Legal Resources

The Law Society of British Columbia of has hundreds of thousands of client files, including wills, taken into possession when law firms have been taken over and through other processes. If you have lost track of your lawyer and need to locate files, contact the Law Society.

This fact sheet answers common questions about what is involved in administering an estate or a personal trust. It covers such topics as finding the heirs of an estate, what happens when there is no will, dealing with the deceased’s possessions, and the role of the Public Guardian and Trustee.

Practical information for when someone dies without a will. Topics include who inherits the deceased’s property, steps to settling the estate, applying for a grant of administration, and more.

Nidus encourages everyone to make a will. However, there are some situations where an individual may be considered not mentally capable to make a will. This fact sheet explains who has legal authority to settle an estate and gives examples of how an estate must be distributed if there is no will.

Practical, step-by-step information about what you need to know when dealing with an estate. Learn what is involved if you are asked to be an executor, the ten steps to settle an estate, and the steps to take if you need to probate the will.

This webinar answers common questions about contesting wills in BC.

Explains the rights and responsibilities of people in marriage-like (common-law) relationships when their partner dies.

Under the law, a child born outside marriage is treated the same as a child born to married parents. However, there are some implications for parents and other practical considerations.

If you think your spouse or parent didn’t leave you enough, you can ask the court to rewrite the will so you receive a larger share. It explains who can bring a wills variation claim, and explains the steps to take if you want to challenge the will. Answers common questions, and links to free or low-cost legal help and how to find a lawyer.

This guide can help you if you believe a will does not accurately represent the true intentions of the deceased.