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Can You Decline to Be an Executor in British Columbia?

Discovering that someone named you as the executor of their will can bring mixed emotions. You may appreciate their trust while wondering whether you have the time, health, or ability to take on the responsibility. Those concerns can feel especially difficult when you are grieving. You may be managing your own household, caring for someone else, or trying to understand an estate that is more complicated than expected. Being named does not necessarily mean you must accept. In BC, it is generally possible to decline before you begin acting as executor. However, steps you have already taken can affect your options, so timing matters.

Who Keeps the Family Pet After Separation in BC?

Your pet may have been part of morning walks, family outings, and the quiet routines that made your house feel like home. When a relationship ends, deciding where that pet will live can feel deeply personal.

You may both want to continue caring for the animal. You may also have different views about expenses, daily responsibilities, or what arrangement would be practical after moving into separate homes.

In British Columbia, spouses can agree on arrangements for their family pet. When they cannot agree, a court can decide ownership or possession, but it cannot order them to share the animal. Understanding this distinction can help you approach the conversation with clearer expectations.

Section 7 Expenses in BC: What Parents Need to Know

When parents separate, understanding child support can involve more than determining the basic monthly amount. Certain costs for children may fall outside regular child support and may need to be shared separately between parents.

These are commonly called Section 7 expenses, or special or extraordinary expenses.

For parents navigating child support in British Columbia, knowing what qualifies as a Section 7 expense, how costs may be divided, and how to address disagreements can help reduce uncertainty and avoid future conflict.

Not Second Class Dads EP. 1

Aug 22, 2025

Episode 1: Not Second Class Dads Welcome to episode one of notsecondclassdads.ca I'm family lawyer...

Why Every Young Family in BC Should Consider an Estate Plan

Aug 21, 2025

When many people hear the term estate planning, they often think of retirees or those with...

Limitless?

Jan 11, 2021

The name of today’s blog is a sci-fi movie, starring Bradley Cooper, (who I regularly confuse with Ryan Reynolds), but I digress. The movie involves Brad consuming a unique pill which enhances his cognitive abilities to such a degree as becoming potentially...

Kitchen Table Divorce – Legal Prescription – Self Care

Dec 31, 2020

Just came across an article written by somebody who received a gloomy cancer diagnosis. She made the point that her specialist and GP were excited to meet with her because of the rarity, and seriousness, of her diagnosis. Thankfully she survives to this day, with life...

Shock and AWE

Dec 22, 2020

If you happen to be involved, or about to be, in the family law system I know how you’re feeling. Lost, overwhelmed, intimidated, stressed, and that’s before finding out the unaffordable cost of retaining a family lawyer. Now, add the fact that your ex has retained a...

COVID 19 Divorce

Dec 15, 2020

Masks are a highly recommended deterrent to the health related symptoms of Covid-19, but a poor deterrent to the consequences of another family related symptom of Covid-19, namely Covid-Divorce. Much has been written about an apparent up-tick in separations, and...

Marriage is grand. Divorce is fifty grand

Dec 8, 2020

There’s a saying that “Marriage is grand. Divorce is fifty grand.” But does it have to be that way? That’s one of the reasons I came up with the phrase, “Kitchen Table Divorce”. I would like to think that the” kitchen table” part of the phrase evokes for many people...

Divorce Father Son Re-union

Dec 1, 2020

These past many months have been frustrating for both myself and my client, a separated father of a 7 year son. I won’t be using any names to protect their privacy. Frustrating, for the father because his son has apparently decided to have nothing to do with him, and...

Divorce GOT MEDIATION?

Nov 24, 2020

It happened twice this week, and despite my continuing efforts to combat the misunderstandings, it will inevitably happen again. People who simply believe all they need to do to settle their family law matters is to retain a mediator to start and finish the necessary...

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