Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning

Secure Your Future with Peak Law Group

At Peak Law Group, we know that planning for your future and safeguarding the well-being of your loved ones is of utmost importance. With years of experience serving the British Columbia community, we specialize in crafting comprehensive, personalized estate planning solutions that bring peace of mind and financial security.

Wills and Personal Estate Planning

Our wills and personal estate planning services are meticulously designed to meet your unique needs and concerns. From drafting wills to creating Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements, we'll guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring that your estate and personal matters are handled with professionalism and empathy.

Trusts and Complex Planning

Need more intricate planning? We also handle advanced estate planning structures such as alter ego trusts, family trusts, and multiple wills. Our aim is to leverage these powerful legal tools to create an estate plan that minimizes tax, protects your assets, and maximizes the value passed onto your loved ones.

We believe in clarity and transparency. That's why we operate on a flat-fee pricing model, and unlike many other law firms, we openly publish our rates on our website. Learn more about our pricing.

Ready to start planning for your future? We invite you to book a free, no-obligation, 30-minute consultation with one of our expert lawyers. Schedule your appointment today.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a will and why do I need one?

A will is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding the distribution of your assets after death. Without a will, these decisions will be made by provincial law, which may not align with your preferences.

2. What is a Power of Attorney and why do I need one?

A Power of Attorney is a legal document where you designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf. It's often used if you become unable to manage your own affairs due to illness or incapacity. Without a Power of Attorney in place, a court application may be required to appoint a committee, which can be time-consuming, costly, and may not result in the person you would have chosen yourself.

3. What is a Representation Agreement and why do I need one?

In British Columbia, a Representation Agreement allows you to appoint someone to make health and personal care decisions on your behalf should you become incapable of doing so. Without a Representation Agreement, decisions about your care may fall to a legally determined sequence of relatives, who may not know or may not follow your wishes. If no relatives are available, the Public Guardian and Trustee steps in.

4. What are the benefits of a family trust?

Family trusts can provide tax benefits, protect assets from creditors, and ensure a smooth transition of assets to beneficiaries, among other advantages.

5. What is an Alter Ego Trust?

An Alter Ego Trust is a type of trust created for individuals aged 65 or older, allowing them to transfer assets into the trust while they are alive and retain full control over those assets.

6. What are multiple wills?

In some complex situations, it might be advantageous to have multiple wills to address different assets or jurisdictions, particularly to save on probate fees.

7. How often should I update my will?

It's generally recommended to review and potentially update your will every 3-5 years or whenever significant life changes occur such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a significant asset.

8. Can a Power of Attorney be used after death?

No, a Power of Attorney ceases to be valid upon the death of the person who created it. Estate matters after death are typically handled by the executor named in a will.

9. Who can act as a trustee for my trust?

You can appoint a trusted individual, a professional trustee, or a trust company to manage your trust. It's crucial to appoint someone competent and reliable due to the significant responsibilities involved.

10. Is my will made in another province valid in British Columbia?

Generally, a will made in another province is valid in British Columbia as long as it complies with the formal requirements of a will in that province. However, certain aspects might be interpreted differently, so it's always advisable to consult with a lawyer when moving provinces.

11. What are the dangers of homemade wills?

While it may seem appealing to create a will at home, there are numerous risks associated with homemade wills. These risks include improper witnessing, ambiguous language, and failure to properly address your assets, among others. Mistakes can lead to legal disputes, delays, and possibly your will being declared invalid. For a detailed look at the dangers of homemade wills, read our blog post, "Dying Dangerously: The Risks of Making a Homemade Will" by our lawyer, Jamie Nay.