Probate Lawyer & Estate Administration in Burnaby

Legal Help with Probate and Estate Administration – Support When You Need It

Is this you?

• Has a loved one passed away leaving you wondering what to do?
• Are you an executor with an estate to manage?
• Are you wondering what probate is and how to handle this?

Executor’s Duties: A Solemn Responsibility

If you have been named in a will to carry out your loved one’s final wishes, you are taking on a heavy responsibility, with sometimes onerous duties and personal liability should anything go wrong. An estate administration and probate lawyer can help. Get in touch with us to find out how.

With the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, British Columbia has introduced a new set of principles, forms and procedures to estate law. Estate administration has become complex and risky even for people who work in this area full time.

At Fast & Company in Burnaby BC, our probate law attorney carries out duties like these all the time. We know the law and the reasoning behind it. More importantly, we know how difficult it can be to be in your position. We know that you are handling complex legal procedures at the same time as you deal with a death in the family, with all the uncertainty, emotion and conflict that can arise.

What is Probate?

Probate is the formal process in which the court validates the will of the deceased person and confirms the appointment of the executor named in the will.

There is a lot of information and forms that need to be completed and sent to the court as part of the probate process.  There can be time delays in the court’s issuing the probate document.

An executor may be restricted in dealing with the deceased’s assets until the probate document has been issued by the court.

Fast and Company has developed numerous tips and strategies for streamlining and speeding up the court’s processing of the probate documents. We would like to help you with this.  Please feel free to call us at the number below, or by sending us a message, to get this process started.

What If There Is No Will?

Whenever a person dies intestate (without a will), the law determines who will get their property and an administrator must be appointed to settle his or her affairs. Usually, this means that a close family member or friend must apply for a grant of administration.

Making an application can be confusing, costly, and time-consuming.

At Fast & Company, we understand that the time after a loved one or close friend has died is probably the time when you are least able to handle the intricate and frustrating paperwork necessary to be appointed administrator — or to perform many of the tasks required, for that matter.

Estate administration is our area. Our lawyer and staff can help guide you through it, or take over completely. With our help, you can save time, effort and money, and concentrate on mourning and taking care of your family.

How Long Does It Take to Settle an Estate?

Predicting how long it will take to settle an estate is never easy. It depends on a number of factors, including:

• Amount of property to be appraised
• Complexity of property to be appraised and distributed, including real estate and business interests
• Number of accounts in different financial institutions
• Existence of assets outside of British Columbia
• Any family complications

Questions about Probate and Estate Administration? Just Ask!

Our Fees

In most cases, we charge zero fees up front on estate work.  We will invoice you once we have concluded the work on your estate file.

Helping Executors Through a Difficult Time

If you are a spouse, child, successor, or close friend or associate of the deceased, come and talk to us about the duties you will be taking on, we can help you carry these out.  Some of the duties may include:

• Making the application for probate
• Making funeral arrangements
• Locating all of the assets
• Advertising for any possible creditors
• Selling assets, including real estate, investments and personal possessions
• Locating and contacting all possible heirs, in and out of the province
• Contacting utilities and credit card companies to notify them of the death
• Filing the final income tax return
• Paying off all debts
• Keeping records of all your actions for the benefit of the beneficiaries, including preparing a financial accounting
• Distributing assets

We can help you complete your tasks efficiently, avoiding common pitfalls and protecting you from liability, whether you want simple advice, or somebody to completely take over and act on your behalf, or something in between. If you need help with your executorship, or are just starting out by searching for an inheritance lawyer, we’re here to help.

Fast & Company in Burnaby BC can also offer seamless one-stop services for any real estate needs related to the estate. A skilled, trusted realtor and lawyer will work alongside you during the whole sale process through our innovative RELEX™ program.

We can also provide estate notary services, help with any business needs related to the estate, and referrals to trusted professionals outside of our organization if necessary.

Take the Next Step Today

The next step is an easy one. Schedule a complimentary call with and estate administration and probate lawyer. Contact us for a free consultation to help gain clarity about your next steps and get you moving forward.  There is no obligation to proceed beyond this initial free call.