If you are looking for a Summerland or Kelowna lawyer who can help with estate planning, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, it is important to find a lawyer who is experienced in this area of law. Second, you want to find a lawyer who is familiar with BC laws.
Why is estate planning important? If you don’t have a will or other estate plan in place, your property (including your home, car, jewellery, etc) will be distributed according to your province’s intestacy laws. These laws may not take into account your wishes regarding who should be the recipient. That’s why it is so important estate to prepare a will.
A will is a legal document that specifies how you would like your property and assets to be distributed after your death. Without a will, BC law dictates how your estate will be divided, which may not be in accordance with your wishes. It’s recommended that you consult with a lawyer when writing a will, as there are often complex legal issues involved. Our Summerland lawyers can help ensure that your will is valid and interpreted correctly.
Have you heard the term “joint ownership of assets”? The benefits of joint ownership of assets when it comes to thinking about the future, include avoiding your executors having to determine how to pass on significant assets like a home. The drawbacks of joint ownership of assets include the potential for conflict should you want to dispose of your assets at any time, and a potential loss of control over an asset.
If you are facing the death of someone close to you, the Bell-Jacoe team in Summerland BC can help you with probate, which is the process of ensuring that a will is valid and that the deceased’s wishes are carried out. Probate can be complex, so it’s important to get legal help at this time.
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Thank you for your interest in the law firm of Bell Jacoe & Company. Based in Summerland BC, we have served clients in the South Okanagan since 1990. Our experienced lawyers provide help with wills and powers of attorney, as well as real estate transactions, injury claims, divorce, general litigation, commercial legal requests, and more.
For more information, see our Wills and Estate page.
Further Reading: Is it time to write your will?