Watson Goepel is thrilled to announce that six of our lawyers have been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2026 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in 2026 for their remarkable success and excellence in their area of expertise.
When someone passes away, the executor or administrator of the estate is usually responsible for bringing legal claims on behalf of the estate. But what happens if the executor refuses to act, has a conflict of interest, or fails to protect estate assets?
A recent boating accident in B.C.’s Georgia Strait has brought marine safety into the spotlight after a charter boat reportedly sank near Roberts Bank, prompting a large-scale rescue operation. While the cause of the incident remains under investigation, tragedies like this raise important questions about personal injury claims, legal responsibility, and the rights of injured passengers.
Canada’s immigration system is preparing for another evolution, as Express Entry in 2026 is expected to shift toward more targeted, occupation-driven selection, stronger digital profiling, and greater alignment with labor market needs. For skilled workers, employers, and international graduates, these changes could directly affect eligibility, invitation chances, and long-term immigration strategy.
Incorporation in Canada is the legal process of creating a separate legal entity called a corporation. A corporation is distinct from its owners. Corporations, among other things, can enter into contracts, their own assets, take on liabilities, and pay taxes independently.
When an insurance claim is denied, or the payout is far lower than expected, many policyholders assume there is nothing they can do. A denial or shortfall does not always mean the matter is over. Whether the issue stems from policy exclusions, insufficient coverage, broker errors, or disputes about the value of the loss, there may still be legal and practical options available.
Not every bad outcome means a professional was negligent—but when a lawyer, accountant, realtor, or other professional fails to meet the standard expected in their field, you may have a legal claim. Professional negligence cases can be complex, often requiring expert evidence to determine whether a professional breached their duty of care and caused financial harm. In this article, we explain what professional negligence is, the elements required to prove a claim, and the warning signs that may indicate it’s time to seek legal advice.
Starting a business in British Columbia comes with exciting opportunities, but it also requires important legal decisions early on. One of the first and most significant choices entrepreneurs face is deciding how to structure their business. Should you operate as a sole proprietorship, form a formal partnership, or incorporate your company?
Lenders with second (or subsequent) mortgage security generally assume that registration will automatically protect their priority over further advances made under a prior encumbrance. That expectation is only elevated when they have received a payout statement from the priority lender confirming the outstanding balance due and owing on the priority mortgage.
Recovering unpaid invoices can be critical to protecting your business’s cash flow. This article outlines when litigation may be necessary, how the process works in British Columbia, and what steps you can take to improve your chances of successful debt recovery.
Jurisdiction plays a critical role in cross-border family disputes, particularly when property division spans multiple countries. In this case,the Supreme Court of British Columbia demonstrates how and when it may decline jurisdiction in favour of a more appropriate forum. This case highlights the importance of early jurisdictional strategy to avoid parallel proceedings, reduce costs, and ensure disputes are resolved where they are most closely connected.
Blended families are increasingly common in British Columbia, and they bring unique estate planning challenges. Second marriages, children from previous relationships, and step‑family dynamics can all complicate decisions about who should inherit and how loved ones should be supported after death. Questions like “Who inherits my estate?” or “Do stepchildren have inheritance rights in Canada?” become critically important.
Grey divorce—separation later in life—is a growing trend that brings unique legal and financial challenges. In this CTV Your Morning interview, Laurence Klass and Shashika Stanislaus provide expert legal advice on navigating divorce after 50, including how to protect retirement savings, divide assets, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re planning ahead or currently facing a late-life separation, understanding your legal rights and financial options is essential for long-term stability.
