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Spring 2019 | Volume 28 Number 1 Published Quarterly by The BC Notaries Association 27 years Inside: Wills and Other Personal Planning Documents Publications Mail Agreement: 40010827
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When Reading the PDF Online click on an article or page number. P U B L I S H E D BY T H E S O C I E T Y O F N OTA R I E S P U B L I C O F B C FEATURES: WILLS AND OTHER PERSONAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS The Scrivener: What’s in a Name? 4 Editor’s27 PRESIDENT, THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BC Death and Taxes Revival 28 Peace of Mind 6 Andréa Agnoloni Rhoda Witherly EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, A Canadian First! Inaugural End-of-Life Expo 32 THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC OF BC Tammy Morin Nakashima On the Horizon 7 The Power of a Power of Attorney 34 John Mayr Kim McLandress PRESIDENT, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION BC Notaries Association Update and Opportunity 8 The Representation Agreement Daniel Boisvert and the Proverbial Bus 36 New Directors Appointed for BC Notaries Association 9 Beverly Carter CEO, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION THE ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE Planning for Your Own Protection 10 Health is Wealth. Do You Agree? 40 Jacqui Mendes Lorne Mann Why Delay Such Contentment? 12 BC Notaries Vignettes 42 Ron Usher Tammy Morin Nakashima, Filip de Sagher, KEYNOTE Flavia Zancope, Kate Manvell, Roy Cammack, Do You Have All Your Docs in a Row? 12 Todd G. Wiebe, Jennifer Kwok, Hans Podzun, Val Wilson Marg Rankin, Morrie Bailey When Should You Have Your Personal Planning CONVERSATIONS ABOUT CARE Documents in Place? Now! 13 Health Care Decision-Making Tiah Workman for People Living with Dementia 46 BC Government Declared Make a Will Week: Krista James April 7 to 13, 2019 14 Estate Planning for Seniors 49 Who Needs a Will? 15 Lori McLeod Undue Influence, Spouses, and Defective Wills 3 Key Things to Know 5 Years Post-WESA 16 when Looking after Your Senior Parents 50 Trevor Todd Linda Caisley WILL INSTRUCTIONS Watch for “Suspicious Circumstances” 22 Maximizing the Philanthropic Impact of Your Will 52 Trevor Todd Leanne McConnachie The Role of the Public Guardian and Trustee The Unidroit of BC in the Administration of Estates 26 “International Will” Convention 54 Brad Anderson Professor Peter Zablud, AM, RFD The Scrivener: What’s in a Name? “A professional penman, a copyist, a scribe . . . a Notary.” Thus the Oxford English Dictionary describes a Scrivener, the craftsman charged with ensuring that the written affairs of others flow smoothly, seamlessly, and accurately. Where a Scrivener must record the files accurately, it’s the Notary whose Seal is bond. We chose The Scrivener as the name of our magazine to celebrate the Notary’s role in drafting, communicating, authenticating, and getting the facts straight. We strive to publish articles about points of law and the Notary profession for the education and enjoyment of our members, our allied professionals in business, and the public in British Columbia. BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 4
Services a BC Notary Can Provide 18, 48 BC Notaries Speak Your Language 47 Published by Letters58 The Society of Notaries Public Celebration of the Life of Marco Marquito Castro 59 of British Columbia Juliana Mendes Castro Job Fair 60 Editor-in-Chief Val Wilson BC Notaries Fall Conference 2019. Save the Date!60 Legal Vets John Mayr, Ron Usher, PROFILE OF A BC NOTARY Leanne Rebantad Showcasing the Winners of the Prestigious Notary Advisor Ken Sherk Dr. Bernard W. Hoeter Award. Year 2012: BC Notary Cassandra Coolin 61 Courier Lightspeed Courier & Logistics BC Notaries Participate in Mortgage Brokers of BC Photographer Wildman Photography Annual Conference 62 Gilbert Chan The Scrivener BC Notaries Association email: scrivener@society.notaries.bc.ca Receives 2019 Mortgage Broker Corporate Partner Award 62 website: www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener Fun and Fundraising at the S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Gala! 63 The Society of Notaries Public of BC 604 681-4516 Send photographs to scrivener@society.notaries.bc.ca Building Better Communities, One Grant at a Time The Board of Governors 64 All rights reserved. Contents may not be TWO NEW REPORTS ON STRATA PROPERTY LAW FROM BC LAW INSTITUTE reprinted or reproduced without written Governance Issues and Insurance Issues 65 permission from the publisher. Kevin Zakreski This journal is a forum for discussion, not a medium of official pronouncement. The Society does not, in any sense, endorse THE MiX or accept responsibility for opinions expressed by contributors. 2019 BC Land Summit 66 WorkPeace: From Pinch to Opportunity 67 Julia Menard What’s New regarding Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries 68 Lauryn Kerr The Breath of The People: CANADA POST: PUBLICATIONS MAIL WSÁNEC´ Law and SENC´ OTEN Language Revitalization 70 AGREEMENT No. 40010827 Robert Clifford Postage Paid at Vancouver, BC Travel Insurance: Paradoxes in Planning 72 Ian Callaway RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSES TO CIRCULATION DEPT. ABCLS. The Future of Land Surveying in BC 75 THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES Spring Tech/Auto 2019 76 PUBLIC OF BC Akash Sablok BOX 44 HONOURS AND EVENTS SUITE 700 – 625 HOWE STREET PEOPLE 78 VANCOUVER, BC V6C 2T6 Where in the World Has The Scrivener Been? 78 SCRIVENER@SOCIETY.NOTARIES.BC.CA Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener 5
PRESIDENT, THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC Rhoda Witherly OF BC Photo credit: www.lonniewishart.com Peace of Mind E ©iStockphoto.com/Ron_Thomas very year when I see • The person(s) to name in your If you want to do some research Power of Attorney document while you are making your plan, here spring flowers and feel and Will are links to some resources to assist spring rains, my spirits • Who will look after your estate you. They are applicable to a Will or personal care plan in British Columbia. lift and I am invigorated • What to do about the house, condo, or property BC Courthouse Libraries after a dreary winter. http://bit.ly/clbcwills Those are all very personal Spring is a time for putting the decisions and they can be complicated. Province of British Columbia garden plan in motion, ordering It is best to break the plan into steps. https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/ seeds, planning the changes for the family-social-supports/seniors/ patio plants, and deciding the row financial-legal-matters/wills-and- configuration for the vegetable garden. estate-planning Having the conversation Nidus Personal Planning With energy levels up, it is a good with yourself about what and Resource Centre time to take a look at your personal and estate plans, too. The Scrivener you want in future will http://www.nidus.ca/ will not be planning your garden but help you decide how Having the conversation with we may be able to help you with some to accomplish