Expat Will for British Columbia Residents
If you are a British Columbian living abroad, an Expat Will ensures your Canadian assets in British Columbia are distributed according to your wishes and the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Protect your property back home.
British Columbia Legal Context
Expat Will Law in British Columbia
Understanding the legal framework for your expat will in BC.
An Expat Will is designed for British Columbians living outside Canada who still own assets in British Columbia. Under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA), your British Columbia will covers only your Canadian assets, allowing a separate will in your country of residence to handle foreign property without conflict.
Requirements
What You Need in British Columbia
Key requirements for a valid expat will in BC.
- ✓Must have assets located in British Columbia
- ✓Must be a Canadian citizen or have Canadian property interests
- ✓Will must comply with the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA)
- ✓Two witnesses required; WESA allows the court to validate wills that do not meet formal requirements
- ✓Should not conflict with wills in your country of residence
- ✓Consider including a clause limiting scope to Canadian assets only
How It Works
Create Your Expat Will in British Columbia
A simple, guided process — done in minutes.
List Your Canadian Assets
Identify all property, bank accounts, investments, and other assets you own in British Columbia that should be covered by your Expat Will.
Set Up Beneficiaries
Name who should inherit your British Columbia assets. Our system ensures the will is scoped to Canadian property only.
Download Your Expat Will
Get your British Columbia-compliant Expat Will as a PDF, ready to print, sign, and witness per the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA).
FAQ
Expat Will in British Columbia — Common Questions
Why do I need an Expat Will if I already have a will abroad?
A foreign will may inadvertently revoke your Canadian will, or it may not be recognised for British Columbia assets. An Expat Will is specifically scoped to your Canadian property and complies with the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA), preventing conflicts between jurisdictions.
What British Columbia assets does an Expat Will cover?
An Expat Will can cover real estate, bank accounts, investments, vehicles, and any other property located in British Columbia. It explicitly excludes assets in other countries, which should be covered by a separate will in your country of residence.
Do I need to return to British Columbia to sign my Expat Will?
No. You can sign your Expat Will abroad. However, you must follow the witnessing rules of the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA): two witnesses required; wesa allows the court to validate wills that do not meet formal requirements. Many expats have their will witnessed at a Canadian consulate or embassy.
What if my foreign will contradicts my British Columbia Expat Will?
This is exactly why an Expat Will is important. Each will should contain a clause limiting its scope — your Expat Will to British Columbia assets only, and your foreign will to foreign assets only. This prevents one will from revoking the other.
More Services
Other Services in British Columbia
Explore our full suite of estate planning tools for British Columbia residents.
Will
Create your Will online, compliant with the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Free and guided.
Enduring Power of Attorney
Set up a Enduring Power of Attorney and Representation Agreement to protect your financial and personal affairs.
Expat Will
Living abroad? Protect your British Columbia assets with an Expat Will that complies with local legislation.
Advance Directive
Document your healthcare wishes in a Advance Directive so your medical preferences are honoured.
Farewell Planning
Plan your memorial or celebration of life in British Columbia. Document every detail for your family.
Digital Vault
Securely store your British Columbia estate documents, passwords, and digital assets in one encrypted location.
Ready to create your expat will in British Columbia?
Start now — create your legal documents online with Livewill.