Probate & Estate Administration

GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE ESTATE ADMINISTRATION PROCESS

The death of a loved one often brings significant legal and administrative responsibilities at an already difficult time. Executors and family members are frequently required to navigate unfamiliar processes while managing important financial and personal matters.

Our lawyers regularly assist executors, administrators, and beneficiaries throughout British Columbia with probate and estate administration matters. Whether you require assistance obtaining probate, administering an estate, transferring assets, or navigating a more complex situation, we can guide you through each step of the process.

Not every estate requires probate. Depending on the nature of the assets and how they are held, a Grant of Probate or Grant of Administration may or may not be necessary. We can help determine the appropriate process and provide practical advice tailored to the circumstances of the estate.

We Can Assist With

• Determining whether probate is required
• Obtaining a Grant of Probate
• Obtaining a Grant of Administration where no valid will exists
• Preparing probate and court application materials
• Identifying and valuing estate assets
• Assisting executors and administrators with their legal obligations
• Collecting, transferring, and liquidating estate assets
• Paying debts and taxes
• Estate accounting and reporting to beneficiaries
• Distribution of estate assets
• Resolving issues that arise during estate administration

Executor Responsibilities

Being named as an executor is an important responsibility. Depending on the circumstances, an executor may be required to:

• Locate and secure estate assets
• Arrange funeral and burial matters
• Notify financial institutions and government agencies
• Apply for probate
• Pay debts and taxes
• Maintain estate records and accounts
• Communicate with beneficiaries
• Distribute estate assets

Executors have legal obligations and can, in some circumstances, be held personally liable for mistakes made during the administration process. Our lawyers can provide guidance throughout the administration of an estate or handle many of these responsibilities on an executor’s behalf.

Estate Disputes

Most estates are administered without difficulty. However, disputes can arise regarding the validity of a will, the actions of an executor, the interpretation of estate documents, or the distribution of estate assets.

Our Estate Litigation team regularly assists executors, beneficiaries, spouses, children, and other interested parties in resolving estate disputes throughout British Columbia.

Learn more about our Estate Litigation services here.

Planning for the Future

Many of the challenges encountered during estate administration can be reduced through thoughtful estate planning.

Whether you require a will, power of attorney, representation agreement, trust, or succession plan, our Wills & Estate Planning team can help you prepare for the future and provide clarity for your loved ones.

Learn more about our Wills & Estate Planning services here.

FREE RDM RESOURCES

Every estate is different. Before consulting with one of our lawyers, we encourage you to gather as much information as possible regarding the deceased’s assets, liabilities, and family circumstances.

To help you prepare for your meeting with our team, we have provided the following resources:

• Probate and Administration | Download
• What to Bring to your Estate Administration Appointment | Download

Need Help Administering an Estate?

Acting as an executor or administrator can be a significant responsibility. Whether you are applying for probate, gathering estate assets, dealing with creditors, accounting to beneficiaries, or preparing for the distribution of an estate, our team can help guide you through the process.

We regularly assist executors, administrators, and beneficiaries throughout British Columbia with both straightforward and complex estate administration matters.

Please contact our office at 604.853.0774 to schedule a consultation with a member of our Estate Administration Team.