Estate Lawyer Vancouver: Trusted Estate Legal Services in BC - with Tim Louis
TL;DR – What You Need to Know
If you’re dealing with estate planning, probate, or will disputes in British Columbia, working with a trusted lawyer can make all the difference. Tim Louis & Company brings over 40 years of experience helping Vancouver families protect their legacy, resolve estate conflicts, and navigate the legal process with clarity and compassion. Whether you’re writing a will, acting as an executor, or facing an inheritance issue, we’re here to guide you—start to finish.
Trusted Estate Guidance for Vancouver Families
At Tim Louis & Company, we understand how overwhelming estate matters can feel—especially during emotionally difficult times. Whether you’re planning for the future, serving as an executor, or navigating a will dispute, we’re here to help. With over four decades of experience serving clients throughout Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, Tim Louis brings both legal clarity and heartfelt support to every case.
Estate law isn’t just about paperwork. It’s about protecting your loved ones, honouring your wishes, and avoiding unnecessary delays or disputes. We’ll work with you closely, whether you live in Kitsilano, Mount Pleasant, Burnaby, or beyond.
If you’re looking for a trusted estate lawyer in Vancouver, call us today at 604-732-7678 or request your free consultation.
What Does an Estate Lawyer Do in British Columbia?
An estate lawyer helps ensure that your affairs are in order—both for today and for the future. In British Columbia, that often includes:
Drafting or updating legally valid wills
Helping families avoid or navigate probate
Advising executors on their legal responsibilities
Resolving inheritance concerns or will disputes
We guide clients through these decisions with care and precision—so your estate is protected and your family is supported, every step of the way.
“Every family deserves peace of mind knowing their wishes will be honoured. A strong estate plan is one of the greatest gifts you can leave behind.”
— Tim Louis, Estate Lawyer in Vancouver
When Should You Speak with an Estate Lawyer in Vancouver?
Estate issues often come at a time of loss, uncertainty, or family conflict. Whether you’re preparing your own will, administering a loved one’s estate, or facing a disagreement over inheritance, it’s important to know your rights—and to have trusted legal guidance along the way.
At Tim Louis & Company, we help clients throughout Vancouver navigate these sensitive matters under British Columbia’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Every situation is unique, but here’s how we can help:
Clarifying your legal rights as a spouse, child, beneficiary, or executor
Guiding you through probate and estate administration
Protecting your interests in inheritance disputes or will challenges
If you’re wondering whether a will can be contested in BC—or how to start the process—we’re here to explain your options in plain language.
Explore these helpful estate planning resources:
Still not sure where to begin? Reach out for a free consultation. We’re here to help you move forward with clarity and peace of mind.
Questions We Often Hear About Estate Planning in British Columbia
What does an estate lawyer do in BC?
An estate lawyer helps you plan for the future by drafting legally sound wills, setting up powers of attorney, and making sure your estate is protected from unnecessary legal complications. At Tim Louis & Company, we take the time to ensure every document reflects your true intentions—and stands up to legal scrutiny.
Do I need a lawyer to write my will in BC?
You don’t have to use a lawyer—but it’s one of the best ways to avoid costly mistakes. A will that’s incomplete or unclear can lead to disputes, delays, or even court challenges. We’ve seen firsthand how a properly drafted will can give families peace of mind.
What happens if someone dies without a will in British Columbia?
If there’s no will in place, the estate is distributed under BC’s intestacy rules. That means the law decides who inherits, based on a fixed order of relatives—not necessarily what the person would have wanted. We help families understand their rights and take the right steps forward.
Estate Planning vs. Probate in BC — What’s the Difference?
How Tim Louis & Company Supports You Through Every Step of the Estate Process
For over 40 years, Tim Louis has guided individuals and families through estate matters with the care and clarity they deserve. We understand that these are more than legal questions—they’re personal turning points. Whether you’re settling an estate or planning your own, we’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
We regularly work with:
Executors — ensuring the estate is administered properly and on time
Beneficiaries — helping to protect their rights and ensure fair distribution
Families in conflict — resolving disputes with respect, efficiency, and compassion
You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. From your first question to the final court filing, we’ll be beside you every step of the way.
Read our guide for Executors in British Columbia →
Vancouver Estate Law Services We Offer
At Tim Louis & Company, we offer a full range of estate-related legal services tailored to your unique needs. Our firm serves clients throughout Vancouver, Kitsilano, and the Lower Mainland with a focus on clarity, compassion, and results.
