Vancouver Estate Litigation Lawyers Discuss Expression of Intention

Vancouver Estate Litigation Lawyers Discuss Expression of Intention

Vancouver litigation lawyers share blog about when expression of intention can function as a will

VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 14, 2018) - The Estate Litigation Lawyers at Kushner Law have dealt with just many scenarios in the world of estate litigation. In fact, everyone has horror stories arising from wills that were not clearly drafted. However, the introduction of the Wills Estates and Succession Act now provides litigators with a tool by which they can apply to the Court for an Order when there is a document that appears to express testamentary intent but does not strictly comply with the requirements for a valid will. For more, go to: http://kushnerlaw.ca/estate-litigation-expression-intention-will/

This issue was recently considered by the British Columbia Supreme Court in the case of Skopyk Estate, 2017 BCSC 2335, wherein the Court was asked to consider whether an unsigned handwritten document had the effect of altering a will from 1995. Under s. 58 of WESA, the Court determined that the document was a valid expression of testamentary intent:

[22] There are several relevant details pertaining to the Document itself that support a finding that it represents such an expression of intention:

  • The Document was pinned to a bulletin board hanging on the door in the Deceased's apartment where it could be easily found.
  • The distribution set out in the Document is rational on its face in that the Deceased's sister, Mary Anne, who had been included in the 1995 Will, had since died;
  • The Document clearly directs a division of the residue of the estate to certain named persons and in certain specific shares, with language that mirrors the language of the 1995 Will;
  • Although the Document is not signed or witnessed, the word "witness" is written near the bottom;
  • Although the Document is not dated, there is reference at the top to the Deceased's will dated November 16, 1995. It also purports to correct a typographical error in a specific paragraph of the 1995 Will; and
  • The handwriting is reasonably similar to handwriting in a letter entered into evidence, which is dated December 10, 1995, and signed by the Deceased. This letter was found in a drawer in the Deceased's apartment next to the 1995 Will.

If you have a question about the validity of a will, consulting with an Estate Litigation Lawyer is highly recommended. To set up an appointment, contact the Kushner Law Group today at 604-629-0432 to schedule a consultation.

About the Company

The Kushner Law Group was founded on the principle that a small law firm should be able to offer the same level of legal advice as a big firm at an affordable cost. A unique combination of legal experience and creativity allows the professionals at Kushner to come up with creative and practical solutions for a variety of legal problems.

For additional information, please visit http://kushnerlaw.ca/ or call 604-629-0432.

Kushner Law Group
Lars Kushner
Phone 604-629-0432 Fax 604-689-4451
Company website: http://kushnerlaw.ca/
1008 Beach Ave #105