your goals. yourself about what you want in future of your personal plans. In this issue, will help you decide how to accomplish we offer tips and stories about what your goals. You may need to consult an you might want to do, what others The First Step accountant, your local BC Notary, and have done, and who can assist you your family doctor to get advice about Do a quick inventory of where along the way with your personal the direction you should go. you are now. Consider the following planning documents. Be sure your plans become questions. Our world has become so much legal, binding documents. It is • Do you have a Will? more complicated. We can no longer strongly recommended that you rely on simply telling our children or • What assets do you have? have a BC Notary or lawyer draft spouse what to do in the event of our Do you need to protect them? the documents you require. The demise. We are all encouraged to have • For whom do you currently representatives you choose must have “documents” to support all our plans. provide? People, pets, charities? legal authority to act on your behalf. Where to Begin • How long will your support Easy as 1,2,3 continue? 1. Take the time to make your plans. There are many different types of plans. • Have you granted a 2. Imagine how they will work for you • A finance plan for you Power of Attorney to anyone? and your family. for the next decades • Have you spoken to your doctor 3. Have the appropriate legal • The fund for your children’s about your care if you become documents prepared. education incapacitated? Your family will thank you and • A plan for your health care • Who will benefit from your plan? you will have peace of mind. s BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 6 TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, THE SOCIETY OF NOTARIES PUBLIC John Mayr OF BC www.wildmanphotography.com On the Horizon ©iStockphoto.com/MR1805 I n folklore, there is the story they were living with the savage reality There are several underlying of dementia, who owned the home constructs to engaging in those of Christopher Columbus became a constant point of concern. discussions. With younger clients, as a young boy, sitting on For whatever reason, the topic of death and events that may lead to “the bank taking the family home” an untimely demise could be best the dock, observing the sailing was revisited almost daily. described as distant. Midlife often ships of the day disappear As legal professionals, brings with it the complexities of BC Notaries are privileged in the separation and divorce, financial into the distance. difficulties, nuclear families, and relationships they build with their clients. Notarial services have been relocation for employment reasons. The notion that the Earth is round is arguably attributed by some described as “happy law,” those areas As midlife turns, we may face to Columbus for, at the time, the of jurisprudence that are generally less the added stress of aging parents common belief was that the Earth was adversarial than some of the others. and compromised health. There may flat. To prove his theory, Columbus set be experience with loss and grieving. sail for the New World. There are those who refuse to plan There is, of course, some real Notarial services have been or are otherwise unwilling to face irony in the fact that a good part described as “happy law,” the inevitability that their time here of this edition of The Scrivener is is limited. those areas of jurisprudence dedicated to Wills and other personal that are generally less The challenge for the Notary, planning documents; the arrival of not withstanding the obstacles, explorers brought with them disease adversarial than some is to engage with each client to and plague that resulted in the deaths of the others. understand the individual’s situation of millions. and wishes, to educate as to The indigenous people of For many, Notaries are full the customs and laws of estate the New World have a different life-cycle service providers. distribution, and to capture in the perspective on what we now call form of a Will the final wishes. estate planning. Whereas the common law approach to Wills, Estates, and While the Will may be the end For many, Notaries are full state, there is much in the preparation. Succession planning is deeply rooted life-cycle service providers. Often, in Colonialism, few argue that the Personal planning is a process that the first contact is for the notarization seeks to ameliorate difficulties before planning and setting out of our final of a document or letter. Or it could wishes in writing is a foolish exercise. they arise, whether through the be the birth of a first child or the granting of the Power of Attorney, Like many immigrants to this result of a referral during the purchase Representation Agreement, or an country, my parents worked and of a first home. Throughout the Advance Health Care Directive. saved to purchase a family home. client’s life, the Notary has not only They celebrated the day they became the opportunity but the responsibility BC Notaries are highly educated, mortgage-free . . . “the bank no longer to engage in thought-provoking and competent, and qualified legal owns my home.” Much later, when difficult discussions. professionals. s Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 7
PRESIDENT, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION Daniel Boisvert www.wildmanphotography.com BC Notaries Association Update and Opportunity I ©iStockphoto.com/Milkos am pleased to bring you an That means matters such as BC Notaries have a strong Association continuing education (including annual that keeps our “Trusted Tradition” update on the BC Notaries conferences); certain government brand first and foremost in the eyes of Association and further communications; promoting and both the public and government. marketing Notaries around BC; seeking Access to Justice is very much explanation about why the legislative changes to the expansion on the minds of government and Association has been formed. of our scope of practice; building BC Notaries offer part of the solution alliances with similar organizations to expand access to justice for many For over 90 years, The Society such as BCREA, REIBC, and CMBA- British Columbians. The BC Notaries of Notaries Public was primarily a BC; responding to media requests; Association is committed to advocating regulator of BC Notaries, performing and many other such activities are that very theme to all stakeholders. that obligation as required under now handled by the BC Notaries the Notaries Act; The Society also Association. As we go forward, we are calling advocated for BC Notaries Public on all BC Notaries to become and their interests, secondary members of the BC Notaries of course to the public interest. As a group, we must Association. We are not a large group, be sure that BC Notaries but we are a proud group . . . very In its duties, the regulator is remain relevant and part proud of our in-depth postgraduate expected to put the public’s interest education in noncontentious legal first, so being an advocate for Notaries of the discussion when matters, our