Wills, Estates & Planning
Find legal information on wills and future planning published by non-profit organizations, the government, and legal professionals in BC. Each topic includes online guides and tools selected by our librarians.
In this section
After death & funeral arrangements
What to do after someone dies, with information on funeral services and help with costs.
Planning for your future care
Read about powers of attorney and planning for your medical care and personal care in case of illness or incapacity.
Probate, executors & dealing with an estate
Learn how to deal with someone’s estate, whether or not they had a will. Includes information on reserves.
Wills
How to write and register your will, and what to do if you need to challenge one.
What can we help you find?
Legal help in BC
Elder Law Clinic
Seniors First BC
Offers pro bono (free) legal advice to eligible older adults (55+) living in BC on a wide range of legal matters, including helping throughout court processes and dealing with adult guardianship issues. They also help prepare advance planning documents such as wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements.
Everyone Legal Clinic (lower-cost representation services)
Access Pro Bono
Connect with an articling clinician for a family, tenancy and strata, employment, wills and estates, civil, corporate, consumer, or criminal law issue. Schedule a free initial phone or video meeting with a clinician (up to 30 minutes). They work under the supervision of practising lawyers and provide legal services on a lower-cost, fixed-fee basis.
Access Pro Bono Roster Program
Access Pro Bono
Provides free legal representation services for particular case types to individuals with low and modest incomes. It includes a Barristers’ Program (limited and extended litigation services), Court of Appeal Program (civil and family), Family Law Program (limited scope), Refugee Program (for sponsors), and Wills and Estates Program (non-litigious).