ASSOCIATE SOLICITOR, VANCOUVER, BC
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About Our Process
How should I prepare for the initial consultation?
Before your consultation, we may ask you to gather certain documents and/or information to bring into the appointment. Beyond that, no extra preparation is needed. We may ask some tough questions, but it’s ok if you don’t know the answers. We’ll guide you through it!
What should I expect in the first meeting?
The initial consultation allows us both to assess whether we are the right advisors for you. This helps us put together a realistic service estimate.
Do I always have to come to your office, or how do we communicate?
The Law Society of British Columbia requires that we verify the identity of all of our clients. Therefore, barring exceptional circumstances (such as COVID-19), the initial consultation will be an in-person meeting at our office. However, once we have begun working together, we are happy to accommodate your preferred method of communication. Depending on your situation, we may require you to come into our office from time to time to sign documents. Please see “How will COVID-19 affect the services provided by GBC Law?” for current practices.
Is the information I tell my lawyer confidential?
Any information that you disclose to us during the initial consultation and in communications thereafter will remain confidential.
Wills & Estates
What do I do if a loved one passes away without a will?
If your loved one passes away without a Will, you may need some help to figure out the next steps to deal with the estate. We are here to help you through this difficult process by advising you on what needs to be done and assisting you with the process. Please see our Law for Life page for more information on administering an estate without a Will.
What happens if I don’t have a will?
Not preparing a Will means that you may be leaving a burden of personal, financial, and emotional stress on your loved ones. That in turn may lead to lengthy court proceedings and a considerable amount of legal fees that could have been avoided by preparing a Will. The best approach is a proactive one. Please see our Law for Life page to learn more about how we can help you prepare a Will.
How should I choose an executor?
First and foremost, your executor should be someone you trust to carry out your wishes. Your executor will not only have to deal with your estate but will have to be in contact with your beneficiaries. Consider someone who is proactive, good at getting things done, and is likely to survive you. You should let your executor know where you are keeping your original Will and ideally, you should keep up to date records of your assets and liabilities.
What should I consider when creating an estate plan?
There are many factors to consider, which we are happy to walk you through! Here are a few important questions to start the process.
- Who do you wish to leave your estate to?
- Do you have an up-to-date Will?
- Is there a need or any benefit to creating a trust – for a spouse, your children, a disabled child or adult?
- If you have a blended family, how will you account for your spouse and your children?
- Do you have sufficient life insurance in place?
- Have you designated beneficiaries under your life insurance policy and registered savings accounts (such as a TFSA, RRSP, RRIF)?
- Have you spoken to an accountant regarding the possible tax consequences of your estate plan?
- Do you have a Representation Agreement to deal with your personal care and health care matters if you become incapable?