Who Can Help You Contest a Will in BC?
In British Columbia, hundreds of residents challenge a will every year for reasons such as unfair distribution, inadequate provisions, and undue influence. If you’re thinking of contesting a will for the first time, you might wonder what the first steps would be. You don’t have to do it alone. There are many estate lawyers, like those at Dyson Law Firm, who are experienced with the Wills, Estates, and Succession Act (WESA), and can assist you in a will contest. Read more to learn the basics of estate law and who can help you contest a will.
This article contains general information and is not legal advice. For qualified legal advice, please contact us to get in touch with a British Columbia Estate Lawyer.
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Who Can Help You Contest a Will in BC
Estate Litigation Lawyer
The main person who will help you contest a will in BC is an estate litigation lawyer. These types of lawyers specialize in wills, estates, inheritance and the disputes that can happen in the process. Their knowledge of WESA will be key in the advice they give you and the success of your case. Our dedicated team of estate lawyers at Dyson Law Firm are not only knowledgeable, but also sensitive to the complex family dynamics often present in estate cases.
Mediators
Our estate litigation lawyers will prioritize solving the estate dispute through mediation rather than going straight to court. The mediator is a neutral third-party who will help you, the executor, and your fellow beneficiaries reach a resolution before going to court. Your lawyer will advocate on your behalf during mediation.
Can I contest a will without a lawyer in BC?
You do have the right to contest a will without a lawyer if you choose, but for the sake of ensuring you follow legal guidelines and present the right evidence to support your case, you should work with a lawyer. Not working with a lawyer can impact your chances of succeeding in a will contest.
Why Work with Our BC Estate Lawyers
At Dyson Law, we’re dedicated to using our experience and understanding of estate law to support you in a will contest. We understand the personal obstacles that come with contesting a will, and we want to help by taking the stress and responsibility out of your hands. Legal conflicts that involve family are not easy to deal with, which is why we take a sensitive and empathetic approach to our work.
Getting an estate litigation lawyer is an essential step in starting your will contest, especially if you’re inexperienced in WESA and estate law.
An experienced estate lawyer will help:
- Give advice on whether you have legal standing and enough evidence to support a will contest.
- Determine what evidence you need to support your claim.
- Understand WESA guidelines and deadlines for a will contest (you have a 180 day window after the day the will was probated to contest it).
- Support you and advocate on your behalf during mediation and in court.
- Present a case that you feel confident in.