Vest Estate Law

Vest Estate Law Vest Estate Law helps with Estate Planning, Wills, Personal Directives & Enduring Power of Attorney. Proudly serving Alberta and B.C.

Get comprehensive personal estate plans that preserve your wealth and promote family harmony.

In BC and Alberta, the general rule is straightforward: you pay your own legal costs to bring a Will challenge forward. ...
09/04/2026

In BC and Alberta, the general rule is straightforward: you pay your own legal costs to bring a Will challenge forward. There's no automatic reimbursement just for trying. 💸

If your challenge succeeds (for example, the court finds the Will was invalid, or that your challenge was justified) the court has discretion to order your legal costs be paid from the estate.

If your challenge fails, the consequences can be more serious. You may be responsible not only for your own legal fees, but potentially for the estate's legal costs as well.

There's a middle ground too: even if your claim is ultimately unsuccessful, courts can still award you costs from the estate if they find your challenge had genuine merit. For example, if the will-maker's own actions created the need for the court to get involved.

But there's no guarantee. Courts have broad discretion over costs, and outcomes vary based on the specifics of each case.

The takeaway? Contesting a Will isn't a low-risk decision. Understanding the potential financial exposure (on both sides) is essential before moving forward.

Questions? We’re here to help. Link in bio, or 📞 call us: +1 (877) 448-3131.

09/02/2026

Ever wondered what happens to your estate if you pass away without a will? 🤔 In this short video, Vancouver-based estate paralegal, Kelly Sullivan, breaks down a common question we hear from clients: "What happens if I die without a will in BC?"

Having a properly drafted will ensures your wishes are documented and honoured, giving you peace of mind and clarity for your family during a difficult time.

If you don't have a will yet, or if it's been a while since you've reviewed one, now is a great time to speak with an estate planning professional to protect your assets and your loved ones.

Contact us today to learn more about creating or updating your will: 👉 https://vestestatelawyers.com/get-estate-law-help-in-western-canada/ 👈

📞 Call us: +1 (877) 448-3131.

⚠️ Disclaimer: This video is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified estate professional.

Quote of the day. 💰 Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, has been remarkably candid over the...
08/31/2026

Quote of the day. 💰 Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in history, has been remarkably candid over the years about how he plans to leave his wealth to his children. His philosophy? Provide opportunity, not dependency.

It's a powerful reminder that estate planning isn't just about how much you leave behind, it's about how you leave it. The right structure can protect your loved ones' future without removing their motivation to build their own.

Grateful for this 5-star Google review from a happy client from the Calgary office! ⭐️💙 Thank you for the kind words and...
08/28/2026

Grateful for this 5-star Google review from a happy client from the Calgary office! ⭐️💙 Thank you for the kind words and for letting us be part of your (long-distance) journey. Your trust inspires us to keep delivering exceptional service every day.

👉 If you've received great service from our team, we'd appreciate a few moments of your time to leave a Google review. TIA!

Real plans have concrete, actionable steps, and real deadlines. So pick a date on the calendar and let’s make that Will ...
08/26/2026

Real plans have concrete, actionable steps, and real deadlines. So pick a date on the calendar and let’s make that Will together.

👉 When you're ready to get the ball rolling, reach out to us. Link in bio, or call us: +1 (877) 448-3131.

📝 It's true, once a probate application is filed in Alberta or BC, the Will becomes a public document. (Certain public f...
08/24/2026

📝 It's true, once a probate application is filed in Alberta or BC, the Will becomes a public document.

(Certain public figures, business owners, or wealthy individuals whose estates may attract media attention or public curiosity may structure their estates differently to avoid this.)

But here's what often gets left out of that conversation: for the vast majority of estates, this has no meaningful negative impact.

The privacy concern is real, but it's frequently overstated (and it rarely outweighs the legal protection a Grant of Probate provides). Probate confirms your Will's validity, gives your Executor clear legal authority to act, and protects your estate from disputes and third-party challenges.

Avoiding probate purely out of privacy concerns often creates more problems than it solves.

“It's been years and my executor still hasn't given me a straight answer.” 😤We hear this more than you'd think, and it's...
08/21/2026

“It's been years and my executor still hasn't given me a straight answer.” 😤

We hear this more than you'd think, and it's one of the most common estate disputes we see. Executors have real, enforceable legal duties. When those duties aren't met, beneficiaries are not powerless, and executors who delay unreasonably can face serious consequences.

➡️ Swipe through to understand what beneficiaries can do about unreasonable delay, and what executors risk by not acting in time.

📍 Vest Estate Law | Alberta & BC 🔗 Book a consultation — link in bio. 📞 Or, Call us: 1-877-448-3131

Alberta's online Probate Portal was designed to make estate administration more accessible. But accessible doesn't alway...
08/19/2026

Alberta's online Probate Portal was designed to make estate administration more accessible.
But accessible doesn't always mean simple. 👇

Here's what the portal CAN’T do:

⚠️ Identify errors in your application that could result in it being rejected or returned by the court
⚠️ Flag missing or incorrect supporting documentation that causes costly delays
⚠️ Advise you on whether probate is even required for the assets in the estate
⚠️ Alert you to creditor obligations, notice requirements, or distribution rules under Alberta's Surrogate Rules and Estate Administration Act
⚠️ Protect you from personal liability as an Executor if the estate is mismanaged (even unintentionally)

Executors in Alberta can be held personally liable for mistakes made during estate administration. A filing error, a missed notice requirement, or an incorrect asset valuation can have real legal and financial consequences, for you personally.

The Probate Portal is a tool. Like any tool, it works best in the right hands. 🙏

If you've been named an Executor and you're unsure whether self-filing is appropriate for your situation, that question alone is worth a conversation with an estate professional.

Questions? Reach out here: 👉 https://vestestatelawyers.com/get-estate-law-help-in-western-canada/ 👈
📞 Call us: +1 (877) 448-3131.

We hate to break it to you, but "they'll figure it out" is not a Will, a Power of Attorney, or a plan. Without clear leg...
08/17/2026

We hate to break it to you, but "they'll figure it out" is not a Will, a Power of Attorney, or a plan. Without clear legal documents in place, your loved ones may face court applications, family disputes, frozen assets, and months of unnecessary stress during an already devastating time.

The good news? A little planning now saves the people you love an enormous amount of hardship later.



It’s National Financial Awareness Day! 📊 Most of us think about financial awareness in terms of budgeting, saving, inves...
08/14/2026

It’s National Financial Awareness Day! 📊 Most of us think about financial awareness in terms of budgeting, saving, investing, and getting our debt under control. All important. All worth celebrating today.

But here's a piece of the puzzle that often gets left out: your financial plan and your estate plan need to work together.

Ask yourself:

- Does your Will reflect your current financial reality (assets, debts, and investments?)
- Are your beneficiary designations on your RRSPs, TFSAs, and life insurance policies up to date?
- If you have a business, does your estate plan address succession, valuation, and transition?
- Does your Attorney have the authority to manage your finances if you become incapacitated?
- Have you accounted for probate fees, taxes, and liabilities your estate may owe?

A great financial plan can unravel quickly without an estate plan to match it. And a great estate plan is only as strong as the financial information it's built on. Financial awareness shouldn't stop at your bank balance. It should extend to what happens to everything you've built.

Today's a great reminder to check in. Not just on your finances, but on the legal documents protecting them.

📍 Vest Estate Law | Alberta & BC 🔗 Book a consultation — link in bio. Or call us 📞: +1 (877) 448-3131.

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