Estate Planning Checklist for BC Families. 35+ practical steps across wills, powers of attorney, estate planning, and what to do when someone dies. Section 1: Your Will — ensure you have a valid signed BC will witnessed by two people, reviewed within the last 5 years, reflecting your current family situation. Your executor should know where your will is kept and have agreed to act. Name an alternate executor and a guardian for minor children. Section 2: Powers of Attorney and Healthcare — an Enduring Power of Attorney for financial decisions and a Representation Agreement for healthcare are essential documents for every adult in BC. Both should be reviewed by an independent BC lawyer. Section 3: Estate Planning Assets and Beneficiaries — review named beneficiaries on RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, life insurance, and pensions. Ensure your executor has access to account information and that joint assets are intentional. Consider whether a trust would benefit your family. Section 4: Executor Checklist When Someone Dies — obtain the original will, death certificate, and notify all beneficiaries. Secure estate assets, file for probate if required, file the final tax return, obtain a CRA clearance certificate, and distribute assets. Section 5: Separation and Estate Urgent Updates — after separation in BC, update your will immediately. Separation does not automatically revoke gifts to a former spouse. Update your EPA, beneficiary designations, and review all joint assets. Andrew Liggett is a BC estate lawyer serving families across British Columbia since 1991. Sea to Sky Law offers free intake calls for estate planning matters.