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Buying a home is exciting; however, it is a complex process that can become very complicated if not done right. When preparing to purchase or sell a property, whether a house or a condominium, you should consider hiring a conveyancing lawyer. In real estate, conveyancing refers to the process of transferring property ownership from one owner to another.

Roles of a conveyancing lawyer

A conveyancing lawyer specializes in property purchase and sale transactions. They help to ensure that the process goes through legally and smoothly. There are four ways in which they can assist you:

Acting as a legal representative

One of a conveyancing lawyer’s roles is to act as a legal representative for the parties involved in the purchase or sale. They operate in the best interests of their clients and ensure due diligence is conducted on behalf of their clients. The due diligence process involves making the necessary checks such as reviewing a title search for liens, mortgages or other encumbrances and advising clients on how best to handle any issues arise that could affect the transaction, such as outstanding taxes, damage to the home, or liens on the property.

Giving legal advice

During a transaction such as a property purchase, lawyers can also provide legal advice specific to the client’s needs. The advice they provide helps buyers and sellers make informed decisions during the process. For example, it’s always a good idea for a lawyer to review and consult with you on your purchase and sale contract before signing off on it.

Preparing legal documents

Purchasing or selling a property is a complex transaction and requires the legal drafting of documents. Conveyancing lawyers prepare all the legal documents that are pertinent to the transfer of the property. They also compile all necessary records for the smooth transfer of ownership. These documents may include purchase and sale contracts, property transfer tax returns, property tax receipts and adjustments, title search, surveys, and renovation contracts. They also work with the counterparty’s representative to promptly register the required documents with the Land Title Office and ensure that sale proceeds are delivered, so that the closing process can proceed as planned.

Handling post-closing matters

Conveyancing lawyers can also sort out the property transfer matters and iron out the final details after completion. These details may include conducting a post-registration title search, paying the necessary strata arrears or holdbacks, and keeping track that the seller pays and discharges the remaining charges and mortgage on the property.

Benefits of hiring a conveyancing lawyer

1. Reducing stress
Although you can do your own research on the basics of buying or selling a property, some aspects may be confusing. Inexperience with such a complex process can cause stress, and a conveyancing lawyer is able to help by providing invaluable knowledge and expertise. Although some people prefer to transfer a property through private sale, the process usually still requires the preparation of legal documents and witnessing of document-signing by a lawyer or a notary public.

2. Simplifying the process
Conveyancing lawyers are familiar with the legalities of buying and selling property, which means they can navigate the process effectively. Experience allows them to complete the transactions and facilitate the transfer of ownership smoothly, making the interaction easier for both buyers and sellers.

3. Saving time and money
If you are unfamiliar with buying and selling property, you may find researching the legalities of property transfers cumbersome and confusing. You may also make costly mistakes. Conveyancing lawyers have accumulated expertise and knowledge to help buyers and sellers save both time and money.

4. Purchasing property in Metro Vancouver
If you’re looking for a real estate lawyer to help you with your property transaction, contact Bernard Lau and Co. We are a boutique firm specializing in real estate and conveyancing matters. Our experienced team is committed to providing clients with the best legal representation available.

We understand that legal issues may arise during the property-transfer process, and our team is equipped to handle these situations effectively. Our services include purchases and sales, title searches, mortgages and refinancing, title examinations, property lien removal, and real estate disputes and litigation.

Call us at 604-285-5240 or visit our website to schedule a consultation today. Let us help you achieve your dream of property ownership.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this website and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.
Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the website may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the website, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

Notarization is the process of verifying and witnessing the identity of an individual signing a document. This process helps ensure that a signature purporting to be from a particular person is authentic and can be trusted. A notary public oversees the proceedings, including verifying ID, confirming the signing party’s capacity and understanding of the document, and ultimately, witnessing the signing of documents. Remember, all lawyers are also notaries public, but not all lawyers offer notarization services.

There are various categories of documents that can be notarized, from personal planning documents to legal documentation.

Here is a shortlist of some documents that can be notarized:

• Passport application documents
• Travel letters for minors
• ICBC or other insurance loss declarations
• Execution or authentication of international documents
• Sponsorship letters
• Statutory declarations
• Government application forms
• Bank declaration forms

Copy certification

Certified copies are verified by a notary public that they are exact replicas of the original document. Almost any document can be certified-copied, including passports, marriage licenses, driver’s licenses, social security cards, birth certificates and medical records. The person in possession of the original document must present it to the notary, who will make a copy of it then place their stamp on it certifying it as a certified copy.

The process of notarization

The process of notarizing involves witnessing the signing of important documents, verifying the identity of the signers and their willingness to sign, their awareness of the contents of the documents and their ability to sign. Let’s take a look at the process.

Identity verification

All parties must have their identity verified by the notary. You must present an original piece of a government-issued photo ID and preferably an additional piece of ID.

Willingness of signers

Once the identity of all parties is verified, the notary public establishes each person’s willingness to sign the documents. On observing the signing of the documents, the notary public will look for any signs of pressure or undue influence. If the notary believes that one party is being forced to sign the presented documents, they will not sign off as witnesses.

Capability to decide and sign documents

Your notary public ensures that you understand what you are signing. In addition, your notary ensures you can confirm what you are signing.

Do you have documents to be notarized? At Bernard Lau & Co., we can assist you with the notarization of English and Chinese documents for use overseas or locally.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this website and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.
Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the website may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the website, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

If you are facing a legal problem that is headed to court, you will need to hire a trial lawyer. And if you want to ensure the best possible outcome, you must find the right one for your case.