wealth of individual and at the same time can generate it comes to legal services collective on-the-job experience, conflicts that may not be reconcilable. in our province. and our very special rapport with our The arrangement needed to clients. graduate to a more modern model, This work is crucial to the Do reach out to me or any other one that meets the needs of the public continued growth of our membership BC Notaries Association Board and the needs of our Notaries. For and our professional practices. member if you have questions and you that reason and a few others, it was As a group, we must be sure that want to become more directly involved. time for the Association to separate BC Notaries remain relevant and Please email me for the simple one- from The Society and go on its own. part of the discussion when it comes page form that will kick-start your BC Notaries now have an organization to legal services in our province. membership process. We need lots with a mandate to represent its of good people to share their time members’ interests and advocate for There are numerous challenges in making the BC Notaries Association Notaries in our province, while leaving on the horizon in BC when it comes an outstanding success. s the very important public protection to the delivery of legal services. Now responsibility to The Society. more than ever, it is important that daniel@deltanotary.ca BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 8 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Charities to Consider New Directors LET’S TAKE THE KID Appointed for BC Notaries The brighter side of planned giving. Association T he BC Notaries Association is honoured to announce the appointment of two new Directors to the Board of the Association; they bring a variety of regional and demographic Hailey-Ann will need a kidney transplant. perspectives to serve Association members. The Directors will serve until the first Association Annual General Meeting in September 2019 at the Fall Conference in Kelowna, when all Board positions will be open for election. Rimpy Sadhra Rimpy Sadhra has been practising as TO LEARN MORE, CONTACT: a BC Notary for the past 8 years. Her Pia Schindler, Senior Director of Development business, West Coast Notaries, has offices 1-800-567-8112 EX.223 | 604-736-9775 EX.223 | pias@kidney.bc.ca in Burnaby, Vancouver, and Surrey where she works alongside her husband and fellow Notary Raman Sadhra. As a graduate of the MA ALS program, Rimpy believes both practical training and continuous educational Rest.Q development are essential elements for being a successful Notary. She has been teaching the conveyancing course Animal for new Notary students since its inception. She has also Sanctuary been Chapter Chair for Burnaby/New Westminster for the Our volunteer-run past 5 years. As a Board member, Rimpy aims to promote organization rescues the education and development of Notaries and increase and cares for animals public awareness of the Notary Public profession. who have been abused, Brendon Rothwell abandoned, injured, or Ginger Boy neglected. We find perfect Brendon Rothwell was commissioned as forever homes for most animals and provide permanent a BC Notary in the spring of 2013 after housing to another 170. We serve the Southern Gulf Islands completing the Master of Arts in Applied region including Galiano Island and Mayne Island. Legal Studies program through Simon Fraser University. His busy Notary practice is located Please consider a one-time donation in the central Okanagan city of Kelowna, or the monthly sponsorship of one of our residents. a community known for its industrious residents and its info@restqsanctuary.org • (250) 539 3105 beautiful scenery. www.restqsanctuary.ca Brendon is married and the father of two girls. His past experiences, both professional and personal, have provided him the necessary framework and motivation to meet the challenges ahead. Never one to take the easy path, Brendon accepts his appointment Rest.Q is a not-for-profit society under BC’s Societies Act and a registered charity as a Board member, ready to work hard and apply his with Canada Revenue Agency (Charity No: 83035 9568 RR0001). skills and knowledge to the best of his ability. s Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 9
CEO, BC NOTARIES ASSOCIATION Jacqui Mendes www.wildmanphotography.com Planning for Your Own Protection ©iStockphoto.com/monkeybusinessimages O n International rent, mortgages, food security, First, be informed. cost of medications, and the Understand your financial position, Women’s Day ability to obtain adequate credit. options, and obligations, including March 8 this year, At the end of their working joint income, monthly outgoings, I found myself thinking about lives, many women may lag behind taxes, property maintenance, debt their male partners in terms of total including your mortgage or rent the financial security of single accumulated assets and rely on and credit cards, and insurance. women, particularly seniors, the sharing or transference of their Understand what you will need to partners’ assets for financial security live and your options for your later when their partner has passed. in their retirement years. years. Know where all your important documents are and keep written and And the financial insecurity that properly filed records. can be experienced when you are I would not extract my own not the primary wage earner and you teeth or do my own surgery; Second, take action based and your partner did not sufficiently on expert advice. consider the protection that good I go to professionals… I wish I had a dollar for every time estate planning provides. I have heard, “‘Well, my friend said Gender pay inequality is still Women also live longer than men; her mum/dad/friend/neighbour did an issue in British Columbia. Statistics Canada indicates in its 2010 such and such, so that’s what I did” data that 56 per cent of the population or “I looked on the Internet and did • A Financial Health Report by age 65 and older were women; that it myself.” Vancity Credit Union published rises to 67 per cent for those age 85 I would not extract my own in March 2019, analysing the and older. That is where good estate teeth or do my own surgery; I go to survey results of 5200 people, planning is critical, particularly for professionals who understand what found that women are more those in more complex relationships to do to ensure my health and safety. concerned than men about such as blended families. Legal experts such as BC Notaries their financial health, for good reason; women in our province So what should women be doing? are trained to provide advice and earn 35 per cent less each year We must continue to lobby for equal pay, services for Wills and estate planning; than their male counterparts and spread the message by sharing credible they have a great deal of experience less than women in comparative research, help other women up the regarding real-life situations where positions in the rest of Canada. pay ladder, and educate our children, they have helped with the complexity spouses, colleagues, and community. of family relationships and the • T he report also indicates this Those are of course longterm unexpectedness of life. is a mental health issue for women, with 52 per cent of women tactics, but what can we do for our No one wants to think about being surveyed experiencing extreme personal protection from financial alone, but making a plan beforehand emotional stress, worrying about insecurity? is your best protection. s BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 10 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Charities to Consider for Your Will Planning A place to live A place to work A place to connect These should not be impossible dreams! By helping your clients include a gift to Coast Mental Your donation dollars rescue Health Foundation in their Will, you make recovery donkeys who are in moderate possible for people living with mental illness. to severe mental or physical distress and give them a safe, Coast Mental Health complements the hospital-based healthy, and loving permanent mental health care system by providing community- home in a nature-respectful based housing, employment, and support services for setting in beautiful Turtle thousands of British Columbians each year. Valley, British Columbia. Recovery is possible. You can help. Our information: Mandy www.turtlevalleydonkeyrefuge.com (250) 679-2778 Please contact us for more information: donkeyrefuge@gmail.com Website: www.coastmentalhealth.com | Direct: 604.349.2217 Charitable Registration No: 86150 8018 RR0001 www.facebook.com/TurtleValleyDonkeyRefugeSociety United We Change Lives For more information on Will planning or other estate gifts, please contact your local United Way or: A collective effort is needed to help those in our BC Lower Mainland communities who need it most. For generations, Elaine Fung: (604) 268-1317 Email: elainef@uwlm.ca United Way has been analyzing local social service needs, raising funds, and supporting Thompson – Nicola – Cariboo Region Danalee Baker: (250) 372-9933 effective programs and charities in our BC Email: danalee@unitedwaytnc.ca communities, changing people’s lives for the better. Okanagan – Columbia – Shuswap – Similkameen Donors can trust that through United Way, they can Sarah Anne Taylor: 1-855-232-1321 make a positive difference in their community now, Email: sarahanne@unitedwaycso.com and through a gift in their Will into the future. Greater Victoria – Saanich Peninsula – Gulf Islands Peter Brimacombe: (250) 220-7379 Email: peter@uwgv.ca Central and Northern Vancouver Island Patti Mertz: (250) 591-8731 Email: dd@uwcnvi.ca Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 11
KEYNOTE www.wildmanphotography.com Val Wilson Editor-in-Chief Drawing by Barb Wood Do You Have All Your Docs Why Delay Such Contentment? in a Row? T his issue of The Scrivener necessary steps to make the necessary documents. Our laws naturally cover contains much valuable off what happens when nothing is Articles in our theme section information on the done, but that is rarely desirable and will enlighten you about the four certainly not less expensive. personal and health care planning “how and why” of estate and documents in British Columbia. There is a marvellous passage personal planning in British in the novel Moby Dick where, after 1. Will Columbia. a harrowing encounter while whaling, 2. Representation Agreement Ishmael makes a Will. When it is done, The laws that apply to Wills, he comments, “I felt all the easier; 3. Advance Health Care Directive Estates, Powers of Attorney, a stone was rolled away from my heart 4. Power of Attorney Representation Agreements, and . . . I looked round me tranquilly and Advance Health Care Directives that contentedly…” Helpful Explanations are made, used, and “probated” The attorney appointed by a Power That reflects my experience in BC are governed by BC provincial of Attorney document is not a lawyer. of many years in assisting legislation and BC Court decisions. He or she is the person designated clients with these documents. As a result, great care is needed The discomfort of dealing with in the Power of Attorney document. in using the advice given in Internet difficult and sensitive issues is real An Enduring Power of Attorney is searches and by online experts. Doing but I can assure readers that the a Power of Attorney that can continue online research can be useful but, as relief Ishmael expresses is not just a or endure even in the event of the they say, “Discretion is advised.” There passage in a work of fiction; it is the subsequent incapacity of the adult. is excellent BC information available experience of many who thoughtfully • The Power of Attorney is in effect online through sources such as “Nidus” make those documents. while you are alive. If you pass (www.nidus.ca) and the Legal Services So why delay such contentment? away, your Power of Attorney Society websites. Use those sites as Make an appointment to see your local is no longer in effect. a way to get informed and prepared BC Notary as soon as possible. s • The Representation Agreement for a visit to your local BC Notary. Ron Usher is General and the Advance Health Care That said, the most significant Counsel and a Practice Directive are in effect while you problem that occurs in regard to Advisor for The Society are alive. estate and personal planning is not faulty research or a failure to comply of Notaries Public of BC. The articles that follow more fully with a technical point of law. Most explain the personal planning often it is simply a failure to take the www.notaries.bc.ca documents. s BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 12 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Tiah Workman WHEN SHOULD YOU HAVE YOUR PERSONAL PLANNING DOCUMENTS IN PLACE? Now! O ur office is very busy Alert: When you need in the area of Wills and a Power of Attorney, personal planning. Representation Agreement, So many people do not understand or Advance Health Care the importance of having personal Directive, it is generally planning documents in place. too late to do one. Over the years, I have been witness to situations where those Vancouver General Hospital because in documents proved invaluable to clients all her medical records, my name was of all ages. noted as her emergency contact. They I have been appointed executor/ were about to take her into surgery. trustee for many senior clients who The surgery, if successful, would have no family or no family close have left her a quadriplegic; she would by; I also act for many clients as have needed full-time care in a care their attorney (under their Power facility. of Attorney) and representative (under their Representation Agreement). The Advance Health Care Directive that she had sent me very clearly I have had clients end up in stated “any condition where others hospital, unable to be involved in their have to wash, dress, and feed” her or own decision-making because they if she could not stay in her own home did not feel comfortable appointing would be intolerable or unacceptable. me or another person to make future I was able to provide that document personal care decisions for them. to the hospital to stop a surgery Unfortunately, some have ended