Posts by Martin Sanderson
What about Will Kits?
It is not uncommon for people to ask us about will kits. While some people can purchase and use these kits without it causing a problem down the road, doing so is often a risky business. Provincial Rules Apply Firstly, it is very important to ensure that a will and the circumstances of its witnessing…
Read MorePresumption of Resulting Trust
Thinking of adding someone other than your spouse’s name onto your house, vehicle, bank account, or other major asset? Plan for the principle of resulting trust first! It is not uncommon for a parent, particularly if their spouse has died, to consider adding their adult child’s name on title to their house or to their…
Read MoreI Just Want a Simple Will
People frequently come to us and say, I just want a simple will”. They then inform us of their circumstances and intentions. In a great many cases, there are several elements that cry out for estate planning that goes beyond a “simple will”. For blended families (couples in which one or both has children from…
Read MoreRegistering a Business Name in British Columbia
In most cases, regardless of whether one’s business is a sole proprietorship, partnership, or corporation, one’s business’s name must be registered with BC Registry Services to conduct business in British Columbia. There are some exceptions. For example, sole proprietors doing business under their own name need not reserve a name; but generally, reserving a business…
Read MoreThe Perils of Bank Drafts Part 2 – Crossing the Border
Last month we discussed the risks of using a bank draft to send money by mail or courier, namely, what can happen if a bank draft is lost in transit. This month, we will be addressing a different wrinkle relating to bank drafts – crossing the border. As reported by CBC in July of this…
Read MoreThe Perils of Bank Drafts Part 1 – Lost in Transit
Banks often portray bank drafts as a safe and convenient way to move large sums of money. What is frequently left out of the conversation is what will happen if the bank draft gets lost before being cashed. To see how important this can be, one need only look to the plight of Ms. Lorette…
Read MoreVancouver and Ladysmith Homeowner Grant Application Processes
You may have heard in the news that Vancouver has recently stopped accepting paper applications for the BC Homeowner Grant, moving instead to an online-only application process. This has caused concern that some people in the region lack either a computer with internet access or the computer literacy to easily complete the online application.[1] Here,…
Read MoreAppointing a Guardian for your Child in your Will
It is unfortunately common for people, particularly young adults, to neglect putting in place estate and incapacity planning documents. As we have discussed in a previous post, most adults would be well advised to put an enduring power of attorney in place. Not having one can have unfortunate and expensive consequences. Today however, we will…
Read MorePlan for your Pet(s)
If you live in British Columbia and you own a pet, you may wish to consider making specific arrangements to provide for your non-human family members upon your passing. Despite how much we pet loving folks care about our pets and consider them to be part of our family, they are considered our property as…
Read MoreNew Duncan Office
472 Trans-Canada Highway, Duncan We have opened a new office in Duncan to better serve that region at mid-Vancouver Island. Located inside the RE/MAX of Duncan office, for real estate transactions, transfers, mortgages/refinances, purchase and sale transactions, please call 250-597-0464.
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