Business Details
23 Years
experience
Estate Planning & Legal Services in Vancouver
Our firm specializes in wills, trusts, and estates law, offering personalized legal services rooted in over 30 years of experience. We provide sophisticated estate planning, trust administration, and tax advisory services for families, business owners, and charitable organizations. Our practice combines deep expertise in complex estate matters with a commitment to individualized client care. Janine Thomas, recognized by Martindale-Hubbell for professional excellence, has served as legal counsel to prominent institutions and contributed extensively to estate planning education. Our team delivers the precision of large-firm expertise with the accessibility and attention of a boutique practice. We prioritize understanding each client's unique needs to create tailored solutions for asset protection, succession planning, and multi-jurisdictional challenges.Our paralegal Alexandra Lyde-Stad supports this approach with over two decades of transactional experience. Through mediation training and specialized knowledge of insurance products, we address both legal and practical dimensions of estate management. Our Vancouver-based office serves clients across British Columbia and beyond, maintaining strong professional affiliations with organizations like the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners. This combination of credentials, experience, and client-focused service establishes our position as trusted advisors in estate law.
Services
Estate Planning
Wills Preparation
Trust Administration
Probate Services
Business Succession Planning
Adult Guardianship
Estate Tax Advisory
Representation Agreements
Committee Appointments
Estate Litigation Support
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of specialized estate law experience
- Our practice combines large-firm expertise with personalized service
- We handle complex multi-jurisdictional estate matters
- Our team includes certified mediation-trained professionals
- We maintain active involvement in estate planning education
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
Services
Estate Planning
We provide comprehensive estate planning solutions including wills, trusts, and tax strategies. Our services address probate fees, business succession, and asset protection for individuals and families. We create customized plans to ensure your wishes are executed efficiently.
Trust Administration
Our trust administration services include establishing and managing testamentary trusts, trust variations, and tax compliance. We assist trustees with complex multi-jurisdictional issues and ensure proper execution of trust terms while minimizing tax implications.
Probate Services
We guide executors through probate applications and estate administration. Our services cover grant of probate, asset distribution, and resolution of contested estates while maintaining compliance with British Columbia's legal requirements.
Business Succession
We develop tailored succession strategies for business owners, addressing ownership transfer, tax optimization, and continuity planning. Our approach ensures smooth transitions while protecting family and business interests across generations.
Adult Guardianship
We assist families with establishing committeeships for incapacitated adults. Our services include court applications, legal documentation, and ongoing support for guardians managing financial and healthcare decisions.
People
Janine Thomas
Lawyer
Recognized estate planning expert with 30+ years of experience. Former partner at major law firms and insurance consultant. Active in professional organizations and charitable boards. Provides personalized legal solutions since 2003.
Alexandra Lyde-Stad
Paralegal
Corporate paralegal with 21 years of experience in estate and real estate transactions. Supports personalized client service through detailed documentation and case management. Works closely with Janine to ensure comprehensive client support.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus exclusively on estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, and related tax matters. Our practice includes business succession planning and adult guardianship services.
How long have you been in practice?
Janine A.S. Thomas has practiced law since 1981, with over 30 years specializing in estate planning. The firm has operated independently since 2003.
Do you handle complex estate matters?
Yes, we manage complex estates including multi-jurisdictional issues, contested wills, and sophisticated tax planning strategies for high-net-worth individuals and business owners.
What locations do you serve?
While based in Vancouver, we serve clients throughout British Columbia and assist with estates requiring cross-border or multi-jurisdictional coordination.
How do you approach client service?
We combine large-firm expertise with personalized attention, maintaining direct lawyer-client communication and tailored solutions for each client's unique circumstances.
