Legal Resources

Find websites and materials written in plain language.

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Represent Someone Who Died (Also Known as Probate)

Government of British Columbia
This tool helps people fill out the court forms to apply for a representation grant from the Supreme Court of British Columbia when the deceased didn’t leave a will.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Dial-a-Law: Your Duties as Executor

People’s Law School
An executor is in charge of looking after a will-maker's affairs once they pass away. This page includes information about an executor's duties.
Last reviewed November 2025
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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 November 2025
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Dial-a-Law: When Your Common-Law Spouse Dies

People’s Law School
This page explains your rights and what you’re entitled to if your common-law spouse dies. It outlines the different definitions of “spouse,” and describes what happens if your spouse left a will, or if they died without a will. It also explains pension, survivor, and CPP benefits and custody and guardianship of children.
Last reviewed November 2025
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Wills and Estates on Reserve

Legal Aid BC
This website describes how wills and estates on reserve differ from wills and estates off reserve for status Indians who ordinarily lived on reserve at the time of their death. It includes information about what an executor can do for these types of estates.
Last reviewed November 2025
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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 November 2025
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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 November 2025
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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 November 2025
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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 November 2025
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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 November 2025