up she absolutely did not want. In that receiving treatment they did not want instance, the Advance Health Care because they were unable to speak Directive proved a very important tool. for themselves and no one was legally named to speak for them. My client died shortly after her ventilator was removed that evening A 66-year-old client suffered because the doctors were able to a minor fall last week that led to a follow her wishes . . . she had made catastrophic spinal cord injury due them known. to a pre-existing condition. I had been appointed her executor/trustee and Alert: When you need a Power of attorney 8 years ago, but she had not Attorney, Representation Agreement, appointed me her representative under or Advance Health Care Directive, a Representation Agreement. She had, it is generally too late to do one. however, done an Advance Health Care Please consider doing those important Directive herself and just happened to personal planning documents now with send me a copy of it last year. your BC Notary. s I found out about her fall when Tiah Workman is a BC Notary I received an urgent call from practising in Nanaimo. Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 13
BC Government Declared Make a Will Week: April 7 to 13, 2019 T he mandate of “Make may decide on the future of dependent “Many people put off children and assets. creating a Will. Absence a Will Week” is to of a Will can create “It is essential that encourage British anyone with dependent stress and conflict children has a current among family members Columbians who don’t have after a person’s death Will,” says Victoria a current Will Notary Morrie Baillie. and lead to increased costs to the “The lack of a Will estate and unexpected outcomes • to have a legal professional can leave dependent for children and beneficiaries,” says prepare them a Will or update children vulnerable to wait in foster Tsawwassen Notary Daniel Boisvert. the one they have, and care while the Courts decide on a Your Time is Valuable • to encourage families to discuss suitable guardian. Contrast that to the topic. the simplicity of a Will that empowers A good way to start the Will process Two-thirds of parents with dependent you to nominate someone you trust is to think about who you would want children do not have a Will. to take immediate care of your minor to care for your children and to inherit children.” your home and any other assets. Then March 2018 Ipsos Survey visit your BC Notary to assist you in conducted for BC Notaries preparing a proper and legal Will. A recent online survey of 800 The kindest thing people BC residents found 66% of parents can do is ensure they Creating a Will takes less time of children 18 or younger do not than most people think. It can usually have a Will. That leaves the family have an up-to-date Will be completed in two short meetings. vulnerable to outside decision-makers, in place… Says Vancouver Notary David Watts, delays, and conflict if something were “During the first meeting, we discuss to happen to one or both parents. a general overview of your assets and The costs of administering the your intentions for their distribution. Research also shows a significant estate may be higher if a legally The second meeting finalizes your plan gap between the number of British enforceable Will does not exist. The and your paperwork.” Columbians who own a home and kindest thing people can do is ensure those with a legal Will in place, they have an up-to-date Will in place Most people find creating a particularly among those under age so their loved ones don’t need to worry Will leads to important discussions 35. In a survey of individuals 18 to about the details of an estate while and decisions with family members. 34, 50 per cent own a home but only they are grieving. Knowing your assets will be distributed 13 per cent have a Will. to family, friends, and charitable “We know many people organizations according to your wishes No Will? pass without a Will brings families closer by creating If there is no Will in place or the Will because BC Notaries more certainty and peace of mind is not properly prepared, custody help families navigate for everyone. of children under 18 and property the bureaucracy and distribution may not occur the way uncertainty created for BC Notaries are available in many the deceased intended. If the Public those left behind when a person dies areas of BC to discuss Will planning. Guardian and Trustee is brought in intestate,” says Prince Rupert Notary to administer the estate, the Province Rhoda Witherly. www.notaries.bc.ca s BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 14 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Who Needs a Will? • Do you have dependent children? • Do you want to reduce conflict within the family? Wills help protect dependent children by appointing Creating a Will and ensuring it is up-to-date is very someone to care for your underage children if you die. important to show exactly how you want your assets That is particularly important for single parents or blended divided. The kindest thing you can do for your loved ones families where the law may not align with your wishes. is to have a Will . . . and make sure it is up to date to If you don’t designate custody, that decision may be dispel doubt, anxiety, hurt feelings, and delays. made by a stranger through the Court system. • Do you have pets? • Are you a homeowner? For many British Columbians, pets are family. People If you share ownership of a property or a home, it is want to ensure their pets will continue to be cared for, important to review the structure of that agreement if something were to happen to their human mom or dad. because it can impact what happens to that ownership A Will designates those provisions. if you die. Your BC Notary can do a title search and discuss the options available to ensure your wishes • Do you want peace of mind? are legally possible and your Will is clear. A BC Notary can eliminate or at least reduce stress, taxes, • re you separated, divorced, or living A and conflict among loved ones when a family member in a common law relationship? dies. Having a Will gives you and your family peace of mind that your assets will go to those you love and your Changes in your living arrangements or marital status can wishes will be followed. Most people find the process call for changes to your Will. Creating or updating a Will leads to important discussions and decisions and brings is very important for people whose relationship status has families closer. It also provides you with assurances that changed, for example, due to marriage, separation, divorce, your assets will be distributed to family, friends, and or when there has been a birth or death in the family. charitable organizations according to your current wishes. Your Will indicates the way you want your assets to be divided or assigned. To find a Notary near you, please visit www.notaries.bc.ca. Change cancer forever. Leave a gift in your Will. A gift in your Will is a gift for the future. By funding research you can make a difference in people’s lives and help to eradicate cancer for our children and grandchildren. Canadian Cancer Society, BC & Yukon Charitable Registration Number: 118829803 RR0001 Janice Williams, CFRE Manager, Estate & Gift Planning 1-800-663-2524 ext 7112 janice.williams@cancer.ca cancer.ca Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 15
