British Columbia’s law entails dividing family property or marital property and joint debts equally between spouses, known as net family property, unless such division would be unjust. According to the Family Law Act, inheritance funds received from third parties are typically categorized as excluded from marital property, which means they are generally not subject to division in case of divorce. There are exclusions to this, and sometimes excluded property can be categorized as family property. Our experienced family law lawyers with over 20 years of experience can offer valuable guidance on ..read more

In Canada, unclaimed inheritances refer to assets, properties, or funds left behind by deceased individuals that have not been claimed by their rightful heir or beneficiaries. There are several reasons why inheritances may go unclaimed in Canada. Sometimes, beneficiaries may be unaware of their entitlement to unclaimed property, especially if the deceased’s will was not properly executed or updated. Other times, beneficiaries may be difficult to locate, particularly if they have moved or changed their contact information without notifying their financial institution, family members, or friends ..read more

While divorces can be emotionally and physically very stressful, it is essential to understand the legal nuances of an inheritance amidst a divorce to guarantee a fair and just allocation of assets and to effectively safeguard your rights. The general rule in British Columbia is that family property and joint debt, that is the net family property is subject to division 50/50 between spouses unless it is significantly unfair to do so. Under the Family Law Act, inheritance funds from third parties are generally classified as excluded from marital property, which means they are not shared in the ..read more

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. While you don’t necessarily have to inform your executor of any potential changes to your will, it is not recommended. Wills are fundamental tools in estate planning that allow you to maintain control over your legacy. A will provides peace of mind by ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes. If you die without a will, your assets will be distributed according to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). One of the benefits of having a will is that ..read more

When a loved one passes away, it is an extremely devastating time for any family. After taking the necessary time to heal, and honor their life, friends and family must turn their attention to administering the deceased’s estate. The last thing on your mind would be whether someone else, be it a family member or friend, would take advantage of you and your family in such a vulnerable time. Before a person dies, they often prepare a will or trust outlining their wishes as to the distribution of their assets, such as property or money, to their beneficiaries following their death. Unfortunately ..read more

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Before a person passes away, they often prepare a will or trust that dictates how their assets are to be distributed after their death, be it to their family members and/or friends, known as the will’s or trust’s beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can inherit a deceased person’s assets, properties, or funds. Unfortunately, inheritance, just like any other possession, can be subject to theft. In British Columbia, beneficiaries may have recourse for stolen inheritance through various le ..read more

Do you want to ensure that your loved ones are adequately provided for when you die? Preparing a will creates peace of mind, knowing that your affairs are in order and that your family members will be taken care of. If you die without a will, you have no control over who administers your estate and the distribution of your assets and property. Good estate planning minimizes the burden on your loved ones by providing clear instructions as to your wishes following your death. Attempts to alter a will after death are legally impossible and could result in charges of forgery or fraud. In addition ..read more

Disclaimer: The contents of this blog are provided for information purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. Before a person passes away, they often prepare a will or trust that dictates how their assets are to be distributed after their death, be it to their family members and/or friends, known as the will’s or trust’s beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can inherit a deceased person’s assets, properties, or funds. Unfortunately, inheritance, just like any other possession, can be subject to theft. In British Columbia, beneficiaries may have recourse for stolen inheritance through various le ..read more

Estate litigation can be many things. It can be stressful and emotional. It can be time-consuming and costly. Many hope to avoid the litigation process altogether. But the bottom line is that in some situations, estate litigation is absolutely necessary to secure justice and ensure that a loved one’s final wishes are respected. You don’t have to navigate the estate litigation process alone. Instead, seek guidance from a capable and experienced lawyer at Onyx Law Group. We provide trusted legal advice and clear, effective strategies for dispute resolution. Estate litigation can be used to add ..read more

Estate planning can be complex, but the estate planning process will be greatly simplified when you have clear goals. If your objective is avoiding probate, there are effective strategies you can use to avoid the probate process and probate fees. With proper planning, you can take steps now to reduce or eliminate the need for probate after your death, simplify the estate administration process, and reduce tax implications. Read on for general tips on how to avoid probate. At Onyx Law Group, we have a diverse team of lawyers, well-versed in the art of estate litigation and family law. For pers ..read more