Wills and Estates
Wealth Preservation and Estate Planning – not just “getting a will done”:
Our Maple Ridge Wills & Estates Lawyers don’t just draft wills – there is far more to getting a will in place than simply putting pen to paper. We get to know you, your family and your estate, so we can advise on how to preserve your wealth by understanding how your assets will devolve upon your passing. We fully explain the laws surrounding estates and do some estate planning together with you, ensuring your wishes are carried out correctly and efficiently. We can draft and advise when the following documents may be needed:
- Wills;
- Powers of Attorney;
- Trusts and Trust Agreements;
- Representation Agreements;
- Living Wills;
- Advanced Directive
Commiteeship Services
This is most often needed when a person becomes incapacitated and they have not already given a power of attorney over their finances to someone else. In this case, all bank accounts that are held only in their name are effectively frozen. If your loved one is in this situation, someone may have to be appointed as their committee of person and estate and we can advise and assist you on this process.
Probate & Administration – easing the burden and confusion
When a loved one dies, it can be a very stressful time. Let our Maple Ridge Estate Lawyers / Maple Ridge Probate Lawyers help you in deciding whether you are required to apply for a grant of probate or letters of administration from the court, and if so, handle the whole process for you. We will guide you step by step along the way making it as stress-free as possible. Our services include:
- Probate Applications (for a Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration)
- Advising on the estate administration process – we can lay out every step of the process for you from start to end
- Advising on the validity of a will
- Drafting and filing the correct probate or administration documents with the Court which will be accepted by the Court
- Locating the deceased’s assets
- Filing a wills notice search
- Drafting and sending standard letters to banks, government agencies and other relevant organizations
- Advertise for creditors of the estate
- Helping the executor present their accounts to the beneficiaries
- Drafting and sending all the necessary correspondence and releases to the beneficiaries or heirs prior to the distribution of the estate
- Passing the executor’s accounts before the court
