Wills & Estates Lawyers in British Columbia

British Columbia has a rule that exists nowhere else in Canada in the same form, and it is the single most important thing to understand about a BC will. Under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, a spouse or child who has been left out or inadequately provided for can apply to court to have the will varied, and BC courts will do it. You cannot simply disinherit an adult child in BC the way you can in most provinces, and if you intend to leave an unequal estate, the reasons need to be documented carefully with a lawyer.

That same rule is why BC sees more estate litigation than most provinces. Note also that a wills variation claim has a strict filing deadline running from the grant of probate. Simple wills can be prepared by a BC notary public, but anything involving a blended family, a business, unequal distribution, or a trust is lawyer territory. The firms below handle wills, estates, and probate across BC.