Where to Get Help for Being an Executor
This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Helen Low, QC in January 2016. |
Access Pro Bono
Volunteer lawyers provide free legal advice to qualifying persons who cannot obtain legal aid or afford a lawyer.
- Lower Mainland: 604-878-7400
- Toll-free: 1-877-762-6664
- www.accessprobono.ca
Canada Revenue Agency
The CRA publication Preparing Returns for Deceased Persons provides information and forms for those filing tax returns for a deceased person.
- 1-800-959-8281
- www.cra-arc.gc.ca
Clicklaw
Clicklaw offers one-stop access to legal information, education and help for British Columbians from trusted organizations. Select the topic “Wills & Estates”.
Dial-A-Law
The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch provides legal information for the public by telephone recordings and over the internet. See the script on “Your Duties As Executor”.
- Lower Mainland: 604-687-4680
- Toll-free: 1-800-565-5297
- http://www.cbabc.org
Lawyer Referral Service
The Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch offers referrals to lawyers who can provide a half-hour consultation for $25.
- Lower Mainland: 604-687-3221
- Toll-free: 1-800-663-1919
- lawyerreferral@cbabc.org
- www.cbabc.org
MyLawBC
From Legal Services Society, the agency that provides legal aid in British Columbia, MyLawBC is an online resource that enables you to make a simple will through answering a set of questions. It also provides information on wills as well as personal planning documents such as powers of attorney and representation agreements.
Public Guardian and Trustee of BC
This government office manages estates, for a fee, when the executor is not able or willing to do so, or when someone dies without a will.
- 700 - 808 West Hastings Street
- Vancouver, BC V6C 3L3
- 604-660-4444
- www.trustee.bc.ca
Self Counsel Press
Self Counsel Press publishes do-it-yourself guides on legal topics for BC, including the British Columbia Probate Kit, which includes the forms required for probate and a step-by-step explanation of the process.
Society of Notaries Public of BC
A notary public can help with making a will and certifying legal documents. They are not able to assist with the probate process. The Society of Notaries Public of BC offers a list of notaries in the province.
- Lower Mainland: 604-681-4516
- Toll-free: 1-800-663-0343
- www.notaries.bc.ca
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