Author Archives: Maria Holman

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About Maria Holman

I am a lawyer with over 28 years of experience in drawing up wills, trusts and estate plans, helping clients with probate and estate administrations and advising business owners and families about planning for the future. You can find me at Webster Hudson & Coombe LLP in Vancouver, BC

The Template Will: Pay now or pay later

This is a true story. It is a cautionary tale to anyone who thinks it’s a good idea to draw up their own will. A woman (Myrtle) falls ill, goes into hospital in Feb 2006. She makes a will in … Continue reading

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Lines of Communication

Recently I had a get together with a group of friends. We have known each other for over 20 years and gather to celebrate each other’s birthdays a few times a year. As you can imagine there have been a … Continue reading

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Changes coming to BC Wills law

It has been a long time coming, but the BC government has passed a new law that will replace a bunch of existing laws dealing with the making of wills and the administration of estates. The law is not yet … Continue reading

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We’ve “lost” another one

This past Sunday evening, Elizabeth Buhler, believed to have been Canada’s oldest living person, died in Manitoba at the age of 111. Another two weeks and she would have been 112. May she rest in peace. The National Post, in … Continue reading

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Dirty Laundry

In Canada, one or our most important rights is to be able to leave our stuff to whomever we want. It is called “testamentary autonomy,” a testament being the old word for a will, and autonomy being the right to … Continue reading

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Start the new year with a new Will

Another new year is upon us, already.  Wasn’t it just the other day we were anticipating the Olympic Winter Games of 2010?  The rapid passage of time leads to thoughts of the transience of life, and the inevitability of death.  … Continue reading

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