We accept drop-ins and appointments, and are open on Saturdays
Look after those you will leave behind and create your estate planning documents
Future-proof yourself and create your personal planning documents
Buying, selling or creating an easement? Need a legal representative or some advice
Notarisations
We can help you with all sorts of notarisations, whether you need to:
- swear or affirm an affidavit (a statement of facts made in writing),
- swear a statutory declaration (a statement of facts written in a form mandated by the Canada Evidence Act and the B.C. Evidence Act), or
- obtain a certified copy of an original document
Save money by preparing your forms and documents before visiting us, but remember to not sign until you are asked to by the notary! Some frequently used forms and guides:
- From the BC Supreme Court: A guide to preparing your affidavit
- BC Registries: Affidavit of Identity
- Travel Consent Letters for children travelling without parents: 2 parents, or 1 parent
- Service Canada: Declaration of Common-law Union
- Transport Canada: Commercial Vessel No Bill of Sale
Estate Planning
- Plan for what will happen after you die
- Figure out if there is anything you can do now with your assets that will make things easier later?
- Already have a Will? Great! Do you want to talk to someone about whether it does what you want?
- Do you have young children and want to ensure that you choose a guardian for them if something happens to you?
- Want to talk about what happens if you don’t have a Will?
The Executor of Your Will
Your executor is responsible for administering your estate, arranging your funeral, proving the will, liquidating the estate, paying debts, doing your final tax return, distributing assets as the will directs and many other duties.
Choosing an executor is a very weighty decision. It is important that your executor be able to keep proper records and be available for an extended period of time to administer your estate. You should be sure and discuss this responsibility with your potential executor as it is a very time consuming job.
An independent executor can often resolve conflicts among siblings or disappointed relatives. Some people choose an independent person such as a notary, accountant or a trust company if they haven’t any family close by or if they suspect there may be a conflict of interest.
Useful Info and Links
- Download Quadra Notary’s Pamphlet on Estate and Personal Planning
- Visit the People’s Law School or download their brochure on being an Executor
- Review some of the brochures from Nidus: dying without a will, tips on making a will
- Got a car? Probate may be required, review ICBC’s checklist for estate transfers
- The BC government’s checklist of things to do after a death
- Writing your own will? Download our helpful hints to executing your will
- In a rush and just want to protect the kids, download and complete the form to appoint a standby or testamentary guardian
Personal Planning
- These documents are valid while you are alive and allow you to choose who is allowed to have control over your finances, healthcare and personal care
- Going overseas and want to make sure there is someone who can pay your bills and arrange your finances if there is an emergency?
- Have a hospital operation coming up and want to ensure that there is someone who knows you well who has the power to represent you?
- Exercise your choice otherwise the courts may have to make the choice for you
Power of Attorney
A Power of Attorney allows your attorney (the person appointed by you) to manage your real estate and financial affairs in your place. This is particularly useful if you become incapacitated due to physical or mental health problems, or in the event of your absence.
The person who you appoint as your attorney should be someone who is prepared to accept the responsibility. The person must be 19 years or older, must be mentally capable and understand what it means to have power of attorney. It’s a very flexible document – you can appoint your spouse or partner, a friend or a family member – you can appoint more than one person – it can be for a limited time or it can be an enduring power of attorney and keep going even if you become incapable. There are some precautions you can take to prevent it being used while you are still able to look after your own affairs.
Representation Agreement
A Representation Agreement is a tool that allows your appointed representative/representatives to make personal and health care decisions for you. There are 2 types of Representation Agreements, Standard and Enhanced. Standard Representation Agreements cover routine financial and/or health care decisions, while Enhanced Representation Agreements give broader powers to the representative, including end of life decision making.
Representation Agreements are much more thorough than the Power of Attorney. They may include your health care needs, you may appoint different representatives for different purposes and you may appoint a Monitor who will ensure that your representative is carrying out your wishes. In some cases the monitor is optional.
Property / Real Estate
- Buying or selling a property?
- Need to get your purchase/sale documents signed and witnessed?
- Mortgaging or re-financing your property?
- Need to put an easement or covenant on your property title?
- Check your property title for details - is your name correct, are there unusual charges?
