Legal Resources

This is a booklet for people who have been appointed as executor in a will. It covers the steps involved in dealing with an estate in British Columbia after a person dies, including how to probate a will. The information is current to March 2019.

Outlines what funeral costs can be covered by the ministry if there are no other resources available. It describes who is eligible to apply and how to make the arrangements.

Advance care planning involves thinking about your health care preferences and letting your family, friends, and health care providers know. An Advance Care Plan documents your wishes for future treatment if you can’t express them yourself as well as who will take care of your personal and financial matters. Includes a downloadable PDF guide.

Generally speaking, adults can only be given health care with their consent. This resource explains consent, and the exceptions to this general rule, including what happens when someone is mentally incapable.

This brochure tells you about advance care planning from the Aboriginal perspective and why it's important.

Essential information you should know when preparing for your future. Learn your options for planning for your future financial, legal, health care, and personal care needs.

For people in BC who want to know what to do when a loved one dies. It covers preparing for the death of a loved one, what to do immediately after the death, making the funeral arrangements, and where to find support.

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.

You need to apply for a grant of administration to deal with an estate if the executor does not want to, or if there was no will. The page explains when to apply, what’s involved, the fees, how long it takes, and what to do if your application is rejected. It provides step-by-step instructions on how to apply (and links to the forms).

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.