Recorded on: October 21, 2025
Length: 60 minutes
Description
Lawyer Michael Scott and notary Lilián Cazacu answer the top 15 wills-related questions asked by our attendees. Topics covered include the requirements to make a valid will, how to choose an executor, setting up a testamentary trust, and who can challenge a will.
Highlights
In this webinar, you will learn:
Getting started: The basics
What should be included in a simple, valid BC will? What are the witnessing and signing requirements? [4:10]
What is the difference between a lawyer and a notary for preparing a will or trust? [7:05]
How much does it cost to make or update a will? Are free or low-cost options reliable? [9:50]
Do I still need a will if I have few assets, joint accounts, or low income? [17:30]
What happens if someone dies without a will (intestate)? [22:25]
Choosing the right people
Who can or should serve as executor, power of attorney, or representative? What if I have no suitable family or friends? [25:20]
Can an executor live outside BC or Canada, and what are the implications? [30:35]
What happens if the named executor dies, or refuses or fails to act? [35:05]
Managing assets and estate administration
Where should I keep my will, and how can my executor access it? [36:50]
How do probate fees work in BC? Can they be reduced or avoided? [39:40]
How do I set up a trust, and when is it appropriate to do so? [46:00]
Are powers of attorney or representation agreements from government websites legally valid? [49:40]
Conflict, capacity and cross-border questions
Can a beneficiary or child challenge a will or be disinherited? [52:15]
What if the will-maker has diminished or fluctuating mental capacity? Can they still make a valid will? [55:00]
How are assets in other provinces or countries handled? Do I need separate wills for each jurisdiction? [58:30]
Featuring
Michael Scott
Michael Scott is a lawyer at Clark Wilson LLP in Vancouver. He practices in estates and trusts and elder law. He is passionate about helping individuals work through their estate planning options by simplifying complex legal principles to ensure the decisions they make about wealth transfer, business succession, incapacity and disability are well-informed ones.
Lilián Cazacu
Lilián is a notary public with Lilián Cazacu Notary Corporation, with offices in Langley and Aldergrove. He obtained a law degree and masters’ degree in Europe, where he also completed doctoral studies in public law and criminology. After moving to British Columbia, he worked as a paralegal while qualifying as a notary public. Lilián is passionate about promoting financial and legal literacy in his community, especially focusing on estate planning and incapacity planning.
Attendee feedback
“Very well-presented and questions answered in an easy to understand manner.”
“Paula Price is excellent at hosting the seminar. The webinars are always so informative and I appreciate all the free education.”
“Your experts speak well and clearly. I like the fact that you can go back to the recorded session and listen to anything you missed.”
“This was probably the most informative of the People’s Law School webinars I’ve watched, and I’ve watched several over the years.”
“I found the webinar to be informative and just enough information was given by the two guests to pique my interest further.”
Additional resources
From People's Law School:
Also:
Public Guardian and Trustee’s guidance on estates and personal trusts