Trevor Todd Photo credit: Matthew Chen Undue Influence, Spouses, and Defective Wills 5 Years Post-WESA I t has now been just over allegation of undue influence will involve distinction between gifts or transfers a situation where one party is dominant inter vivos, as opposed to those 5 years since British and another dependent on that person, made by Will, and only in the case of Columbia’s Wills, Estates and then a questionable transaction “special trust” relationships where the either by Will or inter vivos occurs. transfer of the asset was inter vivos did and Succession Act (“WESA”) a presumption of undue influence arise It is extremely difficult to win was introduced. This article an undue influence case where the [Geffen v. Goodman (1991) 81 DLR mental capacity of the deceased is (4th) 211 (SCC)]. will review some of the leading not at least questionable at the time Geffen noted that these types of cases in three areas of law, the Will or gift was made. It is difficult special relationships exist between namely enough to persuade Judges that trustee and beneficiary, doctor and someone has acted under the undue patient, solicitor and client, parent and (1) undue influence and section 52 influence of another person when child, and caregivers. WESA; the party in question is not mentally No such presumption arose with impaired. respect to a Will, leaving the plaintiff (2) the definition of spouse and marriage-like relationship; and with the daunting task of proving Undue influence is influence actual undue influence [Vout v. Hay (3) what is a Will and section 58 (1995) 7 ETR (2d) 209 (SCC)]. WESA. that overbears the will Court Decisions Re. Section 52 WESA PART 1 of the person… Section 52 WESA reads as follows. What is Undue Influence? 52 In a proceeding, if a person It is not necessary to be mentally It is odious, secretive, more prevalent claims that a will or any provision incompetent to be under the control than one would think, and difficult to of it resulted from another person of another person’s direction, as expose and “prove.” witnessed by the behaviour of many (a) being in a position where Undue influence is influence intelligent people who join cults at the potential for dependence that overbears the will of the person great personal expense. Cult cases, or domination of the will- influenced to the extent that what he however, simply do not come along maker was present, and or she does is not his or her own act. very often. (b) using that position to [Longmuir v. Holland, 2000 BCCA Prior to the introduction of section unduly influence the will- 538, at para. 71] 52 WESA, there were two differing maker to make the will or By definition, virtually every estate burdens of proof: 1 for Wills and 1 for the provision of it that is litigation fact pattern involving an inter vivos gifts. The Courts drew a challenged, BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 16 TABLE OF CONTENTS
a nd establishes that the other a presumption that the donee had recognized as giving rise to the person was in a position where influence over the donor: Allcard presumption, such as solicitor the potential for dependence or v. Skinner (1887), 36 Ch.D. and client, parent and child, domination of the will-maker was 145 (C.A.) at 171; Modonese at and guardian and ward, as present, the party seeking to para. 97. A gratuitous transfer well as other relationships of defend the will or the provision from a parent to an adult child dependency which defy easy of it that is challenged or to creates the presumption of undue categorization. uphold the gift has the onus of influence by the adult child: Having established the establishing that the person in Geffen v. Goodman Estate, [1991] requisite type of relationship the position where the potential 2 S.C.R. 353 at 378. to support the presumption, for dependence or domination of the next phase of the inquiry the will-maker was present did involves an examination of the not exercise undue influence over nature of the transaction. ... the will-maker with respect to the will or the provision of it that is …in situations where challenged. consideration is not an issue, e.g., gifts and There have been two decisions, bequests, it seems to me as discussed below, in which the quite inappropriate to put a presumption of undue influence has plaintiff to the proof of undue been mentioned and then more or less disadvantage or benefit in ignored. the result. In these situations (a) Trudeau v. Turpin Estate the concern of the court is In Trudeau v. Turpin Estate, 2019 that such acts of beneficence BCSC 150, the Judge reviewed the law not be tainted. It is enough, starting with citing section 52 WESA therefore, to establish the and then went on to basically ignore [111] In this context, undue presence of a dominant the presumption of undue influence influence does not depend on relationship. by finding the evidence was clear that proof of reprehensible conduct— Once the plaintiff has there was no potential for domination indeed, the donee may have acted established that the by the defendant over the deceased. sincerely and honestly. However, circumstances are such as equity will intervene as a matter of to trigger the application The Judge went so far as to say, public policy to prevent influence of the presumption, i.e., at para. 121: existing from certain relationships that apart from the details I reject as absurd plaintiff from being abused: Ogilvie v. of the particular impugned counsel’s submissions that Ogilvie Estate (1998), 49 B.C.L.R. transaction the nature of Dorothy’s continuous presence (3d) 277 (C.A.) at para. 14, citing the relationship between the at the Property, her provision of Allcard at 171; Modonese at plaintiff and defendant was assistance and care to Isabel, para. 99. such that the potential for her statement to Isabel in the influence existed, the onus lawyer’s office in April 2005 that [112] In Geffen at 378–79, moves to the defendant to she should simply provide for Justice Wilson discussed the rebut it. As Lord Evershed an equal distribution, and her presumption of undue influence M.R. stated in Zamet v. suggestion that Isabel change in the following passages. Hyman, [[1961] 3 All E.R. doctors after her previous doctor 933] at p. 938, the plaintiff had misdiagnosed her bladder What then must a plaintiff must be shown to have condition equates to or resulted establish in order to trigger entered into the transaction in Dorothy having influenced a presumption of undue as a result of his own “full, Isabel’s testamentary decision- influence? In my view, the free and informed thought.” making in 2015. inquiry should begin with an Substantively, this may entail examination of the relationship In coming to that conclusion, the a showing that no actual between the parties. The first Judge discussed the applicable law as influence was deployed in the question to be addressed follows. particular transaction, that in all cases is whether the the plaintiff had independent [110] Undue influence can arise potential for domination advice, and so on. where the relations between the inheres in the nature of the donor and donee at the time of relationship itself. This test Additionally, I agree with those or shortly before the execution embraces those relationships authors who suggest that the of a will have been such as to raise which equity has already magnitude of the disadvantage Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 17
