BC Inheritance Turns on Common Law Relationship Status
In BC, a common law spouse automatically has a right to share in the estate if their partner dies without a will. When do romantic partners become…
Estate of BC Biker Divided Between His Wife and “Secret” Common-Law Spouse
A Hells Angels prospect led a double life, leaving a “complicated legacy” after his disappearance and murder. Michael Widner maintained two separate households for almost a decade…
Will Not Updated Post-Separation, But Former Spouse Still Inherits Ex’s Estate
When married or common-law partners cease to be spouses, s. 56(2) of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act, S.B.C. 2009, c. 13 (“WESA”) automatically revokes testamentary gifts…
Father Died. No Will. Does Live-In Girlfriend Inherit His Estate?
The rules of intestacy set out how an estate is to be distributed if a person dies with no will. BC law gives the largest share of…