Wills and Estates Planning
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A will is one of the most important legal documents you can prepare. It ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes, protects your loved ones from unnecessary stress, and helps avoid legal disputes after death. In British Columbia, wills are governed by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA), which provides clear rules on making, signing, and executing wills.
At Pax Law Corporation, our wills and estates lawyers — Mrs. Shona Thomas and Dr. Samin Mortazavi — have helped hundreds of individuals protect their families and preserve their wealth through personalized estate planning. We are proud to serve clients not only in English, but also in Farsi, Punjabi, Tamil, Malay, and Malaysian, ensuring accessible legal guidance for diverse communities.
The first step in preparing a will is meeting with an estate planning lawyer. Your lawyer will:
The executor is the person (or institution) who will carry out your wishes. They are responsible for:
It is important to choose someone you trust, who is organized, and who is willing to take on this responsibility2024 07 03 LSLAP CHAPTER SIXTEE….
Beneficiaries are the individuals or organizations who will inherit your property. You may leave gifts of:
If you have children under 19, your will should appoint a guardian. This ensures your children are cared for by someone you trust, rather than leaving the decision entirely to the courts2009 Wills, Estates and Success….
Your lawyer will draft the will in clear, legally valid language. The will must meet BC’s legal requirements:
Recent changes in BC also recognize electronic wills, provided specific rules are followed2024 07 03 LSLAP CHAPTER SIXTEE….
Once drafted, the will is reviewed and signed in the presence of witnesses. Your lawyer will ensure:
Life changes — such as marriage, divorce, children, or new assets — may require updates to your will. Your will should be reviewed every few years, or after major life events.
Your lawyer will also advise on secure storage, ensuring the will is accessible to your executor when needed2025 10 04 Wills PLTC.
At Pax Law Corporation, we understand that estate planning can feel overwhelming. Our experienced lawyers:
By preparing a will with our team, you gain peace of mind knowing your legacy is protected.
Anyone aged 16 or older with mental capacity.
While not legally required, a lawyer ensures the will is valid and reduces risks of disputes.
Your estate is distributed according to WESA’s intestacy rules.
Yes, but mistakes can make it invalid. Legal guidance is strongly recommended.
The person you appoint to carry out your wishes and manage your estate.
Yes, but they must still act fairly and in the estate’s best interest.
No, but they must be properly signed and witnessed.
Lack of capacity, improper signing, undue influence, or fraud.
Yes, but children and spouses may apply to vary the will if they are not adequately provided for.
A filing with Vital Statistics BC that records where your will is stored.
Yes, through a formal document called a codicil or by making a new will.
In BC, marriage does not automatically revoke a will.
Yes, gifts to your former spouse are usually revoked.
Jointly owned property, life insurance with a beneficiary, and RRSP/RRIF designations.
Yes, BC law recognizes electronic wills under specific conditions.
Every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, children, new property).
Yes, but certain family members may challenge the will in court.
Probate can take several months, depending on the complexity of the estate.
Fees payable to the court based on the value of the estate.
In a secure but accessible location, such as with your lawyer or a safety deposit box.
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create a solicitor-client relationship. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a qualified lawyer at Pax Law Corporation.
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