Vernon & Salmon Arm Estate Lawyers Assisting With Estate Administration

The administration of an estate is the process of gathering the estate’s assets, paying any liabilities, and distributing assets to the beneficiaries. It can be a complex and time-consuming endeavour involving court applications, extensive paperwork to take control of the estate assets, managing beneficiaries, and preparing and filing the estate’s tax returns. Many people don’t truly grasp the immense work necessary to administer an estate until they have to do it themselves. When this responsibility is combined with the fact that many executors are still grieving the loss of someone they loved, it can become overwhelming. 

If you have been entrusted to oversee the administration of an estate, it is highly advisable that you work with a knowledgeable estate administration lawyer. The seasoned estate administration lawyers at CM Lawyers can help you navigate the complexities of the administration and probate process and ensure you are protected from liability from beneficiaries or creditors while shouldering much of the work on your behalf. 

Helping Executors Navigate the Estate Administration Process in British Columbia

An executor or multiple executors generally complete the work of administering an estate. The executor is appointed in the Will, if there is one, and granted authority to secure the estate’s assets by a Grant of Probate from the court if probate is necessary. If there was no Will, or the named executor is unable or unwilling to act, an executor can be appointed with an application to court for a Grant of Administration. Executors have a fiduciary duty to always administer the estate in the best interests of the beneficiaries.

When planning your estate, you may also want to consider appointing a lawyer as executor to spare family members or other loved ones from the responsibility so they can grieve your loss without having to shoulder the burden of your estate’s administration. At CM Lawyers, our estate lawyers regularly provide executor services to our clients.  We handle everything from start to finish in the administration of the estate, saving family members or friends the time involved and sparing them from exposure to potential liability from beneficiaries or creditors.

What Is Probate and Is It Necessary?

Probate is the process of applying to a court for a Grant of Probate, which verifies the validity of the Will and the authority of the executor(s) to act on behalf of the estate. Note that in some cases, probate may not be necessary. This will largely depend on the agencies and financial institutions where the estate’s assets are located. Most banks, for example, will require a Grant of Probate to release funds to the executor(s). In most cases probate will be necessary to proceed with the duties of administration.

Providing Trust & Comfort Through Experienced Estate Administration Services

The estate lawyers at CM Lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience working in estate administration. Our seasoned team is well-equipped to manage the administration of any estate, no matter how complex, guiding executors through the process from start to finish. An executor faces a daunting task involving many duties and legal obligations. We thoroughly explain each step in the administration process, provide a detailed timeline, note every requirement that must be fulfilled, and ensure legal duties and obligations are met.

With us at the helm, executors can relax and feel confident knowing they have a knowledgeable and helpful guide who will relieve them of much of the day-to-day work necessary to complete the administration of the estate they’ve been entrusted to oversee.

Trusted Estate Lawyers Providing Estate Administration Services in Vernon & Salmon Arm

At CM Lawyers, client comfort is paramount. We understand executors are often still reeling from the loss of a loved one when demanding estate administration responsibilities are suddenly thrust upon them. Therefore, we do whatever we can to minimize stress and ease the process of administrating the estate. Our office is welcoming to our clients, with a casual atmosphere and estate lawyers and staff who are extremely friendly and approachable.

If you require assistance with the administration of an estate, whether it be guidance through the process or executor services, contact the knowledgeable estate administration lawyers at CM Lawyers. We have convenient office locations in Vernon and Salmon Arm and proudly serve the surrounding areas, including Northern Okanagan and Shuswap. To schedule a consultation, please call our Vernon office at (250) 308-0338 or our Salmon Arm office at (250) 803-9171. You can also contact us online.