If your intentions as to your estate are not clarified to the extent required by law, you will be intestate. In such cases, the additional costs associated with probating your estate can cause great strain to your survivors. It is always advisable to have a clear, valid will in place, representing your final wishes as your estate, to avoid any…
While not the most pleasant of thoughts, planning your estate is crucial to protecting your family from legal difficulty after you have passed. Most areas of law are mired in red tape, and pages after pages of requirements to ensure validity and enforceability. Because of the potential complications, it is advisable to act sooner rather than later. An improperly arranged…
Many British Columbians are making the decision to purchase a unit in a development that is not yet constructed. This decision is usually the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime and is often both an exhilarating but also nerve-wracking experience. And while there are advantages to “purchasing pre-sale” there are also some risks and other issues that…
The steps of commencing an action can be complex, this article aims to offer some clarity about the main steps you should consider when commencing an action by notice of civil claim in British Columbia (B.C.). Choosing a Court Both the Small Claims Court and the Supreme Court of BC handle general civil law matters. Small Claims Court is for…
On February 1, 2017, British Columbia (B.C.) became the sixth province in Canada to introduce franchise legislation with the coming into force of the Franchises Act, and Franchises Regulations, respectively. Whether you are inquiring into becoming or already are a practicing franchisor or franchisee, you should be informed as to what your legal obligations and rights are when franchising in…
Conflict in commercial relationships happen, and the mechanisms chosen to handle these disputes should be given a sufficient amount of thought and planning. All too often, parties turn to litigation to resolve their legal disputes before considering other dispute resolution processes. One process that has become increasingly visible and relied upon as an effective alternative to pursuing litigation is arbitration.…
Dear Clients, Colleagues, and Friends: We have waited to post this update to give each of you time to adjust to the “new normal” all of us will be facing for the foreseeable future. At the outset, we wish to extend our heartfelt concern to you and your loved ones. As a community, we will get through this, and we…