Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

We have bought a property and need to make a will in BC. We have never made a will and our beneficiaries will be family in the UK in the event of both our deaths (no children). Can anyone advise on the best way to find/appoint an executor and whether online template kits would be sufficient to get this done. Thanks.

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

Read this link
Wills and Estate Planning - Province of British Columbia

You can do will kits but as usual you are advised to consult a lawyer or notary public to see if its valid and legal.

Also this link has useful info
http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/wp-co...-web-final.pdf

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

Finding an executor can be tricky (at least it was for us - no children either!) because if you ask a lawyer (a) they do it on a personal basis, so if you outive them there are problems, and (b) they charge! We asked our youngest trusted Canadian friend, and made sure we left them a good amount in the will as recompense! If you have UK assets (e.g., a SIPP) when you pass on, things seem to get a bit more complicated. Google “Resealing under Colonial Probates Acts 1892 and 1927”

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

Thanks for the info.

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

I know we all make jokes about lawyers but it is not exactly unreasonable for them to charge for providing legal services.

I think many people underestimate how onerous being an executor can be if they are not used to handling the paperwork or have much knowledge of the issues involved. A friend can agree but then find themselves overwhelmed. I suggest naming several alternate executors. The third or fourth alternate can be a legal firm or a bank - something that will survive all of you and has the expertise to wrap things up.

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

True - but I've done it a few times in the UK and survived the experience unscathed! I think a lot depends on how easy it's made for the executor - along with our wills we have a letter to our executor listing what assets we hold where, for example... We just update this when necessary. (A bit of paper seems safer than anything electronic!)

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

Go and see these people at 900 Howe Street. Pick up a free booklet which explains the process and provides lots of links. They have loads of free resources on all types of legal matters including wills.

http://www.publiclegaled.bc.ca/categ...rces/booklets/


They are a non profit charity.

PS: of course you may not be in Vancouver and/or you may prefer to download which I think you can. I work nearby so I tend to drop in.

Re: Making A Will and Finding an Executor in BC
 

Thanks for your help