Good trial lawyers possess certain traits and skills that set them above the rest. Before you hire a trial lawyer, do your due diligence to ensure that they have:

Years of experience

Look for a trial lawyer with years of experience in an area of specialization that would be helpful to your case. For instance, if you have tax issues, you’ll need a tax lawyer instead of an entertainment lawyer.

The lawyer also should have some courtroom experience and an appreciation for rehearsing and preparing for trial. The members of the jury will be annoyed if your lawyer has to be shuffling through their notes or if they present documents that are illegible or difficult to decipher.

Excellent negotiating skills

A trial can be a long and expensive process, so the goal is to avoid taking your case to court. As a good negotiator, your trial lawyer’s first step might be to attempt to settle so that you don’t have to see the courtroom.

At times there might still be a need to negotiate a settlement, even after your case has gone to trial.

Trial skills

If negotiations aren’t successful, your trial lawyer will need to defend your interests in court. A well-versed litigator will know how to conduct cross-examinations, present proof to a judge or jury and masterfully argue your case.

Impressive storytelling skills

A good lawyer understands that simplifying the facts will help make the story come to life for the jury. They will present your case while maintaining a consistent and powerful story theme throughout the trial.

Social and personal skills

A good trial lawyer knows how to strike a balance between mounting a vigorous defence and having a pleasant demeanour. If your lawyer is too confrontational, the jury may find them to be unlikeable, and witnesses may be uncooperative. If they’re too nice, you may end up with an unfavourable outcome.

Excellent writing abilities

The art of persuasion comes in handy when presenting clear and concise documents to the judge. You’ll need a trial lawyer who can write with conviction and convey legal concepts clearly on paper. This skill will go a long way in persuading a judge to rule in your favour.

Trial lawyer in Richmond

Are you looking for a good trial lawyer in Richmond, BC? Then look no further than Bernard Lau and Co. Law Corporation.

At Bernard Lau and Co., we use all of the legal tools at our disposal to resolve disputes effectively and in a cost-efficient manner. You can rest assured that we have your best interests at heart, and our experienced Richmond trial lawyer is prepared to advocate fearlessly on your behalf in court.

Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this website and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.
Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the website may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the website, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.

An estate comprises all the assets a person owns at his or her death, less any liabilities. An estate can include money, property, stocks and shares. Through a will, an estate owner establishes who will benefit from his or her estate upon death. Individuals who benefit from a person’s estate are called estate beneficiaries.

Rights of an estate beneficiary

As an estate beneficiary, you are entitled to certain rights, as follows:

The right to be notified that you stand to inherit from an estate

Estate beneficiaries have a right to receive the property bequeathed to them. Executors, the individuals responsible for administering an estate, are required to notify beneficiaries within a reasonable time that they have inherited from an estate.

The right to be apprised of the inheritance value

Estate beneficiaries also have the right to be informed of the value of their inheritance. However, before a beneficiary is issued his or her portion of an estate, the will must be probated. Upon probate of the will, the value of the inheritance may be affected by any liabilities on the estate. Depending on the amount of liability, a beneficiary may lose part or all of his or her inheritance.

The right to be apprised of proceedings of administration

Beneficiaries have the right to be apprised of what is happening in the administration of the estate. For instance, whether there are issues that might delay settling the estate.

The right to receive your inheritance promptly

As a beneficiary, you have a right to the timely receipt of your inheritance. Legally, executors are allowed one year within which to settle an estate and transfer assets to beneficiaries. After that, a beneficiary can compel an executor to settle the estate or petition the court to remove the executor. You must note, however, that the process to settle an estate is a lengthy one. Depending on the complexity of the estate, the process can sometimes take more than the allotted year.

The right to access the estate’s accounting details

Beneficiaries have the right to an accurate, detailed account of the estate’s activities, including incomes, expenditures and disbursements, in a reasonable time frame. A beneficiary can resort to the courts if he or she is in disagreement with the accounting by the executor.

The right to an executor who acts in the beneficiary’s best interest

Beneficiaries have the right to have an executor act in their best interest. If a beneficiary is unhappy with how an executor handles the administration of an estate, he or she can petition the courts to have the executor removed and a new one appointed. The removal of an executor must be justified. Justifiable circumstances include:

• Breach of fiduciary duty
• Death
• Illness
• Estate theft
• Failure to manage the estate

Do you require the services of a wills and estates lawyer in Richmond?

If you are an estate beneficiary and require the services of a wills and estates lawyer, contact us at Bernard Lau and Co. Law Corporation. Our experienced Richmond wills and estates lawyer is available to provide legal advice on any issue concerning your case.

Call us today to schedule a consultation.

The content on this website is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice or an opinion of any kind. Users of this website are advised to seek specific legal advice by contacting members of Bernard Lau and Co. (or their own legal counsel) regarding any specific legal issues. Bernard Lau and Co. does not warrant or guarantee the quality, accuracy or completeness of any information on this website and should not be relied upon as being proper, accurate, timely or fit for any particular individual’s own circumstances other than for educational purposes.
Accessing or using this website does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Although your use of the website may facilitate access to or communications with members of Bernard Lau and Co. via e-mail transmissions or otherwise via the website, receipt of any such communications or transmissions by any member of Bernard Lau and Co. does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Bernard Lau and Co. does not guarantee the security or confidentiality of any communications made by e-mail or otherwise through this website.