Blog Posts
Welcome to the Richter Trial Lawyers Blog, where we share insights, updates, and practical guidance from our legal team. Our goal is to help readers understand the latest developments in estate litigation, family law, civil disputes, and personal injury matters in British Columbia. Because the legal world changes often, we work hard to keep this page current, clear, and useful.
What You Will Find on the Richter Trial Lawyers Blog
Here, we publish articles about new decisions from the BC Supreme Court, the BC Court of Appeal, and the Supreme Court of Canada. These decisions often shape how the law works in real life. As a result, our blog highlights what these rulings mean for individuals, families, and professionals.
We also write about practical issues that clients raise every day. For example, many people want to understand wills variation claims, undue influence in estate planning, time limits in family matters, or how personal injury damages are calculated. Our lawyers break down these topics in plain language so readers can feel more confident about their rights.
Who Writes Our Blog Content
The Richter Trial Lawyers Blog features posts written by members of our legal team, including our managing partner, John M. Richter. Because we appear regularly in court, we bring firsthand experience and real-world context to every article. In addition, our team aims to explain complex legal issues in a way that is straightforward and accessible.
Why Our Blog Matters
We created this blog to give readers quick access to reliable legal information. Although our posts are not legal advice, they can help you understand the issues involved in your case and prepare better questions when meeting with a lawyer. If you want more detail about any topic you see here, we invite you to explore our related practice pages or contact our office for assistance.
Estate law in British Columbia has a few surprises, and one of the biggest is that a person can die leaving more than one legally recognized spouse. Under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (“WESA”), it is legally possible for a deceased person to have more than one spouse at the same time, a reality […]
When someone dies without a will in British Columbia, legally known as dying intestate, the estate is distributed according to the rules set out in the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (“WESA”). Many people assume that a long-term common-law partner will automatically inherit, but under BC law, intestacy rules require certain requirements to be met. […]
Family law agreements are a powerful and flexible tool for couples looking to manage their legal rights and responsibilities, either before, during, or after a relationship breakdown. When done properly, these agreements can reduce conflict, save time and costs, and provide certainty during what is often an emotionally difficult period. What Are Family Law Agreements? […]
Preparing a will is one of those tasks many people know they should do, but often put off until later. Thanks to inexpensive online will kits, it’s tempting to think you can draft a will yourself and save a few hundred or thousand dollars. But in British Columbia, relying on DIY wills can create serious […]
If someone dies without a valid will, they die intestate. Their estate is then distributed according to the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA). These rules apply to deaths after March 31, 2014. What Counts as Part of the Estate? When someone dies, their assets fall into two main categories. First are the assets that […]
Being named as the executor of an estate in British Columbia can feel like both an honour and a burden. While it means the deceased trusted you, it also comes with paperwork, deadlines, and asset management. Naturally, two common questions arise: How much can an executor be paid? And what happens if they don’t want […]
Many couples today build deep and committed relationships while choosing not to share a home. Some do this for work or education, some for family obligations, and others simply prefer maintaining separate spaces. Even without living together, these couples often function as spouses in every practical sense. They share their lives, support one another, and […]
Families often exchange money without thinking twice. Whether that be covering a down payment for a new house, paying for a child’s tuition, or transferring money in a difficult time, financial help feels informal. There is no paperwork, contracts, or repayment schedules. Everyone assumes the intention is obvious. … and then the lender passes away. […]
Creating a will is an important step. It tells your loved ones how you want your assets handled after you’re gone. But life changes, and sometimes your will needs to change too. Maybe you want to add a new beneficiary, adjust a gift, or fix a mistake. The tricky part is that you can’t just […]
Legal costs can add up quickly during estate litigation in British Columbia. One tool the courts sometimes use to manage risk and fairness in these proceedings is an order for security for costs. What is “Security for Costs”? An order for security for costs order requires one party, usually either the claimant or the appellant, […]
When a defendant or respondent in British Columbia doesn’t file a response within the time limits under the Supreme Court Civil Rules, the plaintiff can apply for a default judgment, essentially, the court says: “You didn’t respond, so we’re assuming you admit liability.” It’s a procedural but powerful remedy. For plaintiffs, it moves the case […]
Financial disclosure is the foundation of every family law case in British Columbia.Without complete and accurate information, fair decisions on property division, child support, or spousal support are impossible. Under Rule 5-1 of the Supreme Court Family Rules, each party must complete and exchange a Form F8 Financial Statement and supporting documents within 30 days […]
Separation isn’t just an emotional event, it has major legal and financial consequences. In British Columbia, the moment you separate, limitation periods begin to run, property rights shift, and support obligations can arise. Why the First Steps Matter Separation isn’t just an emotional event, it has major legal and financial consequences. The moment you separate, […]
Starting a BC Supreme Court claim begins with understanding the key document that tells your story and defines your legal position.Whether your matter is a family dispute or a civil case involving an estate, every claim starts with a properly filed court form and clear legal grounds. Filing Your BC Supreme Court Claim Every Court […]
When a relationship ends, one of the first questions separating spouses often ask is: “Is this property mine alone, or do I have to share it?” Under British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA), the answer depends on whether the property is classified as family property or excluded property. This distinction can make a major difference […]
In British Columbia, you can finalize your divorce without going to court if your case qualifies as an undefended family law case. This process is commonly known as a Desk Order Divorce (“DOD”). Below, we explain when you can apply for a DOD and what documents you’ll need to file under the Supreme Court Family […]
British Columbia’s family law landscape continues to evolve, particularly when it comes to how the courts apply the concept of “legitimate expectations” under section 95(2)(i) of the Family Law Act. While the courts have recognized that legitimate expectations may be a relevant factor in determining whether an equal division of family property would be “significantly […]
In British Columbia, there are circumstances where an adult may no longer be able to manage their personal, medical, or financial affairs due to mental or physical incapacity. In these situations, the court can appoint a committee to make decisions on behalf of the adult. This process is governed primarily by the Patients Property Act […]
When parents are in conflict about parenting time, custody, or decision-making responsibilities, it can be difficult for the court to understand what truly serves the best interests of the child. That’s where a Section 211 Report (also known as a parental capacity assessment or child custody and access report) comes in. These reports provide the […]