Wills & Estates
Nanaimo Wills & Estates Lawyers
Planning your estate is one of the most important things you can do for your family. Without a valid will in BC, the province's intestacy laws decide who inherits your assets — which may not align with your wishes.
Get connected with a Nanaimo wills & estates lawyer
Common situations we help with
- Drafting a will
- Power of attorney
- Representation agreements
- Estate administration and probate
- Challenging a will
- Estate disputes between beneficiaries
- Trust creation
- Planning for incapacity
What to expect
A wills and estates lawyer helps you create a legal will, appoint an executor, plan for incapacity through powers of attorney, and minimize complications for your estate. If you're administering a deceased person's estate, they guide the probate process and handle distribution.
BC context
BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) governs wills and estates in the province. A valid BC will must be signed in front of two witnesses who are not beneficiaries. Without a will, assets go to spouses and children first under a set formula, and can take much longer to distribute.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost in Nanaimo?
A basic will prepared by a lawyer typically costs $300–$600. A comprehensive estate plan including powers of attorney and representation agreements runs $800–$1,500. DIY will kits exist but often cause problems that cost far more to fix later.
What is probate in BC?
Probate is the court process of validating a will and authorizing the executor to administer the estate. Not all estates require probate — it depends on the assets involved. BC charges probate fees based on the estate's value.
Can a will be challenged in BC?
Yes. Under WESA, spouses and children who believe they were inadequately provided for can apply to vary a will. Claims must be filed within 180 days of probate being granted.