Disputes or variations over a will can be emotionally charged and legally complex, especially when they involve close family. Whether you’ve been unexpectedly left out of a loved one’s will, believe something wasn’t right when it was signed, or find yourself defending a will as an executor, speaking with our experienced Coquitlam, BC will dispute lawyer can make all the difference. The process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone.
At HS Law Corporation, HS Law, we’ve worked with people in Coquitlam and nearby Tri-Cities communities, including Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, Maple Ridge, and Pitt Meadows, who’ve found themselves in exactly that spot — left out of a will unexpectedly, questioning whether it was valid, or suddenly having to defend a decision they didn’t make. These aren’t easy conversations, but we know how to handle wills variation claims with care, and we know the law here in British Columbia.
If you’re dealing with a will that doesn’t feel right or fair, talking to our lawyers can help you make sense of your options. At HS Law, we work with individuals and families across British Columbia to resolve will disputes and estate distribution with clarity, discretion, and respect. Contact us today to speak with one of our estate and will dispute litigators and take the first step toward protecting what’s fair.
Understanding Will Disputes And Who Can Challenge A Will In British Columbia
A will dispute happens when someone believes the will is unfair or doesn’t match the true wishes of the person who wrote it. This often involves a family member who may have been left out or received much less than they expected. Such situations lead to questions about whether the will is legitimate or if mistakes or issues occurred to allow for a variation in the distribution of the estate.
In British Columbia, not everyone has the right to dispute a will. The Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) sets out who is allowed to make a claim. Typically, this group includes:
- Spouses — this includes both married partners and common-law ones.
- Children — adopted children count too.
- Dependents — sometimes, those who depended on the deceased may have a case.
People challenge wills and estates for different reasons, but some of the most common include:
- Feeling excluded or mistreated in the will.
- Doubts about whether the person had the capacity to make a valid will.
- Suspicions that someone may have pressured or influenced them during the process.
- Problems with how the will was signed or managed.
- the deceased’s assets decreasing shortly before death.
- the executor’s treatment of the estate and its beneficiaries.
These situations are rarely straightforward and can bring out tough emotions among family members with years of personal history with each other. The law in BC does give people a chance to step in if they believe something was wrong. Contesting a will is not meant to create conflict. It aims to ensure fairness in an adequate, just and equitable way and that the law respects the wishes of the deceased.
Why Experience Matters In Will Disputes
Disputing a will isn’t something people usually expect to deal with, but when it happens, it can turn into a lot more than just a legal issue. There’s often grief, family tension, and unanswered questions all happening at once. In a situation like that, having someone experienced in your corner can make things feel a little less overwhelming.
At HS Law, we guide clients through the most challenging aspects of estate disputes. We understand the delicate nature of these cases and how intricate the law becomes when questions of fairness, capacity, or influence arise. Our experience proves invaluable in these circumstances.
Here’s what sets our team apart:
- We’ve handled many types of estate disputes. From will variation claims to disputes between siblings, we’ve guided clients through tricky personal issues with calm support and direct advice.
- Our background goes beyond law. Hogan Song, the firm’s founder, has also run businesses in areas like telecommunications and technology, academics, and hospitality. That insight helps when estates include business assets or more complex finances.
- We’ve dealt with cases that cross borders. If a will involves overseas property, family in another country, or cross-border legal issues, we know how to approach it without missing a beat.
- We understand this community. Our firm is active in the Tri-Cities and knows the values and concerns that matter to local families. You’re not just hiring a lawyer — you’re teaming up with people who understand your perspective.
Conflicts over wills can be complex, but they don’t need to turn into a disaster. If you have the right people on your side, you can find solutions, guard your interests, and go ahead feeling sure of yourself.
If you’re in the middle of a will dispute, or you’re starting to think something about a will doesn’t feel right, it can be hard to know what to do next. That’s completely understandable. These things are often emotional, and the legal side can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have everything sorted before reaching out. A conversation with someone who knows this area of law can help make things clearer. At HS Law, we’ll listen, answer your questions, and help you figure out what makes sense for your situation. Get in touch when you’re ready. We’re here to help.
