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Wills & Estate Litigation

If you are involved in an estate dispute, our estate litigation lawyers are here to meet with you free of both cost and obligation to help you determine the next best step.

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Wills & Estate Lawyers

In common law, the term “estate” refers to a person’s net worth. It represents the total sum, minus liabilities and debts, of a person’s assets.

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We Are Here to Help

Stephens & Holman has been serving families in British Columbia for more than 40 years. Our lawyers have the experience, dedication, and knowledge of the law necessary to effectively handle all aspects of estate litigation.

Thoughtful and thorough, we take the time necessary to understand the full scope of each situation before making suggestions, helping to ensure completely individualized representation. If you are involved in an estate dispute we are here to meet with you free of both cost and obligation to help you determine the next best step.

Please use the contact form on this page or call 604-730-4120 to schedule a consultation today. We maintain 21 locations throughout British Columbia.

Wills and Trusts

One of the most basic components of an estate plan is a will. Your will details who is to receive specific portions of your estate – and at which time assets should be dispersed.

In B.C., if you pass without a will, you are considered to have died intestate and your estate can be divided by the courts. In cases where there is a spouse and children, assets are typically divided between the two. Parents, brothers and sisters, and other family members may receive portions of an estate as well, particularly in cases where no children or spouse are present.

A trust is similar to a will in that it is concerned with what should be done with assets after a person has passed. With a trust, all assets are placed into the hands of a trustee who holds onto them until they are to be distributed. This is common in cases where a beneficiary is underage.

Planning Your Estate

Estate planning is much more than property and asset division. The purchase of various insurance packages in preparation for long-term care and other potential expenses is important. So too is giving power of attorney to a trusted individual, enabling them to act as your agent – seeing that your intentions and honored and wishes met – should you become incapacitated or otherwise rendered incapable of making sound decisions.

Litigating Estate Disputes

Estate litigation can involve any disagreement regarding an estate or an estate plan. This may include:

  • Contested wills
  • Improper trust execution
  • Breach of fiduciary duty
  • Fiduciary misconduct
  • Probate appeals
  • Fee disputes

Estate litigation may center on undue influence, fraud, or similar issues. It may also revolve around end-of-life decisions, wishes regarding the religious and secular education of children, and other issues covered in your estate planning documents.

Estate disputes often occur between family members, making them more emotionally charged than other legal proceedings. Having an experienced, level, and compassionate lawyer on your side helps to ensure your interests are protected.