Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Estate Planning for Disabled Beneficiaries in British Columbia

Heritage Trust
Estate planning can secure the financial well-being of your disabled child or grandchild. This comprehensive guide on financial planning for disabled people in BC covers the definitions of disability, tax benefits, government assistance, estate-planning options like trusts and RDSPs, decision-making support, and available resources.
Last reviewed November 2025
Logo shows the letters "PGT" in shades of blue and green, with the organization name to the right.

Estates and Personal Trusts

Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia
This page covers topics such as referring an estate to the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT), and how the PGT administers estates and manages a missing person's property.
Last reviewed November 2025
First page of fact sheet with the faces of a happy elderly couple at the top.

Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA)

Nidus Registry
Explains an enduring power of attorney, which is a type of POA that continues even if you become incapable after you make it.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Dying Without a Will

People’s Law School
Practical information for when someone dies without a will. Topics include who inherits the deceased’s property, steps to settling the estate, applying for a grant of administration, and more.
Last reviewed November 2025
First page of help sheet with text in two columns.

Dying Without a Will (Intestacy)

Nidus Registry
Nidus encourages everyone to make a will. However, there are some situations where an individual may be considered not mentally capable to make a will. This fact sheet explains who has legal authority to settle an estate and gives examples of how an estate must be distributed if there is no will.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Death Registration and Certificates

Vital Statistics Agency (Government of BC)
Information about death certificates: how to register a death in BC, how to order a death certificate, and how to change a death record.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Dealing with an Estate

People’s Law School
Practical, step-by-step information about what you need to know when dealing with an estate. Learn what is involved if you are asked to be an executor, the ten steps to settle an estate, and the steps to take if you need to probate the will.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Dealing with a Death

People’s Law School
Practical steps to help you and your family deal with a death of a loved one. Learn how you can prepare for a death in the family, what you should do immediately after a death, what is involved when making funeral arrangements, and steps to take next.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Contesting a Will in British Columbia

People’s Law School
This webinar answers common questions about contesting wills in BC, including options other than going to court.
Last reviewed November 2025
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What Happens If Your Common-Law Partner Dies?

Family Law in BC (Justice Education Society)
Explains the rights and responsibilities of people in marriage-like (common-law) relationships when their partner dies.
Last reviewed November 2025