Wills Variation: Life Estates; Legal & Moral Obligations
On a wills variation application, can a life estate in a matrimonial home satisfy the legal and moral obligation to a long-term, caring and dedicated spouse? A…
Wills Variation Claims: Balancing Moral Obligations
On wills variation claims, the courts are frequently tasked with balancing the moral obligations of a will-maker to a second spouse and to an adult independent child…
Wills Variation Claim: Spouse Gets Larger Inheritance Despite Lack of Need
Can a widow bring a successful wills variation claim on the basis that her deceased spouse did not provide her with “enough”, despite the fact that she…
Competing Wills Claims of Stepchildren and Long-term Second Spouse
I recently discussed the oft-seen competing wills claims of adult independent children of a first marriage and a second spouse. In that case, Eckford v. Vanderwood, 2014…
Vancouver Estate Law: Dividing an Estate in a Blended Family
Dividing an estate in a blended family can be complicated. What happens if your mother becomes incapacitated, and your stepfather then enters a new common-law relationship with…