Wills

Last reviewed March 2024 by the Clicklaw editors

Understanding the legal requirements of wills is essential for anyone planning their estate. When you write a will, you need to follow certain rules so that it’s legal. Registering a will can provide added security, but it’s not required. Someone may challenge your will based on factors like “testamentary capacity,” “undue influence,” or if you haven’t provided for certain family members. All of this requires thinking carefully about what you want and what the law says.

Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.

Selected resources

Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Preparing a Will & Estate Planning

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step guides on wills and estates. Learn about several topics including how to prepare a will, choose an executor, change or cancel a will, and probate a will.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the booklet cover featuring a photo of a man with greying hair sitting in front of a computer. He is writing in a notebook.

Preparing Your Will

People’s Law School
Explains why you should consider a will. It provides a step-by-step guide about how to prepare a will, including registering it. It also covers what to consider when appointing an executor, and next steps after the will is finished, including how to change or cancel a will.
Last reviewed March 2024
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Wills Registry

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
A “wills notice” identifies that a will has been registered and describes the person who made the will, where it’s located, and the date of the will. This website explains how to file one, how to search for one, and when to request one.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: Challenging a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information on your options for challenging a will. Topics include what’s involved in challenging a spouse’s or parent’s will based on fairness, and challenging the validity of a will.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with "Plan Institute" and three overlapping green circles to the right, and the words “for caring citizenship” below.

Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning (BC) Webinar

Plan Institute
A webinar to help you learn how to arrange your estate and prepare a will, and the various ins and outs of setting up a trust specifically for your loved one with a disability. It covers the different types of trusts available, and how to arrange your will so it doesn’t affect disability benefits.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo features a scale of justice and a book with the acronym "LSLAP" in white on a blue gradient background.

LSLAP Manual: Wills and Estate Administration

Law Students’ Legal Advice Program (LSLAP)
From the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. Provides a breakdown of common provisions included in wills. Also covers the execution of wills, and the administration and distribution of estates.
Last reviewed September 2024