We can help you with:
Probate applications and executor guidance
Disinheritance claims and wills variation
Letters of administration (when there’s no will)
Power of attorney and incapacity disputes
No two families are the same—and neither are their legal needs. We’ll work closely with you to find the right path forward.
Explore our Estate Litigation Services →
Need help with Probate? Start here →
The Tim Louis Legacy Protection Process
Over the years, we’ve seen how proper planning can bring peace of mind—and how poor planning can lead to family stress, legal delays, and unintended outcomes. That’s why we’ve developed a clear, compassionate system to help our clients in Vancouver take control of their legacy.
Here’s how it works:
1. Plan with Purpose
We begin by listening. Together, we’ll explore your goals, family dynamics, and long-term intentions. Whether you’re creating a will for the first time or updating an old one, this step lays the foundation for everything that follows.
2. Prepare the Right Documents
We’ll ensure your will, power of attorney, and related documents are legally valid, clearly written, and tailored to your specific needs. We’ll also walk you through how your assets are structured—and how they’ll be handled.
3. Protect What Matters Most
Once your plan is in place, we help you keep it strong. That means reviewing it as your life changes, identifying any legal risks, and helping you avoid probate surprises down the road.
Why So Many Vancouver Families Trust Tim Louis with Their Estate Matters
When it comes to estate planning, families want more than just legal documents—they want peace of mind. At Tim Louis & Company, we’ve earned the trust of generations by offering clear, compassionate guidance grounded in over 40 years of legal experience.
Here’s what sets us apart:
Proven Experience: Serving the Vancouver community since 1984 with a focus on estate law, probate, and wills variation claims
Human-Centered Advice: We listen first—then guide you with clarity, patience, and respect
Strategic Resolutions: We resolve disputes efficiently, with a strong record in complex estate litigation
Cost-Conscious Approach: We help you avoid unnecessary expenses and delays
Local Roots: Our firm is proudly based in Kitsilano, Vancouver, and serves clients across BC
Because in estate law, trust isn’t just important—it’s everything.
What Clients Say About Working With Us
“We are return clients to Tim Louis & Company because we know we can trust Tim. He emanates integrity and fairness. He is clear and efficient with the process but takes time to listen and really hear what you are saying. Thank you to Tim and staff once again for your service!”
— Susan Kurbis
⭐ 4.9 out of 5 stars on Google – Based on over 250 verified client reviews
📍 Trusted across Vancouver and throughout British Columbia
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Meet Tim Louis — Over 40 Years of Trusted Legal Service in Vancouver
Tim Louis isn’t just an estate lawyer—he’s a trusted guide through some of life’s most personal and complex moments. For more than four decades, Tim has helped individuals and families across Vancouver and British Columbia protect what matters most: their loved ones, their wishes, and their peace of mind.
As the founder of Tim Louis & Company, Tim has earned a reputation for being both deeply compassionate and fiercely effective. His estate law practice spans wills variation claims, estate litigation, probate administration, and long-term planning. Clients often say they feel heard, supported, and clearly guided from beginning to end.
What sets Tim apart is his unwavering commitment to fairness and justice. Whether advocating for a disinherited child, assisting an overwhelmed executor, or crafting a thoughtful estate plan, he brings clarity, patience, and decades of legal insight to every case.
Tim is also a long-time community advocate and continues to lead his firm with the same values that led him to become a lawyer: integrity, service, and compassion.
Learn more about Tim’s legal background and client-first approach →
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Whether you’re planning your estate or facing a dispute, we’re here to help.
📞 Call 604-732-7678 or book your consultation online to speak directly with an experienced estate lawyer in Vancouver.
Take Action Today
Request a Free Consultation – Estate Lawyer Vancouver
Planning for the future starts today. Whether you need guidance on wills, estate planning, or probate matters, Tim Louis is here to help.
📞 Call us at (604) 732-7678 for a complimentary consultation and expert legal advice tailored to your estate planning needs.
Or, reach out via email at timlouis@timlouislaw.com to take the first step toward securing your legacy with confidence.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
Whether you’re planning your estate or facing a dispute, we’re here to help.
📞 Call 604-732-7678 or book your consultation online to speak directly with an experienced estate lawyer in Vancouver.
Estate Law in Vancouver: Top Questions Answered by a Trusted Lawyer
An estate lawyer in Vancouver helps clients create wills, manage estates, apply for probate, resolve inheritance disputes, and ensure assets are distributed according to BC laws like the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA).
Yes, having a probate lawyer in BC can help you avoid delays, file accurate court documents, and protect you from legal liability as an executor or beneficiary.
