Sorry, you need to enable JavaScript to visit this website.

Wills and Estates

Photo of old scale
Photo by Roman Kraft on Unsplash
Source

Related Guides

Use the resources below to find reputable information on estate law, the branch of provincial law that deals with wills, power of attorney, probate, and associated areas relating to personal planning and estate distribution.

Will, Estate, and Personal Planning Primers
Links to numerous publications covering every aspect of wills and estate-planning.
Information on wills, dealing with an estate, and personal planning. Audio versions also available.
A compilation of reputable online resources relating to wills and estates. Can be subdivided by specific topic: death & funeral arrangements, probating or dealing with an estate, and wills.
A compilation of reputable online resources relating to wills and estates. Can be subdivided by specific topic: planning for your future or when an adult needs help.
Online manual updated annually to reflect new changes to federal and provincial law. See Chapter 15 for Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making and Chapter 16 for Wills and Probate.

Personal and Estate Planning

Wills, Power of Attorney (a legal document granting a specified individual the power to take care of financial and legal matters on your behalf).

Covers arrangements you can put in place now, to prepare for a time when you’re unable to handle your own affairs. Includes options for planning in four areas: health care, personal care, financial affairs, and legal matters.
Information about making a will and creating advance directives with respect to future medical decisions.
Explains how to prepare a will, what to consider when appointing an executor, and next steps after the will is finished.
Explains the types of powers of attorney, who can be an attorney, their powers and responsibilities, and how to end such an arrangement.
Learn the essentials of preparing a will and tips for creating an estate plan.
Resources on the various types of legal documents pertaining to personal and estate planning in BC.
A list of resources for anyone who is making a will, acting as an executor, or creating a personal planning document such as a representation agreement.
Cover Image for The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning: Everything You Need to Know Today to Protect your Wealth and your Family Tomorrow

The Canadian Guide to Will and Estate Planning: Everything You Need to Know Today to Protect your Wealth and your Family Tomorrow

Douglas A. Gray

346.71052 G77c3

2018

A practical, helpful, and very thorough guide that covers all the bases when it comes to planning and managing your estate.

Guide to Wills and Estates: British Columbia Edition

Gabrielle M. Komorowska

346.71105 G94e1

Continuously updated reference manual for legal professionals. Includes sample forms for most will related issues.

What to Do When a Loved One Dies
A guide for those who have experienced a death in their family. Includes information on what steps need to be taken immediately, where to go for support, resources for planning a funeral service, and more.
Outlines steps to take after the death of a loved one.
Covers preparing for the death of a loved one, what to do immediately after the death, making the funeral arrangements, and where to find support.

How to Execute (Probate) a Will
Covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will.
Excellent resource. Includes 10 steps to settling an estate, how to probate a will, and how to fill out probate or administration forms.
Helps you understand the steps involved in being an executor and probating a will.
Find out what to do if you have been named executor of a will or if there is no will, and how to authorise a representative such as an accountant.
An Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) booklet that provides general information about administering a simple estate under the Indian Act.
Cover Image for British Columbia Probate Kit

British Columbia Probate Kit

Mary Jane Wilson

346.711052 W75b3

2015

Demonstrates how to probate or administer an estate without consulting a lawyer. Includes forms.

British Columbia Probate and Estate Administration Practice Manual

Continuing Legal Education Society of British Columbia

346.711056 R35c4

Continuously updated reference manual (2 volumes) for legal professionals.

Relevant Legislation and Forms
British Columbia (provincial law).
Links to all Supreme Court (Civil) Rules forms pertaining to probate.
Law and Government Subject Icon

NOTE: this online resource will be discontinued as of January 31, 2025.

Canada's most comprehensive collection of legal forms and precedents.
In-person access to Division I, Commercial and General is available online at the Central and Mount Pleasant branch locations.

Access:
At some VPL locations only

Useful Websites

Links to numerous publications covering every aspect of wills and estate-planning.

Information on wills, dealing with an estate, and personal planning. Audio versions also available.

A compilation of reputable online resources relating to wills and estates. Can be subdivided by specific topic: death & funeral arrangements, probating or dealing with an estate, and wills.

A compilation of reputable online resources relating to wills and estates. Can be subdivided by specific topic: planning for your future or when an adult needs help.

When someone dies in British Columbia and you are looking after their affairs, this checklist helps you determine who to notify and how to notify them.

Online manual updated annually to reflect new changes to federal and provincial law. See Chapter 15 for Adult Guardianship and Substitute Decision-Making and Chapter 16 for Wills and Probate.

Digital Library Resources

Law and Government Subject Icon

Provides a single point of entry to legal information, education and help for people living in British Columbia.

Access:
Everywhere for everyone
Law and Government Subject Icon

NOTE: this online resource will be discontinued as of January 31, 2025.

Canada's most comprehensive collection of legal forms and precedents.
In-person access to Division I, Commercial and General is available online at the Central and Mount Pleasant branch locations.

Access:
At some VPL locations only

Contact Us