Elder Law BC — Planning for Incapacity, Aging & Senior Rights
BC's elder law framework protects seniors at every stage — from planning ahead for incapacity to responding when a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs. Andrew Liggett has guided BC seniors and families through these issues since 1991.
Elder law is the branch of law focused on the unique legal needs of aging adults, seniors, and their families. In British Columbia it spans two broad areas:
(when a loved one can no longer manage their affairs).
The best outcomes come from early planning — an Enduring Power of Attorney and a Representation Agreement prepared while a person still has full capacity. When planning hasn't happened, BC courts offer adult guardianship (committee applications), but that path is slower, more expensive, and less flexible than documents prepared in advance.
BC Elder Law — Topic by Topic
Six plain-language guides covering every major elder law issue BC families face — written specifically for BC law.
These guides are written for adult children navigating the hard questions — when a parent won't make a will, is being financially abused, or is starting to lose capacity.
Elder Law BC — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical guides on adult guardianship, representation agreements, dementia planning, elder financial abuse, and care facility rights — all specific to BC law.
Questions About a Parent, Spouse, or Your Own Planning?
Andrew Liggett has helped BC seniors and their families navigate capacity planning and elder law since 1991. Phone or video — available by phone or secure video, across all of BC.
Aging at Home in BC: The Legal Documents That Protect You
Planning ahead to stay independent in your own home — the legal documents every BC senior should have in place.
Adult Guardianship Disputes in BC: When Family Disagrees
What happens when family members disagree about an elderly parent's care decisions, and how BC law resolves those disputes.
A comprehensive guide to elder law in BC — from guardianship and representation agreements to retirement planning.
How BC's Representation Agreement Act protects adults who lose the ability to make their own decisions.
When a loved one lacks capacity and has no Representation Agreement, the court can appoint a committee.
When an adult can no longer make decisions for themselves and no prior planning exists, BC courts can appoint a committee to manage their affairs.
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A Representation Agreement authorizes someone you trust to make healthcare and personal-care decisions if you lose the ability to make them yourself.
Early legal planning — before capacity is lost — gives families far more options than acting after a diagnosis. The steps to take, and when to take them.
Financial abuse of seniors is the fastest-growing form of elder mistreatment in BC. Know the warning signs and the legal tools available to stop it.
BC care facility residents have legally protected rights — to dignity, privacy, visitors, and care decisions. What families need to know when a loved one enters residential care.
A step-by-step guide to BC incapacity planning — Enduring POA, Representation Agreement, advance directives, and what happens if none are in place.
Elder Law BC — Incapacity Planning & Senior Legal Rights | Sea to Sky Law
BC elder law explained: adult guardianship, Representation Agreements, Enduring Powers of Attorney, dementia planning, elder financial abuse & care facility rights. Serving BC since 1991.
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Elder law in BC covers the legal needs of seniors and their families, including incapacity planning (Enduring Powers of Attorney and Representation Agreements), adult guardianship, estate planning, elder financial abuse, and care facility rights under provincial legislation.
A Representation Agreement is a BC legal document that lets you appoint someone to make healthcare and personal care decisions on your behalf if you become incapable. There are two types: Section 7 (basic decisions) and Section 9 (broad healthcare authority). It is governed by the Representation Agreement Act.
Adult guardianship (called committeeship in BC) applies when an adult loses decision-making capacity and has not made prior arrangements like an Enduring Power of Attorney. The BC Supreme Court can appoint a committee of person and/or estate under the Patients Property Act to manage the adult's affairs.
Signs of elder financial abuse in BC include unexplained withdrawals, changes to wills or powers of attorney, missing valuables, unpaid bills despite adequate income, a caregiver who controls the senior's money, and the senior appearing confused or fearful about finances. Report concerns to the Public Guardian and Trustee of BC.
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Grey divorce (separation after 50) & pension division
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You can't force it — but you're not powerless. What BC law says and what you can do.
Warning signs, who commits it, and the legal steps you can take right now.
Practical guidance on what to say, how to say it, and when to bring in a lawyer.
What authority you have, what you need, and how to get it if the plan wasn't made in time.
How to tell if there's a legal problem — and what BC law lets you do about it.
A step-by-step legal checklist: documents, the family home, consent, and ongoing duties.
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What guardianship means, how the court process works, and when it becomes necessary to protect a vulnerable adult.
Why a Representation Agreement is essential for healthcare decisions in BC — and what happens if you don't have one.