Sometimes an estate can include multiple properties and/or business entities that all must be sufficiently managed and valuated by the estate administrator. For some in that position, it can be a bit more than they ever bargained … Read More
Can a Corporate Executor Lighten the Probate Load?
People tend to seek out the most trusted friends and relatives they have to serve as estate administrators of their estates after they die. After all, who best to carry out one’s wishes but a trusted loved one? Actually, in many cases, the administrator, while trustworthy and well-intentioned, is not the ideal person for the job at hand. Perhaps they … Read More
Avoiding Problems with Probate
Despite the best intentions, not all probates proceed smoothly. If you are responsible for probating and administering an estate, you might run into some of these typical problems. Inadequate will searches. The process must include all variations of names. When handling land transfers, the names must be listed exactly as they appear in the first part of the Title of … Read More
British Columbia Probate Rules
It can be confusing to interpret the rules regarding the disposition of your property in Canada after your death. Below are some basic facts of which all British Columbia residents should be aware. On the date of your death, the government calculates the fair market value of all of your property as if it were sold, including depreciable property, capital … Read More