Estate Planning in British Columbia: WESA-Aware Planning
In British Columbia, estate planning should be built around WESA realities, housing wealth concentration, and family expectations. Strong documents reduce ambiguity and help executors move faster when institutions request clear authority.
Population
5.4M
Capital
Victoria
Will Legislation
Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA)
Age Requirement
16 years of age or older
Our Services
Estate Planning Tools for British Columbia
Everything you need to protect your family and assets in BC.
Will
Create your Will online, compliant with the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Free and guided.
Learn more →Enduring Power of Attorney
Set up a Enduring Power of Attorney and Representation Agreement to protect your financial and personal affairs.
Learn more →Expat Will
Living abroad? Protect your British Columbia assets with an Expat Will that complies with local legislation.
Learn more →Advance Directive
Document your healthcare wishes in a Advance Directive so your medical preferences are honoured.
Learn more →Farewell Planning
Plan your memorial or celebration of life in British Columbia. Document every detail for your family.
Learn more →Digital Vault
Securely store your British Columbia estate documents, passwords, and digital assets in one encrypted location.
Learn more →Legal Overview
Estate Law in British Columbia
Key facts about wills, powers of attorney, and advance directives in BC.
Wills & Succession
In British Columbia, wills are governed by the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). A will is referred to as a “Will”. Must be 16 years of age or older to create a valid will. Two witnesses required; WESA allows the court to validate wills that do not meet formal requirements. Holograph (handwritten) wills are not recognised — proper witnessing is required.
Powers of Attorney
British Columbia uses the term “Enduring Power of Attorney” for financial decision-making and “Representation Agreement” for personal and health care decisions. These are essential documents that protect you if you become incapacitated.
Advance Directives
In British Columbia, advance care planning documents are known as a “Advance Directive”. This document lets you specify your healthcare wishes and appoint a substitute decision-maker. BC's WESA is one of Canada's most modern estate laws, allowing courts to cure defective wills.
City Guides
Estate Planning by City in British Columbia
Browse local pages for major British Columbia cities. Start with Victoria, the provincial capital.
Local considerations
What matters most in British Columbia
Backend-managed planning notes for British Columbia residents.
Use BC terminology precisely, including Enduring Power of Attorney and the Representation Agreement / Advance Directive distinction.
Document intent clearly to reduce dispute risk in blended-family or unequal-benefit scenarios.
Coordinate beneficiary designations with your Will so accounts and insurance flow as expected.
Store signed originals safely and tell your executor where to locate them quickly.
Is a BC estate plan just about a will?
No. A complete plan includes incapacity documents, beneficiary alignment, and executor readiness.
What creates delays in BC estates?
Missing records, unclear instructions, and outdated designations are common delay points.
All Provinces
Estate Planning Across Canada
Livewill is available in every province and territory.
Start your British Columbia estate plan
Create your documents online, then print and sign them properly for use in British Columbia.