British Columbia Will Lawyer

Establishing an estate plan is one of the most important ways to protect you and your family. Whether you choose will- or trust-based planning, you should work with an experienced British Columbia will lawyer to secure your finances and safeguard your future.  

Many people put off the estate planning process because they are not currently facing ill health or their estate is minimal. However, planning ahead of a health crisis is important, regardless of the size of the estate. It is never too early to plan for the future and protect yourself and your loved ones from the unpredictable.  

Understanding the various options for estate plans can help the process seem less daunting ahead of your first consultation with an attorney. Call us at 604-560-8285 today.

Understanding Different Estate Planning Options: Wills vs. Trusts  

Most people are familiar with wills and may believe them to be the only option for managing assets after death. However, trusts are also a viable (and sometimes superior) option for many families, so it helps to understand the differences in each planning option. 

The primary difference between wills and trusts is that trust-based planning establishes a trustee to manage assets either during the grantor’s lifetime or after their death. Wills, on the other hand, only take effect after death and allow someone to appoint an executor to handle the asset distribution. 

Wills require a lengthy public probate process to validate the document and grant the executor permission to distribute assets. A probate lawyer may make this process easier to navigate and ensure that the executor feels supported in taking on the estate management duties. 

Trusts skip the probate process, allowing for more privacy and faster access to assets. The trust can also take effect during the grantor’s lifetime, which may make it easier for them to make specific requests about estate management and asset distributions. Trusts enable you to plan financially for long-term care in facilities such as nursing homes, should the need arise. 

Trusts are typically better options for those with large estates or those with complex family dynamics requiring more customized plans. Wills are simpler and less expensive up front to outline. A living will attorney assists clients in outlining plans for their care in the event of incapacitation, injury, or terminal illness.  

Either choice allows parents to appoint guardians for their children and distribute assets to beneficiaries. Still, a trust may be better for those with disabled dependents who want to detail specific care plans. Those interested in pursuing either a will or a trust should seek an attorney with requisite experience in estate planning and family law.

How a British Columbia Will Lawyer Can Help With Estate Planning  

It is always a good idea to plan a will or trust with the help of an experience legal professional. A lawyer can help people feel supported in their future planning and ensure that all documents are legally compliant with local and federal regulations, so as to avoid any surprises in the future and ensure your wishes are carried out to the letter.

Additionally, an advance directive attorney (also known as a power of attorney lawyer) can guide important decisions about future healthcare and anticipate potential legal needs. A power of attorney (POA) nomination allows someone else to act on your behalf to make medical or financial decisions if you face incapacitation. An attorney can help you choose who to grant POA and determine what limited authority to allow them and under what specific circumstances this authority takes over.  

Although some may want to attempt POA designation while drafting estate plans alone, it is important to consider how legal counsel can ensure the designation is legally valid and that you are comfortable with the responsibilities it entails. 

A trusted will planning attorney can help British Columbia residents create an estate plan that reflects their values and wishes. They may assist in specific areas such as: 

• Drafting an initial will or updating a previous document as circumstances change 
• Officially appointing legal guardians for minors or disabled dependents requiring full-time care 
• Protect assets through proactive financial planning 
• Navigate the probate process and support the executor in their duties  
• Handle complicated family matters through detailed trusts and mediation services, where necessary 
• Secure trust funds and inheritances for beneficiaries  

Working with a knowledgeable attorney can ensure that your finances and care are in the hands of someone you trust and protect your family from the unpredictable. These legal counsellors can help you customize your estate plan to suit your unique needs, including the size of your assets, any complex family dynamics, and your specific requests for long-term care. It is important that you feel comfortable when working with a lawyer to secure your future, and this involves finding a legal team that works to understand the specifics of your situation and can incorporate your wishes while complying with legal requirements.  

Establish or Update Your Will With Pier Law & Mediation To Protect Your Family and Future 

Pier Law & Mediation offers legal counsel to those starting the estate planning process. With our extensive experience in family law, our attorneys can help customize a will or trust that reflects your values and protects your assets. Working with a qualified attorney when creating a will is essential, as this document establishes financial protections for you and your family and helps you plan for quality long-term care. 

Get started with your estate planning today to enjoy the peace of mind that protection from the unpredictable can offer. Learn more by calling 604-560-8285 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with a British Columbia will lawyer.