Business Details
39 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Ladysmith for Real Estate & Estate Planning
Established in 1987, Robson, O'Connor has served the legal needs of Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley for over 35 years. Founded by Douglas B. Robson and David P. O'Connor, our firm has grown to include partners Paul Nettleton and Martin Sanderson, alongside a dedicated team of five paralegals and legal assistants. We specialize in real estate and conveyancing, wills and trusts, probate and estates, corporate and commercial law, and family law, offering comprehensive legal solutions tailored to individual client needs. Our team combines decades of local experience with a compassionate, community-focused approach, ensuring clients receive personalized guidance through complex legal processes.We prioritize transparency, ethical practice, and accessibility, helping clients navigate real estate transactions, estate planning, business operations, and incapacity planning with confidence. With two offices in Ladysmith and a satellite office in Duncan, we remain committed to delivering trusted legal expertise rooted in the unique needs of our region.
Services
Real Estate Conveyancing
Wills and Trusts
Probate Administration
Corporate Law
Estate Planning
Incapacity Planning
Business Incorporation
Committeeship Applications
Family Law
Probate Fee Calculations
Details
- Year established: 1987
Highlights and features
- We have over 35 years of experience serving Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley.
- Our team includes specialists in real estate, estate planning, and corporate law.
- We provide personalized guidance for complex legal transactions and disputes.
- We prioritize clear communication and client education in all matters.
- We maintain a compassionate, community-focused approach to legal practice.
Services
Real Estate Conveyancing
Our team guides clients through real estate purchases, sales, and refinancing. We handle title insurance, mortgage documentation, and contract reviews to ensure smooth property transfers. With local expertise, we address regional complexities in residential and investment property transactions.
Wills and Trusts
We create customized wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents. Our practice addresses beneficiary designations, alter-ego trusts, and blended family considerations. We help clients ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes while minimizing legal challenges.
Probate Administration
We assist executors with probate applications, asset distribution, and tax compliance. Our services include resealing foreign grants and resolving intestate succession issues. We provide clear guidance for estate administration across British Columbia and internationally.
Corporate Law
From incorporation to business succession planning, we support companies with legal compliance and growth strategies. Our services include minute book maintenance, dividend structuring, and cloud-based document storage for BC corporations.
Incapacity Planning
We prepare representation agreements and committeeship applications for future care planning. Our team helps clients establish legal frameworks for financial and healthcare decisions when individuals lose capacity to act independently.
People
Paul Nettleton
Partner
Paul leads our real estate practice with 15+ years of legal experience. He previously served as Executive Director for Legal Services of Nunavut and as a BC Legislative Assembly member, bringing public service expertise to private client matters.
Martin Sanderson
Lawyer
Martin specializes in estate planning and corporate law. With a background in psychology and philosophy, he focuses on cross-cultural legal solutions for clients with international assets and complex family structures.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We specialize in real estate conveyancing, wills and trusts, probate administration, corporate law, and incapacity planning for individuals and businesses in Ladysmith and the Cowichan Valley.
How can I update an outdated will?
We recommend reviewing wills after major life events like marriage, divorce, or relocation. Our team helps clients revise documents to reflect current wishes while addressing beneficiary designations and tax implications.
Do you offer virtual legal services?
Yes, we provide digital document signing and cloud-based corporate record storage. Most transactions can be completed remotely while maintaining strict confidentiality and compliance standards.
What happens if someone dies without a will?
We assist families with intestate estate administration, including applying for administration grants and distributing assets according to BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act while addressing family dynamics and tax obligations.
How do I start a business in British Columbia?
We guide clients through incorporation, compliance, and ongoing maintenance. Our services include minute book preparation, dividend structuring, and connecting with accounting professionals for comprehensive business planning.
