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Wills & Estates

Wills and Estates Lawyers Vancouver, Wills Lawyer

Trusted Estate Lawyers Serving British Columbia for Over 75 Years

For over 75 years, Ratcliff’s Wills and Estates lawyers have provided practical advice to individuals, families, and business owners throughout British Columbia on all aspects of estate planning and estate administration. We assist clients in protecting assets, planning for the future, administering estates, and resolving estate disputes.

We offer advice tailored to each client’s circumstances, from straightforward estates to complex family, business, and trust structures.

Our wills and estates team regularly assists with:

  • Wills and estate planning
  • Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements
  • Trusts, disability and incapacity planning
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Executor advice and estate accounting
  • Estate and trust litigation

Our Wills and Estates Services Include:

Estate Planning and Will Preparation
  • Preparing personalized estate plans to meet your family and financial goals
  • Clear, practical advice to ensure your wishes are properly documented
  • Trust planning for children, blended families, and special circumstances
  • Advanced estate planning options, including Alter Ego Trusts, Joint Partner Trusts, and multiple Will strategies for business owners
  • Guardianship arrangements for minor children
  • Preparation of Powers of Attorney, Representation Agreements, and Committeeships
  • Asset protection advice, including wills variation claims
  • Advice on structuring your estate for efficient administration and transfer of assets
Estate Administration & Probate
  • Advice and support for Executors, Administrators, and Trustees
  • Preparation of probate and administration applications
  • Advice on intestacy where no will exists
  • Assistance with estate and trust accounting, including formal passing of accounts
  • Guidance for complex estates, business holdings, out-of-province assets, and foreign beneficiaries
  • Coordination with financial advisors and other professionals
  • Representation in trust, will, and estate disputes

How We Work

We take a straightforward, practical approach. Our goal is to provide clear advice, well-prepared documents, and responsive support throughout the estate planning and administration process. Learn More

Our Wills & Estates and Probate Lawyers

Peter Bonny | Wills and Estates Lawyer | Ratcliff LLP

PETER BONNY*
Partner
Lead, Wills & Estates Practice Group

LESLEY MIDZAIN
Associate

Kevin D. Lee | Aboriginal Law

KEVIN D. LEE*
Partner

CHARLES G. (CHUCK) PIERCEY* Real Estate Lawyer Vancouver | Ratcliff LLP

CHARLES G. (CHUCK) PIERCEY*
Partner

*Law Corporation

Estate Planning for First Nations Clients

Ratcliff advises Indigenous individuals, families, Bands, and Treaty Nations on wills and estates matters, including:

  • Estate planning under the Indian Act
  • Reserve land succession
  • Estate administration for Indigenous individuals and families
  • Educational workshops and presentations on wills, estates, and estate administration for First Nations communities
Estate Planning for First Nations
Disabled Beneficiaries

Planning for Disabled Beneficiaries

We assist families in developing estate plans that provide long-term financial security for beneficiaries with disabilities, while protecting eligibility for government benefits. Our services include:

  • Creation of discretionary (Henson) trusts and other trust structures to preserve eligibility for provincial Persons with Disabilities (PWD) benefits and federal disability assistance programs
  • Coordination with RDSPs, PWD benefits, and related support programs
  • Integrated planning to address legal, financial, and family considerations for ongoing care and support

How Can We Help?

  • I want to make a will or estate plan
  • I am acting as an Executor and need probate
  • I need Powers of Attorney or Representation Agreements
  • I am planning for a disabled child or family member
  • I need advice on estate or trust litigation
CONTACT US

Ready when you are

Our lawyers offer a broad range of experience and expertise, with a client-first philosophy to help you achieve your goals.

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