Services a BC Notary or benefit is cogent evidence going to the issue of whether In order to succeed, the Can Provide influence was exercised. claimant must establish [113] Accordingly, once a that she lived with the Notarization/Documents relationship with the potential Affidavits for All Documents required respondent in a marriage- for domination has been at a Public Registry within BC Certified True Copies of Documents established, the next phase of like relationship for a the inquiry is to examine the continuous period of 2 years. Execution/Authentications nature of the transaction. Where of International Documents a gratuitous transfer is concerned, Notarizations/Attestations of Signatures the onus moves to the defendant Another relevant factor may Personal Property Security Agreements to rebut the presumption on the be the magnitude of the benefit Statutory Declarations balance of probabilities: Stone v. or disadvantage (Geffen at 379; Personal Planning Campbell, 2008 BCSC 1518 at Longmuir at para. 121). Estate Planning paras. 43–44. Health Care Declarations [115] These statements of the [114] In Stewart v. McLean, law were recently confirmed by our Powers of Attorney 2010 BCSC 64, Mr. Justice Court of Appeal in Cowper-Smith Representation Agreements Punnett summarized the legal v. Morgan, 2016 BCCA 200 at Wills Preparation approach to the question of paras. 49–53. Wills Searches whether the presumption Travel of undue influence has been (b) Ali v. Walters Estate Authorization of Minor Child Travel rebutted at para. 97: In Ali v. Walters Estate, 2018 BCSC Letters of Invitation for Foreign Travel [97] To rebut the 1032, the Judge similarly found Passport Application Documentation presumption of undue that he did not need to address the Proof of Identity for Travel Purposes influence, the defendant presumption as ample evidence Business must show that the donor existed that the deceased was not Business Purchase/Sale gave the gift as a result of her unduly influenced by the defendant. Commercial Leases own “full, free and informed Specifically, the Judge stated as and Assignment of Leases thought”: Geffen at 379. A follows. Contracts and Agreements defendant could establish this by showing [30] In my view, the presumption Property Matters is unnecessary to address, Easements and Rights of Way a. no actual influence was because ample evidence makes Insurance Loss Declarations used in the particular clear that Ms. Ali did not exercise Manufactured Home Transfers transaction or the lack of undue influence over Mr. Walters. Mortgage Refinancing Documentation opportunity to influence If the presumption applies, Ms. Ali Purchaser’s Side of Foreclosures the donor (Geffen at 379; has rebutted it. Refinancing Longmuir at para. 121); Residential and Commercial PART 2 b. the donor had independent Real Estate Transfers Restrictive Covenants advice or the opportunity to The Definition of Spouse and obtain independent advice What Is a Marriage-Like Relationship? and Builder’s Liens (Geffen at 379; Longmuir Subdivisions and CFM v. GLM, 2018 BCSC 815, at para. 121); Statutory Building involved a determination as to whether Schemes c. the donor had the ability the claimant was a spouse as defined Zoning Applications to resist any such influence by section 3 of the Family Law Act. (Calbick v. Warne, 2009 In order to succeed, the claimant Marine BCSC 1222 at para. 64); must establish that she lived with Marine Bills of Sale and Mortgages Marine Protestations d. the donor knew and the respondent in a marriage-like appreciated what she was relationship for a continuous period Some BC Notaries provide these services. doing (Vout v. Hay, [1995] of 2 years. Marriage Licences 2 S.C.R. 876 at para. 29, The couple participated in what Mediation 125 D.L.R. (4th) 431); or is known as a swinging lifestyle, but Real Estate Disclosure Statements e. undue delay in prosecuting the Judge expressly stated that since Over 390 BC Notaries to Serve You! the claim, acquiescence it was a consensual arrangement, he For the BC Notary office nearest you, or confirmation by the did not factor their lifestyle into his deceased (Longmuir at finding that they were not in fact in please call 1-800-663-0343 a marriage-like relationship. para. 76). or visit www.notaries.bc.ca. BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 18 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifically, the Judge found this is no longer so: Austin at (1986) 3 B.C.L.R. 264 (C.A.) at that the claimant did not live with paras. 55–56 para. 16. People may live together the respondent on anything like a [195] The intentions of the continuously and interdependently continuous basis and there were parties, particularly whether they and yet fail to establish that they regular, perhaps annual intervals when saw the relationship as being developed the kind of psychological the parties separated and saw other “of a lengthy indeterminate and emotional union associated people. duration,” will be important with marriage: Takacs at para. 55. No one factor governs whether to the determination of whether The marriage-like commitment a relationship is marriage-like. Every the relationship was marriage- must be combined with sufficient case must be evaluated individually like. However, evidence of their evidence of 2 years of continuous considering all factors supporting or intentions must be tested against cohabitation. The Family Law Act negating spousal status: Austin v. objective evidence of their has no application to more transitory Goerz, 2007 BCCA 586, at para. 58. lifestyle and interactions, which connections. There is, of course, a will provide direct guidance on substantial unpredictability in the In Dey v. Blackett, 2018 BCSC the nature of the relationship: progress of nascent relationships 244, at paras. 192–196, the Court Weber, at paras. 23–24. In other and this is why the legislature fixed a provided the following overview of words, “subjective or conscious 2-year standard before imposing legal the principles to be borne in mind intentions may be overtaken matrimonial obligations on common in determining a marriage-like by conduct such that whilst a law couples without children: Parke v. relationship. person living with another might Veale, 2015 BCSC 2554, at para. 79. [192] The determination not say he or she was living in Connor Estate, 2017 BCSC 978, of whether a relationship a marriage-like relationship, the could be a bit of a game-changer for was marriage-like requires a reality is that the relationship has common law WESA spouses, in that “holistic approach” in which become such”: Takacs v. Gallo the Court finding that the parties were all of the relevant factors are (1998) 48 B.C.L.R. (3d) 265 spouses could be an “expansion” of considered and weighed, but (C.A.) leave to appeal to SCC the concept of common law spouse. none of them are treated as being ref’d, [1998] S.C.C.A. No. 238, at para. 53. The applicant in the case, Joseph determinative of the question: Chambers (“Chambers”), sought a Austin v. Goerz, 2007 BCCA 586 declaration that he was the “spouse” at paras. 