Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

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 two swoops and a circle to represent a person, and "Legal Aid BC."

Wills and Estates on Reserve

Legal Aid BC
Describes how wills and estates on reserve are different from those off reserve for status Indians who ordinarily lived on reserve at the time of their death.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with the words "British Columbia" and a sun rising behind mountains.

Wills and Estates

Government of British Columbia
Explains wills, and the executor or administrator responsibilities. This page includes what to do if there was no will or executor, and how the estate can be distributed. Sub pages explain probating a will, and in Make a Will Week there are links to help you write a will.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Wills & Estates (Q&A)

People’s Law School
Questions and answers on wills-and-estates topics. Volunteer legal professionals provide answers to questions from the public relating to wills, dealing with death, settling an estate, and personal planning.
Last reviewed March 2024
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
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Dial-a-Law: When Your Common-Law Spouse Dies

People’s Law School
Explains your rights, and what you’re entitled to, if your common-law spouse dies. It explains the different definitions of “spouse,” and describes what happens if your spouse left a will, or if they died without a will. It explains pension, survivor, and CPP benefits. It also explains custody and guardianship of children.
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: When Someone Dies Without a Will

People’s Law School
Explains what the law says about how someone’s estate is distributed if they die without a will (intestate). A person doesn’t need to be married to be considered a spouse, and the court may need to appoint someone to look after any children. It also explains the duties of an administrator, and more.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo showing the name "Seniors First BC" in a modern lowercase font in a gradient of blue colors, each letter overlapping the next.

Resources

Seniors First BC
A list of province-wide support services for older adults.
Last reviewed March 2024
Logo with six rectangles and a circle in six bright colours to represent people, and "People's Law School."

Representation Agreements

People’s Law School
Presenters in this webinar discuss what you need to know about representation agreements.
Last reviewed March 2024
Thumbnail of the first page of the fact sheet, which starts with information about who can revoke a representation agreement. The NIDUS logo is at the top of the page.

Representation Agreement Resource: Procedures to Revoke (Cancel) a Representation Agreement

Nidus Registry
Explains what is legally required for a valid revocation (cancellation) of an existing representation agreement. Note that making a new agreement does not automatically revoke a previous one. A Notice of Revocation form is also provided.
Last reviewed March 2024