Areas of Practice

• Estate Litigation
• Wills Variation
• Personal Injury
• General Civil Litigation
• Contract Disputes
• Family Law
• Construction Disputes
• Appeals

Profile

John M. Richter is a Vancouver Lawyer with more than 25 years of experience in estate litigation, wills variation claims, family law, personal injury, and civil disputes. He combines practical problem-solving with a clear understanding of how legal issues affect real people. In addition, he draws on decades of trial work to guide clients through challenging disputes with confidence and care.

John focuses on achieving strong and fair results. Each client brings unique concerns, and he works to protect their interests at every stage. As a result, many clients rely on his ability to negotiate sensible settlements while also preparing thoroughly for trial. His balanced approach helps clients feel supported and informed throughout the process.

Throughout his career, John has taken on many different roles. For example, he has acted as an estate litigation lawyer in complex disputes involving executor removal and the passing of accounts. He has also worked as a family lawyer in Vancouver, addressing issues such as child support, spousal support, property division, and parenting arrangements. In addition, he has represented clients in ICBC and personal injury trials, including medical malpractice, motor vehicle accidents, and premises liability cases. Moreover, he has appeared as counsel in Wills Variation Act trials, helping spouses and children obtain adequate and equitable provision from an estate.

Representative Experience

• Counsel on complex estate litigation matters, including executor removal

• Family law representation involving parenting, support, and property division

• ICBC and personal injury trial work

• Medical malpractice, motor vehicle, and premises liability claims

• Wills Variation Act proceedings for spouses and children seeking fair provision

John received his Bachelor of Commerce in 1981 and his Bachelor of Laws in 1990 from the University of British Columbia. He was admitted to the British Columbia Bar in 1991. Although his career has included periods in Victoria and Halifax, he has deep roots in Vancouver.

Outside of the office, John is an avid skier and tennis player. He also enjoys exploring British Columbia’s communities by motorcycle, snowmobile, or vehicle. In quieter moments, he turns to opera, art, reading, and the occasional cigar.

Recent Decisions

B.L.S. v. D. J. S., 2019 BCSC 846

Brown v. Terins, 2015 BCSC 755

Brown v. Terins, 2016 BCSC 42

Este v. Esteghamat-Ardakani, 2018 BCCA 290

Jack Estate (Re), 2019 BCSC 777

Jones v. Davidson, 2020 BCSC 2

Lennox v. Lennox, 2018 BCCA 412

Lennox v. Lennox, 2018 BCSC 374

McBride v. Voth, 2010 BCSC 443

Parton v. Parton, 2018 BCCA 273

Pavlovich v. Danilovic, 2019 BCSC 153

Rosa Donna Este v. Mina Esteghamat-Ardakani also known as Mina Estegahamat-Ardakani, et al., 2019 CanLII 18830 (SCC)

Sperring v. Shutiak, 2023 BCCA 54

Taherkhani v. Este 2020 BCSC 101