[Updated] This is a summary of Alberta's new Wills and Succession Act, which came into force on February 1^st 2012. The new Act repeals the Wills Act, Intestate Succession Act, Dependents’ Relief Act,, Survivorship Act, and s. 47 Trustee Act. It also amends the Amends Matrimonial Property Act to allow for MPA applications after death of spouse.

This is a summary of British Columbia's new Wills, Estates, and Succession Act, which is expected to come into force in early 2012. The new Act repeals the Estate Administration Act, Probate Recognition Act, Wills Act, Wills Variation Act, and sections of the Law and Equity Act, and Survivorship and Presumption of Death Act.

Whether you are young, old, healthy, or sick, leaving a will is an important task that should be done by all individuals. Granted, it can be stressful to think about what should happen in the case of your death, whether sudden or expected. But leaving a valid will can give you peace of mind and unburden your loved ones who are sure to face legal complexities should you pass away without a will.

Odds are you have a Facebook page, or you’ve been asked ad nauseam why you don’t. Social media — in particular, sites such as Facebook and Twitter — are exploding across the Web, not just for personal use but increasingly for professional and business purposes.

If you’re not careful, they could be used for legal purposes as well.

Divorce is often very difficult for everyone involved. You and your soon-to-be-ex-spouse are probably pushed to the limit regardless of whether you’re parting amicably or whether you’re at each other’s throats. There are so many things to consider, and even if the divorce is initiated on good terms, you’re both starting a new chapter in your life — in itself more than enough stress.

If you are the executor or administrator of an estate, taking account of the assets of a recently deceased loved one can get very complicated. Moving residences prior to death or incomplete financial records can mean hidden assets where you, as the executor, might not expect them.