Wills and estate planning are not only about distributing property. A useful plan considers decision-making, executors, beneficiaries, family circumstances and how records will be found when needed.
Marriage, separation, children, property changes, business interests and moves between jurisdictions can affect estate planning. An old will should not be assumed to remain appropriate indefinitely.
BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act is central to wills and estate administration in the province, but individual circumstances can raise additional issues.
Estate planning may also include documents for decision-making during life, not only instructions after death. Powers of attorney and representation arrangements address different needs and should be discussed in the context of the person's circumstances and capacity.
Consider reviewing estate documents after major family, property or business changes rather than waiting for an arbitrary number of years.
An executor may need to locate assets, communicate with beneficiaries, address debts and taxes, preserve property and work through probate or administration requirements. Choose someone who can realistically handle the role and consider alternatives if the first choice cannot act.
Tell the appropriate person where important documents can be found without exposing sensitive information unnecessarily.
People with blended families, dependent family members, property outside British Columbia, private-company interests or significant beneficiary concerns may need more tailored planning than a simple will template can provide.
Maintain a current list of major accounts, property, insurance and professional contacts in a secure location.
Not every estate follows exactly the same process. Whether there is a valid will, the nature and ownership of assets, and other circumstances affect what steps may be required.
The Supreme Court of British Columbia and provincial resources provide procedural information, but legal advice can be useful where validity, beneficiaries, property or disputes are uncertain.
An executor should understand estate obligations before distributing assets simply because beneficiaries are waiting.
Disputes may concern the validity or interpretation of a will, executor conduct, family claims, ownership or other issues. Early advice can help identify the actual dispute and any procedural deadlines.
Keep original documents and avoid altering records connected to the estate.