58–62. of the deceased Patricia Connors [193] While a “checklist” (“Connors”), within the meaning of approach to this question is not section 2 WESA. The Court found that appropriate, it can still be helpful Chambers and Connors were common during the analysis to consider law spouses despite the following the presence or absence of facts. commonly-accepted “indicators • T hey maintained two entirely of the sorts of behaviour that separate residences and did not society, at a given point in time, live under the same roof. associates with the marital relationship”: Weber v. Leclerc, • E ach undertook their own separate 2015 BCCA 492 at para. 25. domestic tasks such as meal A frequently-cited authority has preparation, shopping, tending identified these indicators as to clothing, and household including “shared shelter, sexual maintenance. [196] In weighing the various and personal behaviour, services, factors, it is also an error to give • No mingling of finances occurred. social activities, economic undue emphasis to the future support and children, as well • S exual relations between them plans of a couple, in contrast in their respective households as the societal perception of to the current realities of their the couple”: M. v. H., [1999] were significantly reduced in the respective situations: Takacs at last 2 years. 2 S.C.R. 3 at para. 59, citing para. 58. Molodowich v. Penttinen (1980), • C onnor’s hospital records 17 R.F.L. (2d) 376 at para. 16 A party to a relationship that lacks identified her marital status as (Ont. Dist. Ct.). such characteristics is not entitled “single” and indicated Chambers to pursue a family law action, as the as an alternative contact, [194] While financial person is not a spouse. There is no identifying him as a “friend.” dependence was at one time middle ground; either a person is a considered an essential aspect spouse or is not: Gostlin v. Kergin • C onnor identified herself as of a marriage-like relationship, “single” on her tax returns and Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 The Scrivener | www.notaries.bc.ca/scrivener TABLE OF CONTENTS 19
Chambers identified himself as at para. 80) is Molodowich v. (c) Shopping, “separated” after 2012. Penttinen (1980), 17 RFL (2d) (d) Household maintenance, 376 (ONDC): • C hambers identified his wife (e) Household maintenance, as his “current spouse” in the [16] I propose to consolidate spousal declaration for his the statements just quoted (4) SOCIAL municipal pension plan application by considering the facts and (a) Did they participate together or in September 2011, a designation circumstances of this case separately in neighbourhood and that was never changed. with the guidance of a series community activities? of questions listed under the • I n August 2013, Chambers (b) What was the relationship and seven descriptive components declared for the purposes of his conduct of each of them towards involved, to varying degrees group benefits with Manulife members of their respective and combinations, in the Financial that he had no common families and how did such families complex group of human inter- law spouse and he did not declare behave towards the parties? relationships broadly described Connor as a beneficiary. by the words “cohabitation” (5) SOCIETAL • C hambers’ children had no and “consortium”: involvement in the life of Connor What was the attitude and conduct and indeed the son was never of the community towards each of even introduced to her. During much of his longtime them and as a couple? • N either Chambers nor Connor relationship with Connor, (6) SUPPORT (ECONOMIC) displayed photographs of Chambers lived with his wife (a) What were the financial each other in their respective and family and saw Connor arrangements between the residences. parties regarding the provision when he could. of or contribution towards the Chambers’ application to be declared Connor’s spouse was opposed necessaries of life (food, clothing, by Connor’s five half-siblings that she (1) SHELTER shelter, recreation, etc.)? did not know. (a) Did the parties live (b) What were the arrangements During much of his longtime under the same roof? concerning the acquisition and relationship with Connor, Chambers ownership of property? (b) What were the sleeping lived with his wife and family and saw arrangements? (c) Was there any special financial Connor when he could. The Judge arrangement between them which found they never lived together under (c) Did anyone else occupy or share both agreed would be determinant the same roof as a result of Connor the available accommodation? of their overall relationship? being a hoarder and there being no (2) SEXUAL AND PERSONAL BEHAVIOUR (7) CHILDREN room for Chambers to reside in her (a) Did the parties have sexual residence. relations? If not, why not? What was the attitude and conduct of the parties concerning children? Connor had left Chambers her (b) Did they maintain an attitude $410,000 RRSP and the Judge found of fidelity to each other? [23] Other authorities have it likely that while she died intestate, emphasized that this is not a she had prepared a Will that left (c) What were their feelings toward checklist and “these elements Chambers a substantial bequest, but each other? may be present in varying degrees the Will could not be found. In the (d) Did they communicate on and not are all necessary for the result, the Judge declared that at the a personal level? relationship to be found conjugal” time of Connor’s death, Chambers was (M. v. H. [1999] 2 SCR 3 at para. (e) Did they eat their meals together? her “spouse” within the meaning of 59; cited in Austin v. Goerz, 2007 section 2 WESA. (f) What, if anything, did they do BCCA 586 at para. 57; the Court to assist each other with problems of Appeal equated “conjugal” Molodowich v. Penttinen, as cited or during illness? with “marriage-like” in the same above, was invoked in Richardson (g) Did they buy gifts for each other paragraph). Estate (Re), 2014 BCSC 2162, a recent WESA decision, as follows. on special occasions? In Weber v. Leclerc, 2015 BCCA (3) SERVICES 492, leave to appeal to SCC refused, [22] A leading authority with [2016] S.C.C A No 19, the Court respect to the meaning of What was the conduct and habit again reviewed the case law respecting “marriage-like relationship” of the parties in relation to “marriage-like relationships,” noting: (sometimes also referred to as “cohabitation,” Campbell v. (a) Preparation of meals, [23] The parties’ intentions— Campbell, 2011 BCSC 1491 (b) Washing and mending clothes, particularly the expectation that BC Notaries Association Volume 28 Number 1 Spring 2019 20 TABLE OF CONTENTS
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