Serving New Westminster
Wills and powers of attorney for New Westminster clients
We prepare wills, powers of attorney and representation agreements for New Westminster clients from our Surrey office, a short drive or SkyTrain ride away.
If your executor later needs a grant of probate, the application for this part of the Lower Mainland is generally filed at the Supreme Court registry in the New Westminster Law Courts on Carnarvon Street. Probate is not always needed. Whether it is depends on what you own and how it is held, and a will can be drafted with that in mind.
How we help New Westminster 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 New Westminster matters
- New Westminster Law Courts, 651 Carnarvon Street: Supreme Court and Provincial Court matters.
- Civil Resolution Tribunal (online): small claims up to $5,000 and most strata disputes.
Questions from New Westminster clients
Will my family have to go through probate?
Sometimes. Probate is the court confirming the will and the executor’s authority, and banks and the land title office often require it before they will deal with an estate. Assets held jointly, or with a named beneficiary such as a pension or an insurance policy, usually pass outside the estate altogether. We look at what you own and tell you where yours is likely to land.
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.
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.