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.

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

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”

Thanks for the info.

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.

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!)

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.

Thanks for your help