Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Vancouver Estate Planning & Wills Lawyers
Spry Hawkins Micner has been serving the Lower Mainland community since 1948, specializing in estate planning, incapacity planning, and foreclosure law. Our practice is built on decades of experience guiding clients through complex legal matters with compassion and expertise. We prioritize personalized service, ensuring clients understand their options when creating wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. Our team has handled thousands of estate cases, providing practical solutions for executors and families during challenging times.We maintain strong ties to the community through educational seminars, volunteer work, and regular contributions to local publications. Our founder, Jack Micner, brings over 40 years of legal experience and is recognized for his approachable demeanor and commitment to client well-being. We combine technical proficiency with empathetic communication to help clients protect their legacies and navigate legal uncertainties.
Services
Wills
Powers of Attorney
Representation Agreements
Estate Administration
Foreclosure Guidance
Committeeship Applications
Estate Planning
Probate Services
Incapacity Planning
Legal Consultations
Details
- Year established: 1948
Highlights and features
- Over 40 years of focused experience in estate and elder law
- Personalized guidance with compassionate client support
- Active community education through legal seminars and publications
- Proven track record handling complex estate administration cases
- Founder recognized as trusted local legal expert in wills matters
Associations and certifications
- Canadian Bar Association
What people say
Excellent bedside manner
Compassionate and understanding
Professional handling of estates
Thorough and clear guidance
Highly recommended services
Services
Wills
Our wills service helps clients document asset distribution preferences while ensuring legal validity. We guide clients through executor appointments, beneficiary designations, and special provisions for unique circumstances. Our approach balances technical precision with compassionate counseling to create comprehensive estate plans that reflect clients' intentions.
Powers of Attorney
We create customized powers of attorney documents to manage financial affairs during incapacity or absence. Our service includes explaining decision-making authority scopes, creating contingency plans, and ensuring documents meet provincial legal requirements while protecting clients' interests through trusted representatives.
Representation Agreements
This service establishes legal frameworks for healthcare decision-making when clients cannot communicate preferences. We help clients appoint trusted representatives, document treatment preferences, and ensure compliance with medical consent laws to protect personal healthcare choices during critical times.
Estate Administration
We support executors through estate settlement processes including probate applications, asset distribution, and debt resolution. Our guidance covers legal requirements, tax considerations, and dispute prevention while maintaining sensitivity to families' emotional needs during estate transitions.
Foreclosure Guidance
Our foreclosure services advise lenders and borrowers on mortgage default procedures. We explain legal options, document preparation requirements, and court processes while balancing financial protection with compassionate consideration of clients' housing circumstances.
People
Jack Micner
Barrister & Solicitor
Jack Micner has practiced law in British Columbia since 1983, specializing in wills, estates, and elder law. He contributes regularly to community legal education and has served on multiple professional boards. His approach combines technical expertise with compassionate client support.
Questions
What's the difference between property and estate in a will?
Property refers specifically to assets like real estate or personal belongings, while 'estate' encompasses all assets and debts owned at death. Jointly held assets transfer outside the estate through survivorship rights.
When should I consider creating a power of attorney?
Establish a power of attorney whenever you want designated financial management during potential incapacity, medical emergencies, or extended travel. It ensures trusted representation for financial matters when you cannot act personally.
How does the probate process work?
Probate validates a will through court registration, allowing executors to manage estate assets. The process involves submitting documents, paying fees based on estate value, and following legal procedures for asset distribution according to the will's terms.
What happens if a beneficiary predeceases the will maker?
Most wills specify alternate distributions if beneficiaries don't survive the will maker. Typically, their share redistributes according to contingency provisions or, without specific instructions, follows intestacy laws for asset distribution.
Can an estate receive assets after probate completes?
Yes, newly discovered assets can be added post-probate through supplementary court documentation. Executors must submit affidavits and pay additional probate fees based on the newly identified assets' value at the time of death.
How do I handle unlocatable beneficiaries?
First attempt professional tracing services using available contact information. If unsuccessful, apply to the Supreme Court for alternative notification methods like newspaper advertisements before proceeding with probate applications.
Reviews (3)
Denise Chiang
Jul 24, 2017
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Jack takes his time with his clients and is not only professional but kind hearted. Im so glad that I found him, as he has been extremely helpful, empathetic and informative.
MortgageMark Fidgett
Oct 04, 2016
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Not only a great initial first consultation, but Mr. Micner had already drafted the demand letter within the hour. His service was impeccable. Highly recommended...
Shelley W.
Jun 03, 2015
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During a very difficult estate matter, we were referred to Jack by a friend. Jack immediately set us at ease and went about the business of helping us through this with hard work & diligence. He and his associates at the firm Spry Hawkins Micner were professional and attentive at all times. Jack's empathy combined with his knowledge make him the ideal wills & estates lawyer. You are not rushed; you are more than a 'client' and Jack's personal interest in assisting you through these often complicated processes is absolute. We cannot thank Jack enough for all that he did.
