Estate Planning & Administration

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Estate Planning & Administration Services in Vernon, BC

Preparing a will is usually not at the front of our minds, but the importance of a properly executed will cannot be understated. Our estate services will not only give you piece of mind, but will also protect your loved ones from undue stress and hardship. We can help with a wide range of services that will ensure a plan is in place to see that your wishes are followed through.

Planning for the future is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored. At Kidston Helm Ross, we provide comprehensive estate planning and administration services tailored to your unique circumstances. Whether you need a simple Will or complex trust planning, we help you navigate the legal aspects of securing your legacy, minimizing tax burdens, and avoiding disputes.

Estate Planning Services

A well-structured estate plan ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes while protecting your beneficiaries from unnecessary financial and legal challenges. Our estate planning services include:

Preparation of Wills

A properly executed Will ensures that your estate is distributed according to your wishes rather than default government rules. Without a Will, your assets may not go to the people you intend. We help you create a clear, legally sound Will that reflects your intentions and protects your loved ones. With our years of experience, we guide you through considerations you may not have thought about, ensuring peace of mind for you and security for your family.

Powers of Attorney

If you become incapacitated, a Power of Attorney allows a trusted individual to manage your financial and legal affairs on your behalf. Without this document, critical decisions could be delayed or left to a court-appointed representative. We assist in drafting Powers of Attorney, ensuring both you and your chosen representative understand the responsibilities, limitations, and legal implications.

Representation Agreements

A Representation Agreement allows you to designate someone to make health care and personal care decisions on your behalf if you are unable to do so due to illness or injury. This document ensures that your medical and personal wishes are honored, giving you and your family clarity and peace of mind during difficult times.

Trusts & Tax Planning

Trusts can be valuable tools for protecting assets, minimizing tax burdens, and ensuring long-term financial security for your beneficiaries. Whether establishing family trusts, disability trusts, or charitable trusts, we provide expert legal guidance to structure your estate in a way that reduces liabilities and safeguards your legacy.

Administration of Estates or Trusts

We understand that being an executor of an estate or a trustee can be overwhelming with the legal hurdles involved, especially during an emotional time. We provide expert legal guidance to executors, trustees, and beneficiaries, ensuring the estate is managed efficiently and in accordance with the law. Our lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you through it all and be there if disputes arise.

Estate Administration

When someone dies in British Columbia, their estate needs to be managed and distributed in accordance with their Will or, if no Will exists, in accordance with the laws in British Columbia. This process ensures their wishes are respected and that their assets are distributed fairly and legally.

We assist executors in administering estates, including obtaining probate, managing estate assets, settling debts, and ensuring that distributions to beneficiaries align with the terms of the Will. Our goal is to streamline estate administration, helping executors fulfill their responsibilities efficiently while avoiding unnecessary delays.

Probate

One important step in estate administration is obtaining a Grant of Probate. This is a legal process that confirms the validity of the deceased’s Will and authorizes the executor to act on behalf of the estate.

What is Probate?

Probate is the Supreme Court of British Columbia’s approval of a Will as the final, valid document outlining the deceased’s wishes. If there is no Will, probate involves appointing an administrator to handle the estate—this is called a Grant of Administration.

Why is Probate Necessary?

Probate is necessary for:

Access to Assets: Financial institutions, land title offices, and other organizations often require a Grant of Probate before allowing the executor to manage or distribute assets.
Legal Protection: Probate provides legal authority to the executor, reducing the risk of disputes or personal liability.
Certainty for Beneficiaries: It ensures that the Will is recognized by the courts and that beneficiaries receive their inheritance as intended.
Clear Title Transfer: For real estate or other significant assets, probate ensures a smooth transfer of ownership.

When is Probate Required?

While not all estates require probate, it is typically necessary if:

The estate includes real estate.
The estate’s value exceeds $25,000.
Institutions holding the deceased’s assets require the executor to obtain a Grant of Probate.
There are disputes among beneficiaries or claims against the estate.

Simplifying the Process

A well-prepared Will can streamline probate, making the executor’s job easier and reducing costs. Working with an estate lawyer or professional can help ensure the process is handled efficiently.

Please contact Dan Hutchinson for more information or assistance with estate planning, administration, and probate.

Executor Support

Being an executor comes with significant legal responsibilities, and mistakes can lead to personal liability. We provide guidance on legal duties, estate laws, and compliance requirements, ensuring executors fulfill their role correctly and with confidence. Our support helps executors navigate challenges and avoid potential legal pitfalls.

Trust Administration

Trustees have a fiduciary duty to manage assets responsibly and in accordance with the trust’s terms. We advise trustees on their legal obligations, trust interpretation, and tax-efficient asset distribution, ensuring they meet their responsibilities while protecting the interests of beneficiaries.

Dispute Resolution

Estate disputes can be emotionally and financially taxing. Whether conflicts arise between executors, beneficiaries, or family members, we provide skilled legal support to resolve disagreements over estate distribution, Will interpretation, and fiduciary duties. Our approach prioritizes efficient solutions through negotiation and mediation, but we are prepared to litigate when necessary. Read more about our Estate Litigation services here.

Estate Planning & Administration Services in Vernon, BC

At Kidston Helm Ross, we work closely with accountants and financial advisors to develop estate strategies that align with your goals and provide long-term security for your loved ones. Whether you are planning ahead or need assistance navigating an estate matter, our experienced team is here to help.

Everybody’s personal situation is different, but whether you have a simple estate to divide among the children or business interests to arrange succession for, we can help you find the solutions you need. We will even bring up those issues that you haven’t even thought of yet. Contact us for a consultation.

Our Team of Estate Planning & Administration Lawyers

We’re here to help. Contact one of our Vernon-based Estate Planning & Administration lawyers for more information or to schedule a confidential consultation.