Making a will is an important part of planning for your family’s future. If a person dies without a will in place, their property will be divided according to provincial law, and the costs to administer their estate will increase. Those who do not write a will also give up the right to appoint the guardian of their choice for any children in their care.
In contrast to an ordinary will, a ‘living will’ is a document that lets people state their wishes for end-of-life medical care, in case they become unable to communicate their decisions. Unlike an ordinary will, it has no power after death and does not determine the division of a deceased persons estate and assets. Although British Columbia does not use living wills, substitute decision-making agreements like representation agreements and advance directives can serve a similar purpose. These documents will allow a person you have selected to make important health care decisions for you, in the event that you are not able to make those decisions yourself.
In the event that an individual is living but is rendered incapable of making their own healthcare decisions (such as being in a prolonged coma), having an advance directive or representation agreement in place provides valuable guidance to family members and healthcare professionals. Without these documents expressing those wishes, family members and doctors are left to guess what a seriously ill person would prefer in terms of treatment. They may end up in painful disputes, which occasionally make it all the way to a courtroom. A prominent example of the kind of dispute this can cause is found in the case of Terri Schiavo in the United States.
The legal team at Saanichton Law Group can help you create a representation agreement that works for you and your family. With over 25 years of serving the Saanichton and Greater Victoria area, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that the residents of this beautiful corner of Vancouver Island encounter every day. You can trust in the expertise and local knowledge of our team as we help you with whatever legal issues you need resolving.
Our legal team includes consultant C.J. (Kip) Wilson, lawyers Brad Bianchin and Alex Lonergan, as well as Cheryl, our Executive Assistant & Office Manager, and paralegals Anne, Amber and Laura. Our team is devoted to providing you with clarity and peace of mind with any questions or issues that you may have.
The lawyers at Saanichton Law Group are here to help you create an employment agreement that works for you and your company . We are also able to assist you in all of your corporate law needs, as well as representation agreements, power of attorney, real estate law, mortgages and estate law. Call us at (250) 544-0727 or email us at info@saanichtonlaw.com for more details on how we can assist you.
