Marie-Louise Fast

If you are involved in the probate of a will, below are some definitions and interpretations as set forth in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act that took effect in British Columbia in 2014. Beneficiary –

Being in charge of probate for an insolvent estate is truly a thankless task, yet if you have accepted this assignment, you must carry out your duties. These types of estates are usually best administered

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

Sometimes people named as executors of estates are unable to serve in that capacity. They may have died at the same time as the decedent, as in spouses killed in an accident, or they might

If you are handling the probate process as an estate administrator, one challenge you may encounter are disappointed beneficiaries. There can be many reasons for their disappointment, and few of them will likely be because

Many executors don’t need to apply for probate, depending upon the estate’s assets, as some can pass on to the heirs directly. Properties owned as joint tenancies with other people don’t have to be probated.

This is the second installment of our series on the duties of an executor in British Columbia.   Many executors elect to retain a lawyer to prepare the paperwork and provide legal advice on the

Dealing with probate matters can be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done because it necessarily comes after what might be a great loss. At a time when you are grieving for a loved

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

Sometimes in cases of estate administration, the person named as administrator of the estate will retain a lawyer to assist him or her with the process, only to learn later that there is a potential