5 Estate Planning Documents Every Adult Should Have
Estate planning isn't just for the wealthy. Discover the five essential documents that protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out.
Read articleWills & Estates
Wills&EstatesLawyerinSurrey,BC
Protect your family and your wishes with a clear, legally sound estate plan.
Overview
HowOurSurreyWills&EstatesLawyersCanHelp
A properly drafted will and incapacity documents are among the most caring things you can leave your family. AJD Law Corporation prepares wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements, and trusts for individuals and families in Surrey and across the Lower Mainland, tailored to blended families, business owners, and clients with property abroad.
When a loved one passes away, we guide executors through probate under BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act, from the application to the Supreme Court of British Columbia to final distribution and accounting to beneficiaries. We also advise beneficiaries and family members who believe a will is unfair or invalid.
Why Clients Choose AJD Law
- Wills that address blended families, minor children, and business succession.
- Enduring powers of attorney and representation agreements for financial and health decisions.
- Probate applications and complete estate administration support for executors.
- Advice on wills variation claims and estate disputes.
Common Questions
Wills&EstatesFAQs
General information only. Every situation is different, so speak with a lawyer about your specific circumstances.
What happens if I die without a will in BC?
Your estate is distributed under the intestacy rules in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, which may not match your wishes. The court appoints an administrator, the process is slower and more expensive, and you lose the chance to name guardians for minor children.
What is probate and is it always required?
Probate is the court process that confirms a will is valid and gives the executor authority to deal with estate assets. It is usually required when the estate includes real estate or financial accounts held solely by the deceased. Some assets, such as joint property and accounts with named beneficiaries, pass outside probate.
How much are probate fees in BC?
BC probate fees are roughly 1.4 percent of the gross value of the estate above $50,000, with a lower rate on the portion between $25,000 and $50,000 and no fee on estates under $25,000. Planning during your lifetime can reduce the assets that pass through probate.
How often should I update my will?
Review your will after any major life change: marriage, separation, the birth of a child, a significant change in assets, or the death of an executor or beneficiary. As a rule of thumb, review it every three to five years.
NeedaWills&EstatesLawyerinSurrey?
Book a consultation and get clear answers about your options, timelines, and costs.