Serving Burnaby
Wills and powers of attorney for Burnaby clients
Burnaby clients meet us at our Surrey office to prepare wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements. The first consultation is free.
A typical Burnaby estate is a strata home, a pension or registered account with a named beneficiary, and young children. Those three parts have to be planned together, because the beneficiary designation decides who receives the registered account whatever the will says, and the will is the place a guardian for the children is named.
How we help Burnaby clients
- WillsDeciding who inherits, who administers your estate, and who cares for your children.
- Powers of AttorneyNaming someone you trust to handle your finances and property if you cannot.
- Representation AgreementsNaming who speaks for your health care and personal care if you cannot speak for yourself.
Courts that hear Burnaby matters
- Burnaby does not have its own courthouse. Depending on the type of matter, Burnaby files are generally heard at the New Westminster Law Courts, 651 Carnarvon Street, or at the Vancouver courthouses.
- Civil Resolution Tribunal (online): small claims up to $5,000 and most strata disputes.
Questions from Burnaby clients
Who would look after our children if something happened to both of us?
A parent can appoint a guardian in their will, and that appointment carries real weight, although a court can still be asked to decide what is best for the child. Naming an alternate matters as much as naming a first choice, and it is worth asking the person before you write their name down.
How often should a will be reviewed?
Every few years, and straight away after a marriage, separation, birth, death, a significant purchase or sale, or a move to or from another province or country.
Where should the original will be kept?
Somewhere safe, accessible and known to the executor. The location can also be filed with the BC wills registry, so that a search after death finds it.
Can these documents be prepared in one meeting?
Usually the set is prepared over two: one to take instructions and one to sign. Where something is urgent, such as surgery scheduled for the week ahead, tell us and we will work to it.
Wills & Power of Attorney in other communities
Book a consultation
Tell us what has happened. We will tell you where you stand.
The first consultation is free, at our Surrey office on 120 Street.