Finding Probate Forms Online

“I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?”

One of the most common questions we get at the Courthouse Library is: where can I find the documents needed to apply for probate?

Depending on the type of assets in an estate, the executor of a will may need to apply for probate in order to distribute the estate. The probate procedure includes submitting special forms and the original will to the Probate Registry of the Supreme Court. There are a number of forms and considerable detail involved. Many of the forms have been affected by recent changes to the Supreme Court Civil Rules and Forms.

We’ve posted a new “common question” on Clicklaw called “I’m applying for probate; where can I find the forms required?“.  The answer includes direct links to the forms required for a typical probate application.

For more detail on the documents required, an excellent resource is the BC Probate and Estate Administration Practice Manual, published by the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC. The Manual is available at Courthouse Libraries across BC, as well as in many public libraries in the province.

New BC Law on Impaired Driving

“What’s the legal limit in BC?”

As of September 20, 2010, there are serious consequences if you’re caught driving with a blood-alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.08. These include steep fines, having your licence suspended, and even losing your car. Administrative sanctions will apply if:

  • You are caught driving with a blood-alcohol content between 0.05 and 0.08, or
  • You are caught driving with a blood-alcohol content above 0.08, or
  • You refuse to provide a breath sample.

For a brief summary of the changes to the law, check out the Drinking and Driving Dial-a-Law factsheet on Clicklaw (scroll towards the bottom).

For more detail see this information on Clicklaw from the Office of the Superintendent of Motor Vehicles.

And for those of you who are looking for even more detail, the amending legislation is the Motor Vehicle Amendment Act 2010, S.B.C. 2010, c. 14. The sections that come into force on September 20, 2010 are sections 2, 3, 6, 7(c), 10 to 12, 14, 15(b) to (e), 19, 24, 25 and 28.

So if you’re planning to have a drink, remember these new rules. Better yet, just call a cab.