Articles
The Relevance of Health in Wealth Management – A BC Notary’s Perspective
Just think about a short-term health scenario where bills could not be paid for a few months— or worse, a year. Notaries play an important role in the wealth management process. We are generally one part of a professional team that often includes an investment or financial adviser, tax practitioner, and/or accountant that clearly understand the financial… Read More
Vicky & volunteering with the Junior Superheroes
Wonder Woman one day, Cat Woman the next. Who knew that mild mannered Vicky, notary assistant by day, turns into a Superhero at night! Here’s a Superhero shout out to the Superheroes of Victoria where Vicky spends some quality time helping to bring fun and joy to people who are combatting some difficult times in… Read More
Should I come to a Notary or a Lawyer for my Real Estate transactions?
BC Notary or Lawyer? This is perhaps one of the most frequent questions come to mind when we have a need for real estates. Many people who come from other provinces or countries didn’t know that in British Columbia you can certainly hire a Notary to do a real estate transaction. Even BC residents get… Read More
Thoughts after a presentation at the Brain Injury Society
Today I presented to a group of brain injury survivors who attend support groups at the Victoria Brain Injury Society on the topic of Powers of Attorney. The opportunity to talk with this group started with a simple conversation with Tamarynn at Vancity Credit Union. When doing some business, we chatted …as anyone who knows… Read More
BC Notaries Association – Fall 2019 Conference
I just finished our fall Notary conference. As I wait for my plane to return home, it’s good to take the time to reflect on the past couple days. Our professional body, The Society of Notaries Public of BC, comes together twice a year to learn and keep up to date with current practices, legal… Read More
Volunteer Appreciation Week
April 7-13, 2019 is Volunteer Appreciation Month and we love being involved with our community. Wonder Woman one day, Cat Woman the next. Who knew that mild mannered Vicky, notary assistant by day, turns into a Superhero at night! Here’s a Superhero shout out to the Superheroes of Victoria where Vicky spends some quality and… Read More
Will Wednesday: Two charities named as beneficiaries — should we be concerned?
Q. Charities as Beneficiaries There are two charities named as beneficiaries — should we be concerned? A. Charitable Organizations can be Professional Beneficiaries Modern corporate governance require charities to no longer be simply patient and grateful to receive a bequest. Many charities are now much more diligent in their review of executor performance, and less… Read More
Will Wednesday: Just in case we forget something, we are planning to hold back money from distribution until we’re more comfortable. Is this an issue?
Q. Just in case we forget something, we are planning to hold back money from distribution until we’re more comfortable. Is this an issue? A. Maybe not. Withholding money to allow for contingencies may be prudent if you can establish good grounds for doing so. Beneficiaries are not consistently patient with this practice and sometimes… Read More
Will Wednesday: We put Mom’s investments and her house in our joint names. Who gets the money?
Q. We put Mom’s investments and her house in our joint names. Who gets the money? A. Many individuals conclude, often incorrectly, that the ownership of joint investments or real estate holdings pass to the joint account holder automatically when ·the other account holder dies. A joint account, including ownership of property and or financial… Read More
Will Wednesday: After acting as a parent’s Enduring Power of Attorney for Property- should we be concerned if we also act as executor?
Q. After acting as a parent’s Enduring Power of Attorney for Property- should we be concerned if we also act as executor? A. Beneficiaries are often much more vigilant in examining the actions of the executor who has previously managed the financial affairs of the deceased. Some beneficiaries, including charitable organizations to which the decedent… Read More