Probate in Alberta: Is It Required?
Probate is a word that many people don’t want to hear. Not only is it associated with death, but the probate process can also be time-consuming and costly. Probate is avoidable in certain circumstances, however, it’s required for most Estates in Alberta. So why is probate in Alberta required? While the probate process may seem... Read More
Alberta Probate Process: How much and How long?
As an Alberta probate lawyer, two questions I hear most frequently are ‘why does probate take so long?’ and ‘why is probate so expensive?’ Both are questions worth asking. This article breaks down how probate fees work in Alberta, dispels some commonly-held misconceptions about probate fees, and provides insight into why probate fees can seem... Read More
Non-Competition & Non-Solicitation Clauses in Alberta
What is a Non-Competition Clause in Alberta? Non-Competition clauses try to prevent employees from going to work for a competitor, or starting their own business which may directly compete with the employer. These clauses can apply to the employee both during their employment, and for a specified time following the end of the employment relationship.... Read More
Human Rights Laws in Alberta
How are Human Rights Protected in Alberta? In Alberta, individuals are protected from discrimination pursuant to the Alberta Human Rights Act (“the Act”). The Act protects against discrimination that occurs based on a number of protected grounds in connection with several protected areas. Under the Act, it is illegal to discriminate against an individual on... Read More
Termination Clause in Alberta: What Employees Need to Know
Getting a new job can be an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. Many new employees simply sign on the dotted line and are ready to jump in. However, many employment agreements contain language which can be quite limiting on an employee’s rights, such as strict termination clauses, non-compete, or non-solicitation clauses. The Importance of the... Read More
I’m an Executor. Should I Probate the Will Myself, Without a Lawyer?
If you’ve been appointed as the Executor or Personal Representative of an Alberta Estate, you may need to apply for a Grant of Administration or a Grant of Probate. Many Executors wonder whether they can avoid hiring a lawyer by applying for the necessary Grant themselves. The short answer is yes; an Executor can apply for... Read More
Codicil or New Will?
If you’re considering changes, fixes, or updates to your existing Will, you may have encountered the term ‘Codicil’. In Alberta, a Codicil changes or amends an existing Will, allowing you to make updates without incurring the expense of a new Will. A Codicil is a great option for Will updates in certain circumstances, however, it’s... Read More
How Long Does Probate Take in Alberta?
Many people have heard of probate but aren’t quite sure what it entails. The term ‘probate’ is often used in broad reference to what we call the Estate Administration process. Estate Administration is the process of distributing a deceased’s assets upon death in accordance with their Will and Alberta Estate laws. Alberta Grants of Probate... Read More
Alberta Wills & Estates Laws Explained
It goes without saying that laws can be wordy and complicated at times, even for lawyers! For example, Canada’s Income Tax Act is over 3,000 pages long, and that’s just one law out of thousands that apply to our daily lives. That’s why most lawyers specialize in one or two particular areas of law, for... Read More
Out of Province Probate
If a loved one passes away in a different province, can the Estate be ‘probated’ in Alberta? The short answer is that it depends. Here we’ll cover some potential scenarios in this article that will give you a fuller understanding of whether you should reach out to an Alberta Wills & Estates lawyer or an... Read More