To contest a will in BC, you must file a Wills Variation Claim under WESA. Spouses and children of the deceased typically have standing, and claims must be filed within 180 days of probate being granted.
In BC, only spouses and children of the deceased can legally challenge a will under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). Other parties may have standing in cases of fraud or undue influence.
Estate lawyer fees in Vancouver vary based on the complexity of the case. Some offer flat fees for will drafting, while probate or litigation matters are usually billed hourly. A free consultation can provide an accurate estimate.
If a person dies without a will in BC, their estate is distributed according to intestacy rules under WESA. A lawyer can help apply for Letters of Administration and ensure legal compliance during estate administration.
In most cases, probate takes between 6 to 12 months in BC. Factors like court backlog, estate complexity, or disputes can affect the timeline.
An executor in BC is responsible for gathering assets, applying for probate, paying debts and taxes, and distributing the estate according to the will. A lawyer can guide you through each step to avoid personal liability.
Yes, under certain circumstances, wills can be varied by the court. Eligible family members can challenge the will if it doesn’t provide adequate support, using a Wills Variation Claim under WESA.
Tim Louis & Company has over 40 years of experience helping Vancouver families with estate planning, probate, and inheritance disputes. Call 📞 604-732-7678 or request a free consultation today.
To apply for probate in BC, you must submit a complete application package to the Supreme Court of British Columbia. This typically includes the deceased’s original will, death certificate, a detailed list of assets and liabilities, and required probate forms. Working with an experienced probate lawyer in Vancouver can help you avoid common mistakes, reduce delays, and ensure the application meets all legal requirements.
A Vancouver probate lawyer supports executors and family members through every step of the probate and estate administration process. This includes preparing legal documents, filing for a grant of probate, assisting with creditor notifications, settling debts and taxes, and distributing assets to beneficiaries—all in accordance with British Columbia’s probate laws and court procedures.
For more detailed information and personalized advice, it’s best to consult with an estate lawyer. If you have further questions about estate distribution or need legal assistance, contact Tim Louis.
Start With a Free Consultation
If you’ve lost a loved one and need help with estate planning and administration, we’re here for you.
Call Tim Louis today at (604) 732-7678 or email ✉️ timlouis@timlouislaw.com to book your free, no-obligation consultation.
✔️ Trusted by BC families for over 40 years
⭐ Rated 5 Stars on Google — Read our reviews
🔁 This page is part of our Living Content System™ and reviewed regularly for accuracy and legal compliance.
🕒 Last reviewed: by Tim Louis, Estate Lawyer in Vancouver
Still Have Questions About Wills or Probate in BC?
If you're wondering where to start, we’ve pulled together the most trusted resources—curated by our legal team—to help you make sense of the probate process, inheritance disputes, and estate planning in British Columbia.
Need a Lawyer Who Specializes in Wills & Estates?
- Do you need a probate lawyer in BC?
- What does an estate lawyer actually do?
- Can you challenge a will for undue influence?
- How do blended families avoid estate conflict?
- What happens when there’s no will?
- What if someone lacked mental capacity when they signed their will?
- What is a Power of Attorney and when should you have one?
- Should you set up a trust in BC?
- How do you create a valid will in British Columbia?
- Can spouses and children challenge a will in BC?
Quick Reads from Our Legal Blog
- The Hidden Cost of Probate — A human look at how probate delays affect real BC families.
- Why You Might Need a Wills Variation Lawyer — Understand your rights under BC’s inheritance laws.
Trusted Public Legal Resources
- BC Government – Applying for Probate
- People’s Law School – What is Probate?
- CRA – Clearance Certificate for Estates
- WESA – Wills, Estates and Succession Act (BC)
🔄 This resource block was last updated:
Key Terms in Estate Law
Probate
The legal process of validating a will through the court. Required before an executor can manage or distribute the estate in BC.
Executor
The person named in a will to carry out the deceased’s wishes, pay debts, and distribute assets.
Wills Variation
A legal challenge under BC’s WESA that allows spouses or children to dispute a will they believe is unfair or inadequate.
Power of Attorney
A legal document granting someone else the authority to act on your behalf, usually for financial or legal matters.
Letters of Administration
Authority granted by the court to manage an estate when there is no valid will or executor named.
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🔁 This page is part of our Living Content System™, a visibility architecture powered by AuraScend™ and aligned with the Total Visibility Architecture™ (TVA). It is updated regularly for accuracy, AI indexability, and legal compliance.
🕒 Last reviewed: July 27, 2025 by Tim Louis, Employment Lawyer in Vancouver
