BRITISH COLUMBIA ESTATES FORUM
A VIRTUAL EVENT FOCUSED ON EVOLUTIONS IN BC's ESTATES ECOSYSTEM
Under consideration for CPD accreditation by The Law Society of British Columbia
Free to attend
june 11th, 2025
In Association with
Wednesday, June 11th, 2025 | 12:00 – 2:15PM PT
12:00 - 12:40 | Session 1: CASE LAW UPDATES + LITIGATION TRENDS
Themes + agenda
Litigation in British Columbia’s estates ecosystem is on the rise, driven by evolving demographics, complex family dynamics, and legislative changes. As the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) continues to shape litigation, disputes over wills and inheritances are becoming more frequent, fueled by increasing wealth transfers, blended families, and challenges of undue influence.
This opening session will outline the latest drivers and trends in litigation, and will review some of the new cases from 2024/2025 to keep you up to date on the development of case law in BC.
Case law updates
Drivers + trends fueling wills variation claims
Rising cases of elder financial abuse: Financial exploitation of vulnerable seniors and misuse of powers of attorney
Complex family structures + inheritance disputes: How blended families, estranged relationships, and competing beneficiary claims are contributing to increased litigation
Speakers coming soon
12:40 - 1:00 | Session 2: AI IS COMING FOR ESTATES: LEVERAGING OPPORTUNITIES AND DE-RISKING CHALLENGES IN THE AGE OF AI
AI is transforming estate planning and administration by enhancing efficiency, reducing errors, and streamlining complex legal processes. Machine learning algorithms help detect potential risks, such as inconsistencies in estate plans or signs of undue influence. AI is also being used to manage digital assets, ensuring that online accounts and cryptocurrency holdings are properly accounted for in estate plans.
This presentation reveals how AI is reshaping the estates ecosystem in BC by making planning, administration, and litigation more efficient and data-driven.
Leveraging AI to streamline the process of drafting wills, trusts and POAs amid the rise of complex family structures
How is AI poised to redefine wealth forecasting and tax optimization?
Harnessing the latest offerings in AI to enhance your practice and reduce risk in the estate planning process
Executor tensions and personal liability
Speakers coming soon
1:00 - 1:30 | Session 3: ESTATE PLANING FOR BENEFICIARIES WITH DISABILITIES: KEY CONSIDERATIONS FOR LAWYERS, AND THE ROLE OF THE PUBLIC GUARDIAN AND TRUSTEE
Estate planners must carefully address disability considerations to ensure the long-term financial security and well-being of beneficiaries with disabilities, including appointing responsible trustees or guardians, and planning for future care needs through representation agreements or power of attorney documents.
The Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) of British Columbia also plays a vital role in protecting the interests of individuals who are unable to manage their own financial or legal affairs.
This session examines the role of lawyers and the PGT in guiding families through the estate planning process to protect the needs of a disabled beneficiary.
Preserving government benefits: Structuring estate plans to ensure individuals with disabilities retain access to income and support programs
Henson Trusts: Understanding trusts that allow assets to be managed for the beneficiary’s benefit without affecting government assistance eligibility
Role of the PGT: Protecting financial and legal interests of individuals who cannot manage their own affairs
Appointing a responsible trustee: Choosing a reliable trustee to manage assets in the best interest of the beneficiary
Future care planning: Planning for long-term care needs
Speakers coming soon
1:30 - 2:10 | Session 4: VIRTUAL SIMULATION: INTERGENERATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL TRANSFER OF WEALTH
This dynamic session features a roundtable of respected estate advisors who will lead a real-time, interactive simulation examining various scenarios that can arise (and approaches to them) during the unwinding of a complex estate, including:
When a person dies: What happens when they have a will versus when they don’t have a will?
Navigating tax issues amid the Great Wealth Transfer, and the rise of gifting while living
Cross-border estate considerations: Families with assets or beneficiaries in multiple countries must navigate international inheritance laws and reporting requirements.
Challenges in estate planning: Complex family structures, varying tax laws, and different financial literacy levels among heirs create planning difficulties
Working with a roundtable of advisors