Personal & Estate Planning
Life is unpredictable, but planning for the future provides peace of mind and ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly—it’s an essential step for individuals and families at every stage of life.
What is a Will?
A Will is a legally binding document that outlines how your property and possessions should be distributed after your passing. It also allows you to appoint a guardian for minor children and designate an executor to manage your estate.
Why do you need a Will?
Having a Will gives you control over how your assets are allocated and who will care for your minor children. Without one, these critical decisions are left to the government.
A well-prepared Will minimizes confusion and family disputes, ensuring your loved ones can confidently carry out your wishes. It also saves time, money, and stress during an already difficult time.
We’re here to help you create a clear, legally sound Will, giving you peace of mind that your estate will be handled according to your intentions.
What is an Enduring Power of Attorney?
An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted individual (known as your Attorney) to manage your financial and legal affairs if you become unable to do so due to physical or mental incapacity. This can include tasks such as paying bills, handling banking transactions, or selling property on your behalf.
Why do you need an Enduring Power of Attorney?
Life is unpredictable, and circumstances such as illness or injury may leave you unable to make financial or legal decisions. An EPA ensures that someone you trust can step in and manage these responsibilities on your behalf.
Without an EPA, the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia (the Government) may take control of your financial affairs, which can create unnecessary stress and complications. By designating an Attorney in advance, you provide clarity, prevent potential family conflicts, and ensure your affairs are handled according to your wishes. An EPA offers peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, streamlining decision-making during challenging times.
What is a Representation Agreement?
A Representation Agreement (RA) is a legal document that allows you to appoint a trusted individual (your Representative) to make personal and health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. This is particularly important in cases where illness, injury, or other circumstances leave you incapacitated or unable to communicate your wishes.
Why do you need a Representation Agreement?
An RA gives you control over who will make decisions about your personal care and medical treatment, ensuring they align with your values, beliefs, and preferences. This is especially crucial if you do not have a spouse or children, or if there is potential for conflict among family members. Having an RA in place prevents the need for external parties to intervene in appointing a decision-maker.
Your Representative will have the authority to make choices regarding your medical treatments, medications, personal care, housing, and even meal preferences should you become incapacitated.
Without an RA, decision-making can be delayed, leading to unnecessary stress, expenses, and potential disagreements among family members. In the absence of this document, the Public Guardian and Trustee of British Columbia (the Government) may take control of your personal and health care decisions. By establishing an RA, you provide clarity, reduce the risk of family disputes, and ensure your wishes are honored.
What is an Advance Directive?
An Advance Directive is a legal document that allows you to specify your medical and health care preferences in case you become unable to communicate them in the future. This directive outlines your choices regarding life-sustaining treatments, pain management, resuscitation, and other medical interventions, ensuring your care aligns with your values and beliefs. It clearly states which treatments you consent to or refuse under specific circumstances.
An Advance Directive can serve as an alternative to appointing a representative through a Representation Agreement, though some individuals choose to have both for added clarity and control over their health care decisions.
Why do you need an Advance Directive?
Without an Advance Directive, health care providers may make decisions that do not reflect your personal values or wishes. By putting your preferences in writing, you ensure that both medical professionals and family members understand your choices, reducing stress and uncertainty during critical moments.
Having an Advance Directive allows you to maintain control over your medical care, even if you are unable to express your decisions in the future.