Legally, no—you’re not required to have a will. But without one, you give up control over what happens to your estate when you die. In British Columbia, if you pass away without a valid will, provincial law decides who inherits what, who handles your estate, and who will care for your minor children—none of which may align with your actual wishes. A properly drafted will ensures your assets go to the right people, your intentions are followed, and the process is far simpler for the family or friends left behind. At Hepburn + Glass, we help clients across South Surrey create clear, legally enforceable wills so they can avoid unnecessary legal headaches later on.

An estate lawyer handles both the planning and the aftermath of a person’s estate. That includes drafting wills, setting up powers of attorney, and creating legal plans for incapacity or death—but it also covers everything that happens after someone passes away. We assist executors with probate, guide families through the estate administration process, help resolve disputes over wills or inheritances, and step in when something’s gone sideways and needs to be fixed. At Hepburn + Glass, we work with clients in South Surrey at every stage of the estate process—before and after death—to make sure everything is done properly, efficiently, and with as little conflict as possible.

Probate is the legal process of validating a will and confirming the executor’s authority to act on behalf of the estate. In British Columbia, probate is often required—especially if the estate includes real estate, significant bank accounts, investments, or anything registered solely in the deceased’s name. Without a Grant of Probate, many institutions simply won’t allow you to access or transfer assets. That said, some smaller or jointly-held estates may avoid probate entirely. At Hepburn + Glass, we help executors in South Surrey understand whether probate is needed, prepare the necessary court filings, and navigate the entire process as efficiently as possible.

If someone dies without a will, they’re considered to have died “intestate.” That means their estate will be distributed according to provincial law, not personal wishes. This often leads to confusion, delays, or even disputes between family members. We help clients across South Surrey deal with intestate estates by guiding them through the legal process, appointing an estate administrator, and working to avoid unnecessary court involvement wherever possible.

Being named executor of an estate is a serious legal responsibility. You’re in charge of managing assets, paying off debts, filing taxes, and distributing what’s left—exactly as the will sets out. It’s a lot to take on, especially if you’ve never done it before. We work closely with executors in South Surrey to walk them through every step of the process, ensure legal duties are met, and help them avoid mistakes that could lead to delays or legal challenges.

Absolutely—and you should. Major life events like marriage, divorce, having children, or acquiring significant assets should all trigger a review of your will. At Hepburn + Glass, we help clients revise and update their wills to reflect their current reality. A will that’s out of date is nearly as risky as not having one at all, especially if your family structure or financial picture has changed.

A power of attorney lets someone make legal and financial decisions for you if you become unable to act for yourself. A representation agreement does the same, but for health and personal care decisions. These documents are just as important as a will—and sometimes even more so. We guide clients across South Surrey in putting the right legal supports in place so that, if life takes a turn, they know someone they trust is legally empowered to step in.

Estate litigation is expensive, stressful, and often avoidable. But sometimes, a will can be challenged—if someone believes they were unfairly excluded, if the deceased was under pressure, or if the will wasn’t properly prepared. We always aim to prevent disputes with strong planning, clear documentation, and open communication. If a dispute does arise, our team will explore every opportunity for resolution first. Litigation is a last resort, not a strategy.

We’re not in the business of escalating tension. When estate disputes happen—between siblings, blended families, or beneficiaries—we look for solutions that keep things fair and reduce long-term damage. That means clear legal advice, strong negotiation, and, when needed, guided mediation. Beth Hepburn and Danielle Glass are experienced in both litigation and resolution-focused strategies, and always prioritize the approach that protects your outcome and your peace of mind.

Because we don’t just fill in forms—we help people get this right. Led by experienced South Surrey estate lawyers Beth Hepburn and Danielle Glass, our firm is known for clear guidance, honest advice, and a focus on getting things done efficiently. Whether you’re planning ahead or managing a complicated estate, we give you the support and clarity you need—without making things harder than they need to be.