All articles written by Krische & Co. Notaries on the topics of Wills and personal estate planning, real estate, and notarizations.
As a notary public, I get a lot of calls about real estate, estate planning and transferring property between family members. If you’re considering adding or removing an owner from title, or transferring (an interest in) property between family members, here’s what you need to know. What is a family transfer? A “family transfer” of […]
Family Transfers in Real Estate Read More »
Your home is often your most valuable asset. It’s also something you care for, maintain, improve, personalize and cherish. For this reason, “home” to many people means a safe place. And yet, title fraud has been on the rise – primarily in Ontario, but also in BC – and is causing concern for many homeowners.
Combatting Title Fraud Read More »
Title insurance protects the policyholder from financial loss – including associated legal expenses – incurred as a direct result of fraud and unforeseen title challenges and defects. Coverages & Inclusions Fraud Title fraud is a crime that occurs when a fraudster successfully represents himself as the property owner in order to either (1) sell the
The Perks of Title Insurance Read More »
British Columbians enjoy the benefit of one of the greatest land title registry systems in the world. Our provincial system combines English common law and Australian Torrens system principles, resulting in an efficient, convenient system that guarantees title and brings certainty to land ownership. Historical Context: Uncertainty & Risk in Land Ownership Under the original
Security & Certainty for BC Property Owners Read More »
What is a Form F? A Strata Form F Information Certificate is written verification from a strata corporation that there is no outstanding balance – including strata fees, special levies, fines, chargeback costs – owed by the strata lot owner. Like a strata Form B Information Certificate, each Strata Form F is uniquely created for
Strata Form F Certificate of Payment Read More »
What is a Form B? A strata Form B Information Certificate is a document that provides critical information about both the strata corporation and a specific strata lot, including: the amount of the regular monthly strata fees; the balance of any arrears and special levies for a specific unit; allocation of parking stalls and storage
The Importance of a Strata Form B Information Certificate Read More »
More than 1.5 million British Columbians – about 30% of the population – live in strata housing; 1 considering stratification trends, increasing market prices, and the realization that strata housing can offer an unparalleled level of security, convenience and/or amenities for a price point that cannot be met in non-strata homes, it can only be expected
Strata Corporations Read More »
There are many compelling reasons to have a Will, but what actually happens when a person dies without leaving a Will? In British Columbia, the Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) provides the intestacy rules. Administration Pursuant to section 130 of WESA, when a person dies without a Will, the court may grant administration of the
Death Without a Will: A Look at BC’s Intestacy Legislation Read More »
A Will is a critically important document, but only 50% of British Columbians have their own signed, current Will*, which, of course, begs the question: Why? Here are some of the most common myths and misconceptions that we’ve heard: Myth #1: Only people with significant assets need a Will. A Will is a legal document
Co-operative Housing Summary Co-operatives are a form of shared ownership where each owner is a shareholder in a corporation that holds legal title to the property. This is a unique type of ownership – different than condominium and strata living – that can come with its own challenges and benefits. What is it? A Co-operative or Co-op is a type of
Co-Operative Housing Read More »