Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and the logo of the Government of Canada.

Estate Administration On-Reserve: Templates Package

Government of Canada

Contains generic templates to help with the routine tasks of administering a simple estate under the Indian Act. It’s intended to be used with the booklet “Estate Administration On-Reserve: A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia.”

Last reviewed May 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover showing the title and the logo of the Government of Canada.

Estate Administration On-Reserve: A Guide for Executors and Administrators in British Columbia

Government of Canada

Guide for people appointed by Indigenous Services Canada as the executor or administrator of the estate of a family member or friend who has passed away.

Last reviewed May 2024
Logo shows the letters "PGT" in shades of blue and green, with the organization name to the right.

Estate and Personal Trust Services Frequently Asked Questions

Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia

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.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dying Without a Will

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed March 2024
First page of help sheet with text in two columns.

Dying Without a Will

Nidus Registry

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.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dealing with an Estate

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Contesting a Will in British Columbia

People’s Law School

This webinar answers common questions about contesting wills in BC.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

What Happens If Your Common-Law Partner Dies?

Legal Aid BC

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

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Children Born Outside Marriage

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Challenging Your Spouse or Parent’s Will

People’s Law School

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.

Last reviewed March 2024