Legal Resources

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.

Practical information on your options for challenging a will. Topics include what’s involved in challenging a spouse’s or parent’s will based on fairness, and challenging the validity of a will.

Consumer Protection BC regulates cemetery and funeral services in the province. Learn more about your rights and obligations around cremation, interment, and funeral service practices in BC, and find out what you can do if you have a problem or complaint.

Learn about the important legal issues that affect people with dementia and their families. Follow Cam and Sally’s story as one family’s experience using the law.

A booklet for people who have been appointed as executor in a will. It covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will. The information is current to March 2019.

You need to apply for a grant of administration to deal with an estate if the executor does not want to, or if there was no will. The page explains when to apply, what’s involved, the fees, how long it takes, and what to do if your application is rejected. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply (and links to the forms).

Advance care planning involves thinking about your health care preferences and letting your family, friends, and health care providers know. An Advance Care Plan documents your wishes for future treatment if you can’t express them yourself as well as who will take care of your personal and financial matters. Includes a downloadable PDF guide.

Generally speaking, adults can only be given health care with their consent. We explain consent, and the exceptions to this general rule, including what happens when someone is mentally incapable.