Wills & Estates Disputes

Resolving Estate Disputes with Northpoint Legal

Estate disputes can be complex and emotionally charged, often arising when beneficiaries or family members disagree over a will’s validity or the distribution of assets. At Northpoint Legal, we assist individuals in navigating wills and estates disputes in Vancouver and throughout British Columbia. Whether you are contesting a will, challenging an executor’s decisions, or seeking clarity on your inheritance rights, we provide strategic legal guidance tailored to your needs.

Wills & Estates Law in BC

What is Estate Litigation?

Estate litigation involves legal disputes over wills, trusts, and the administration of estates. Common reasons for estate litigation include:

• Allegations of undue influence or fraud
• Disagreements over the interpretation of a will
• Concerns about an executor’s management of assets
• Claims for dependent relief or inheritance disputes

For more information on estate administration in BC, visit the BC Ministry of Attorney General’s Wills & Estates page.

Common Wills & Estates Disputes

Challenging the Validity of a Will

A will may be contested if there are concerns about its legitimacy. Common grounds for contesting a will include:

• Lack of testamentary capacity: The deceased did not fully understand the nature of the will when it was made.
• Undue influence: The testator was pressured into signing the will.
• Improper execution: The will does not meet the formal legal requirements.
• Fraud or forgery: The document was tampered with or is not genuine.

For more information, refer to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA).

Executor Disputes & Fiduciary Duties

Executors have a legal duty to manage an estate in good faith and in accordance with the deceased’s wishes. If an executor:

• Mismanages assets
• Fails to distribute the estate properly
• Shows conflict of interest
• Delays probate or estate administration unnecessarily

Beneficiaries or interested parties may challenge the executor’s decisions. Learn more at the BC Supreme Court’s Probate & Estate Administration page.

Dependants’ Relief Claims

BC law recognizes that spouses, children, and dependants have a right to fair inheritance. If a will does not provide adequate support, a court may intervene under WESA.

To determine whether you qualify for a variation claim, consult the BC Court’s Wills Variation Guide.

Disputes Over Intestacy (Dying Without a Will)

If a person dies without a valid will (intestate), BC’s estate distribution laws determine how assets are divided. Spouses, children, and other relatives may have competing claims over the estate.

For details, refer to the BC Government’s Estate Planning Resource.