Simply put, a will makes clear how a person wishes his or her estate to be distributed after he or she passes away. In a perfect world, the executor of the estate will see to it that the instructions are followed properly, the estate is settled, and life goes on. Unfortunately, things do not always go perfectly during estate administration, … Read More
Disinherited Kids Challenge Will in Probate, Seek Share of Estate
When an individual in British Columbia passes away and leaves a will, the will must go through probate. In theory, the probate process is relatively simple: the will is submitted to the court and its legality is verified before then being administered by the executor. In rare cases, the will may be challenged, usually by hitherto unknown heirs, or those … Read More
Estate Administration Headache Number 1: Battling Heirs
Even professional estate administrators and lawyers dislike handling estates where there are multiple contentious heirs working at cross-purposes with one another. Sometimes dissatisfied heirs try to undermine the probate process by selling off some of the estate’s holdings, but more often than not, the in-fighting is demoralizing and creates chaos. Siblings dredge up decades-old grudges and revert to their childhood … Read More
Why might a will be challenged during estate administration?
At the best of times, being executor for an estate can be time-consuming and emotional. All administrators hope for a smooth and expeditious execution of their duties. Unfortunately, there are times when surprises during estate administration can throw a wrench into the works. One such wrench is a challenge to the will, which can happen for one of a few … Read More
Can I Administer My Mom’s Estate Without Killing My Siblings?
If you are the administrator of your parent’s estate and you have at least one sibling, chances are good that you have first-hand experience with frustration. There’s something about parental inheritance that turns otherwise pleasantly civil siblings into the snarling and scrapping toddlers they once were. When the estate administrator is also an heir, he or she might have to … Read More
Can I Disinherit My Children?
Many people find great comfort in knowing that their will clearly designates who will take possession of their treasured belongings and other assets after their deaths. However, what about those to whom they prefer to leave nothing? Are people able to disinherit family members if they so choose? Under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act of British Columbia, the testator … Read More