FHP Lawyers Law Talk Podcast

Challenging a Will in BC: Who Can Contest, What the Courts Consider, and Why Time Matters

Left out of a will in BC? Or worried that the distribution is unfair? Before you do anything else, understand who can actually challenge a will, what the courts will consider, and how little time you have to act. In this episode of FH&P Lawyers Law Talk, Kelowna lawyer Clay Williams sits down with estate litigation practice lead Darren Kautz to break down how wills variation claims work in British Columbia, who has standing under the legislation, and why the 180-day deadline is one of the most important things every potential claimant needs to know. Whether you are a spouse, a child, or someone trying to understand your rights after a loved one has passed, this episode covers what you need to know before that limitation period runs out. Topics covered: * Why having a will matters and the cost of dying without one in BC * Who has legal standing to challenge a will under BC legislation * Why stepchildren cannot vary a will unless formally adopted * The legal test for what is "fair" in a wills variation claim * Factors the court considers: estate size, relationships, needs, contributions, estrangement, and misconduct * The strict 180-day time limit to file a claim * What evidence and assets to bring forward when challenging a will Have an estate question or believe you have been unfairly excluded from a will? Contact FH&P Lawyers at fhplawyers.com or call 250-762-4222. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of FH&P Lawyers Law Talk covering wills and estates, real estate, family law, immigration, and more.

What Every BC Home Buyer Needs to Know Before Signing a Real Estate Contract

Buying a home in BC? Before you sign a contract of purchase and sale or remove subject conditions, make sure you understand what you are legally agreeing to. In this episode of FH&P Lawyers Law Talk, Kelowna real estate lawyer Clay Williams and associate Abu Khurana break down exactly what a lawyer does during a residential real estate transaction, why the contract of purchase and sale is far more than a form, and what can go wrong when buyers sign before they fully understand their obligations. Whether you are a first-time buyer, working with a realtor, or buying privately, this episode covers what you need to know before you commit. Topics covered: * Contract of purchase and sale (CPS) in BC * Subject conditions: financing, title review, property inspection * What happens legally if you do not complete a real estate deal * Title review and registered covenants in BC * Buying a strata property: strata documents and special levies * When to involve a real estate lawyer in BC Have a real estate question or need legal advice on a purchase or sale? Contact FH&P Lawyers at fhplawyers.com or call 250-762-4222. 🔔 Subscribe for more episodes of FH&P Lawyers Law Talk covering real estate, family law, immigration, wills and estates, and more.

What Every BC Landlord Should Know About the Residential Tenancy Board

Being a landlord in BC can feel like a full-time job, especially when a tenant stops paying rent or refuses to leave. What are your real options under the Residential Tenancy Act, and where do landlords most often slip up? In this episode of FH&P Lawyers' Law Talk, Partner Clay Williams sits down with associate Abu Khurana to talk about the Residential Tenancy Board, eviction notices, landlord-tenant disputes, and the costly mistakes BC landlords need to avoid. Clay and Abu discuss: * What kinds of issues end up before the Residential Tenancy Board * How the RTB dispute resolution process actually works * Why service deadlines for evidence are so strict * How RTB hearings are conducted and how long decisions take * What FH&P Lawyers does to support landlords through RTB matters * Why guidance on evidence and written submissions matters * The serious consequences of getting an owner occupancy eviction wrong * The grounds a BC landlord can actually use to evict a tenant * How to handle late rent and the importance of written notice * Why you can still accept rent after issuing a ten-day notice * How to evict for nuisance, noise, or illegal activity * Why a condition inspection report is critical for damage deposits * What happens when a tenant refuses to leave after an RTB order * Bailiffs, writs of possession, and judicial review stays If you're a landlord in BC dealing with unpaid rent, a problem tenant, or an RTB hearing, this conversation offers a practical look at the process, the pitfalls, and why the details matter before you issue that notice. Book a Consultation with FH&P Lawyers. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. FH&P Lawyers | Rooted in Community. Ready to Help. #ResidentialTenancyBoard #BCLandlord #EvictionNotice #RTA #LandlordTenant #RentalLaw #PropertyLaw #FHPLawyers #LawTalkPodcast #OkanaganLawyers #KelownaLawyers

How to Protect Your Business When Creditors Come Knocking

Creditors can move fast. When demand letters arrive, forbearance agreements land on your desk, or a lender threatens receivership, what options does a business actually have before signing anything? In this episode of FH&P Lawyers' Law Talk, Partner Clay Williams sits down with lawyer Shane Gardner to talk about debtor strategies for businesses, forbearance agreements, secured debt, and how to protect yourself when the wolves are at the door. Clay and Shane discuss: * Why signing anything before seeing FH&P Lawyers can cost you * How creditors try to turn corporate debt into personal debt * What to do when creditors are knocking at the door * How FH&P Lawyers assess your debt situation * What a forbearance agreement is and when it makes sense * When a forbearance agreement may actually be the right move * What due diligence should a lender do before signing one * What happens when you come in to talk with FH&P Lawyers * The difference between unsecured and secured debt in enforcement * What receivership means for business owners * What options remain when a situation is beyond repair * The first step to take when you're feeling the pinch * What to expect when dealing with big commercial lenders If your business is facing creditor pressure, a demand letter, a forbearance agreement, or the possibility of receivership, this conversation offers a practical look at the strategies, the levers available, and why timing matters before you sign anything. Book a Consultation with FH&P Lawyers. This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. FH&P Lawyers | Rooted in Community. Ready to Help. #DebtorCreditorLaw #BusinessDebt #ForbearanceAgreement #CommercialLending #Receivership #BankruptcyInsolvency #CorporateLaw #FHPLawyers #LawTalkPodcast #OkanaganLawyers #KelownaLawyers

U.S. Immigration: What Canadians Need to Know Right Now

U.S. immigration issues can affect travel, work, and long-term plans quickly. What happens when admissibility concerns, a criminal record, or cross-border tax issues create problems at the border? In this episode of FH&P Lawyers’ Law Talk, Partner Clay Williams sits down with lawyer Kevin Cheung to discuss U.S. immigration law for Canadians, including admissibility, entry waivers, work options in the United States, and why legal planning matters before you travel, work, or relocate. Clay and Kevin discuss: * What FH&P Lawyers handles in its U.S. immigration practice * What U.S. immigration law covers for Canadians * What admissibility means at the U.S. border * How a criminal record can affect travel to the United States * Why even a vacation or stopover can lead to legal issues * What a U.S. entry waiver is and when it may be needed * Why it is important to deal with issues before trying to cross the border * How Canadians may be able to work in the United States  * Why choosing the right immigration pathway matters * How U.S. immigration issues can affect employers and business owners * Why some dual citizens consider renouncing U.S. citizenship * How U.S. tax filing obligations can continue while living in Canada * Why early legal guidance can help avoid serious problems If you are dealing with U.S. immigration issues, a possible admissibility problem, a criminal record and border concerns, or questions about working or living in the United States, this conversation offers a practical overview of the risks, the legal process, and why preparation matters. Book a Consultation with FH&P Lawyers: https://www.fhplawyers.com/contact.html This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. FH&P Lawyers | Rooted in community. Ready to help. #USImmigration #USImmigrationLaw #Admissibility #EntryWaiver #BorderIssues #CrossBorderLaw #DualCitizenship #FATCA #WorkInTheUS #FHPLawyers #LawTalkPodcast #KelownaLawyers #OkanaganLawyers