Over 25 Years Helping Families With Wills and Estates in Victoria.
It’s Never Too Early. But It Can Be Too Late
A well-prepared will or estate plan gives you and your loved ones peace of mind. We make the process clear, compassionate, and affordable.
✅ Clear, step-by-step guidance through the entire process.
✅ Home, hospital, and Saturday appointments available.
Wills & Estates Lawyer in Victoria – Helping You Plan with Confidence
Planning for the future should bring peace of mind, not stress. The Genesis Law Group provides compassionate, professional, and personalized legal services in Wills and Estates to help individuals and families protect what matters most.
With over 25 years of experience, Jacqueline Horton combines her legal expertise with genuine empathy and understanding. Known for her approachable, relationship-based practice, Jacqueline ensures that every client feels supported, informed, and confident throughout the process.
Wills on Wheels – Mobile Estate Planning Services
We understand that not everyone can easily travel to a law office. That’s why The Genesis Law Group offers Wills on Wheels, a convenient, mobile legal service designed to bring estate planning right to your door.
Whether you’re at home, in a hospital, or in a care facility, Jacqueline Horton can meet with you to discuss your estate planning needs and prepare all necessary documents in person.
This service is ideal for:
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Seniors or individuals with limited mobility.
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Clients in hospitals or long-term care.
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Families who prefer the comfort and privacy of their own home.
Our Wills on Wheels program ensures everyone in the Greater Victoria area has access to trusted legal guidance for wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements, delivered with care and convenience wherever they are.
Wills
Every adult should have a legally valid will. Without one, BC’s laws determine how your estate will be divided, often in ways that may not reflect your wishes. Having a will ensures that your loved ones are cared for and that your assets are distributed as you intend.
At The Genesis Law Group, we make the process clear and straightforward. Jacqueline explains every step in plain language and tailors your will to your unique circumstances. We can help you with:
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Appointing executors and guardians.
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Distributing property and personal assets.
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Establishing trusts for dependents.
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Including charitable donations and special instructions.
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Updating existing wills after major life changes.
Steps to Prepare a Will
Creating a legally valid will involves several crucial steps. It's essential to follow these steps meticulously to ensure that your will accurately reflects your wishes and stands up to legal scrutiny:
Consult with an Attorney
Begin by seeking the expertise of an experienced Wills and Estates lawyer, like the professionals at The Genesis Law Group. They will guide you through the entire process, ensuring you will comply with local laws and regulations.
Gather Your Assets
Make a comprehensive list of your assets, including bank accounts, Real Estate, investments, personal property, and any outstanding debts. This inventory will serve as a valuable resource during the will creation process.
Identify Beneficiaries
Clearly identify who will inherit your assets. Be specific about what each beneficiary will receive and under what conditions. Discuss your intentions with your loved ones to prevent any surprises or disputes.
Funeral and Burial Instructions
Some individuals include their preferences for their funeral or memorial service in their wills. While this isn't legally binding, it can provide guidance to your loved ones during a difficult time.
Choose an Executor
Select a trustworthy executor who will fulfill your wishes. Discuss this role with the chosen individual to ensure they are willing and capable of fulfilling their responsibilities.
Draft and Review Your Will
Work closely with your Wills and Estates lawyer to draft your will. Ensure that your will accurately reflects your intentions and complies with all legal requirements. Review it carefully to avoid any errors or ambiguities.
Sign and Witness Your Will
Your will must be signed in the presence of witnesses who are not beneficiaries, to ensure the will is legally valid. The number of witnesses required varies by jurisdiction, so consult your attorney for guidance on this matter.
Keep Your Will Safe
Store your will in a secure location, such as a safe deposit box or with your attorney. Ensure your executor and loved ones know where to find it when needed.
By understanding what goes into a will and following these steps with the assistance of a qualified attorney, you can ensure that your wishes are upheld and your legacy is protected for future generations. Ready to draft your will? Contact our team to get started with a Wills and Estates lawyer in Victoria.
Estate Administration & Probate
When a loved one passes away, dealing with their estate can be difficult and emotional. We assist executors and families in navigating probate and estate administration, ensuring that everything is handled efficiently, respectfully, and in compliance with BC law. Services include:
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Preparing and filing probate applications.
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Identifying and collecting assets.
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Communicating with financial institutions and beneficiaries.
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Distributing the estate according to the will.
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Providing guidance on executor duties and legal responsibilities.
In some cases, clients appoint Jacqueline Horton to act as their professional executor, especially when family members live outside Victoria or where potential conflicts exist. Her extensive experience and reputation for fairness make her a trusted choice for this important role. ​
Estate Litigation
In cases where disputes or challenges arise regarding wills or estate matters, The Genesis Law Group has a proven track record of representing clients in Estate Litigation. Our skilled litigators are prepared to protect your interests and resolve disputes to the best possible outcome.
Structuring An Effective Estate Plan
Creating a comprehensive estate plan involves more than just drafting a will. At The Genesis Law Group, our legal services focus on structuring all relevant documents and instructions that may be required over time, including:
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Trust arrangements: Used to provide financial support to dependents with specific needs or to manage the distribution of assets over time. Trusts can also help reduce probate delays and preserve privacy.
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End-of-life directives: These outline your wishes regarding health care, capacity decisions, and personal support in situations where you are unable to make decisions independently.
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Asset designation planning: Ensures that non-probate assets—such as jointly owned accounts, insurance policies, or registered investments—are correctly aligned with your intended beneficiaries and integrated into the overall plan.
Each estate plan is developed to reflect the client’s personal, financial, and family circumstances, with attention to the relevant tax, property, and succession law implications. Contact our Wills and Estates lawyer in Victoria to discuss your legal needs.
Powers of Attorney & Representation Agreements
Planning for the possibility of incapacity is just as important as planning for after death. We prepare Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements to ensure your chosen representative can manage your financial, legal, and healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so yourself.
These legal documents prevent unnecessary disputes and ensure that your best interests are protected. Jacqueline takes time to explain the options and help you choose the right people for these critical responsibilities.
Why Choose The Genesis Law Group
Choosing a lawyer for Wills and Estates is a deeply personal decision. Here’s why so many clients in Victoria choose us:
Over 25 years of legal experience in BC.
Compassionate, client-focused service rooted in honesty and integrity.
We answer our phones — you’ll always reach a real person, not an answering service.
Home, hospital, and weekend appointments available through Wills on Wheels.
Recipient of the Black Press Women of Distinction Award for going above and beyond for clients.
A philosophy built on relationships — “We’re in the business of relationships, not transactions.”
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Contact a Wills and Estates Lawyer in Victoria
If you need a Wills and Estates Lawyer in Victoria, The Genesis Law Group is here to help. Whether you need a will, power of attorney, representation agreement, or help administering an estate, you can count on compassionate, professional support every step of the way.