Settling
the estate refers to various business, financial and property arrangements
that may need attention following a death. The information here is specific
to British Columbia, Canada.
Need helpful information about
estate
planning?
Important things to consider:
| • | Power-of-attorney becomes null and void when death occurs. | |
| • | The executor/executrix is allowed to remove the will, funeral information and marriage licence immediately from the safety deposit box. It will then be sealed for 14 days before release. | |
| • | If there is no will, contact the Probate Division of the Supreme Court of British Columbia for information on how to proceed. | |
| • | Not all wills need to be probated; joint property and accounts are generally exempt. Check with the Court Registry for specific information. | |
| • | Unless property deed states "joint ownership", the ownership is considered to be "tenants-in-common". | |
| • | Copies of the death certificate are required for most legal transactions. Usually three or four copies are enough. A Funeral Home will provide these. | |
| • | Pension cheques issued in the month of the death do not have to be returned. | |
| • | Canada Pension Survivor benefits must be applied for in person. Application requires: | |
| • |
birth certificates of deceased, spouse and dependent children | |
| • | marriage licence(s) | |
| • | death certificate | |
| • | relevant application forms | |
| • | social insurance cards of deceased and spouse | |
| • | Many airlines have a compassionate travel policy. Check on this prior to booking any flights. | |
|
The
province of British Columbia has legislation in place that allows
us to choose people we trust to make decisions for us in the event
that we can no longer make decisions independently - decisions about
personal care, health care, financial or legal matters. |
Estate
Planning Resource List:
Canada Pension Office (CPP)
Box 1177
1230 Government Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 2V2
1-800-277-9914
www.hrdc-drhc.gc.ca/isp/cpp/surviv_e.shtml
Social Development Canada: CPP, death benefits, survivor's pension, children's benefit, Old Age Security benefits 1 800 277-9914 www.sdc.gc.ca/isp
Revenue Canada Taxation
1415 Vancouver Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 3W4
(250) 363-0121
Motor Vehicle Branch
1150 McKenzie Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8V 2W3
(250) 387-6917
Legal Aid
The Law Centre
1221 Broad Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 2A4
(250) 388-4516
Division of Vital Statistics
1515 Blanshard Street
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 3E3
(250) 952-2681
www.vs.gov.bc.ca/death
Court Registry, Law Courts
850 Burdett Avenue
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 1B4
(250) 356-1478
Land Registry, Law Courts
850 Burdett Avenue
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 1B4
(250) 387-6331
Probate Division, Law Courts
850 Burdett Avenue
Victoria, B.C.
V8W 1B4
(250) 356-1200
Public Trustee
600 - 808 West Hastings Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V6C 3L3
(8:30 am to 4 pm Monday – Friday, Pacific Standard Time)
(604) 660-4444
Fax: (604) 660-9479
www.trustee.bc.ca/askyou.htm
