Plain-language guides to BC real estate, corporate, estate planning, and civil litigation law from Lime Law Corporation, a boutique Vancouver law firm.https://limelaw.ca/en-cahttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-family-share-structures-holdco-trust-second-class/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-family-share-structures-holdco-trust-second-class/Three tools for splitting income, sheltering retained earnings, and planning succession in a BC private company — and the situations where each one is the right call.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-gst-new-housing-rebate-explained/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-gst-new-housing-rebate-explained/The standard GST New Housing Rebate refunds 36% of GST paid on a new BC home, capped at $6,300. The eligibility rules are narrower than buyers expect, and the most common claim mistake is structural.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-probate-fees-cost-and-planning/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-probate-fees-cost-and-planning/BC probate fees are roughly 1.4% of the gross estate above $50,000. On a $1M estate, that is about $13,300. Here is how the math works, what counts toward the fee base, and the legitimate tools to plan around it.Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstate planningprobateprobate feesestate planningexecutorgrant of probatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-real-estate-closing-day-walkthrough/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-real-estate-closing-day-walkthrough/A minute-by-minute walkthrough of completion day on a BC residential purchase — who does what, what can go wrong, and when you actually get the keys.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/prec-vs-sole-proprietorship-bc-realtor-math/https://limelaw.ca/blog/prec-vs-sole-proprietorship-bc-realtor-math/A Personal Real Estate Corporation can defer six figures of tax over a career — or save almost nothing — depending on how much commission income the realtor leaves inside the corporation. Worked examples at $150K, $250K, and $400K.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/putting-an-adult-child-on-title-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/putting-an-adult-child-on-title-bc/Adding an adult child to a BC home title in joint tenancy looks like a clean probate-avoidance move. The tax, creditor, and litigation consequences are usually worse than the probate fees the move was meant to save.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-first-time-home-buyer-gst-rebate/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-first-time-home-buyer-gst-rebate/BC first-time buyers can save up to $50,000 in GST on new homes under $1M. The eligibility tests, the math, and what your lawyer files at closing.Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/co-executors-bc-will/https://limelaw.ca/blog/co-executors-bc-will/Two executors instead of one feels safer. In BC estates, it sometimes is and sometimes is not. A practical look at co-executor decisions and what to do about deadlock.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstate planninghttps://limelaw.ca/blog/demand-letters-bc-when-they-work/https://limelaw.ca/blog/demand-letters-bc-when-they-work/A well-drafted demand letter can resolve a BC dispute before a lawsuit is filed. A poorly drafted one can turn a winnable case into a bad one. Here is how to use them well.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTCivil litigationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/deposit-when-bc-real-estate-deal-collapses/https://limelaw.ca/blog/deposit-when-bc-real-estate-deal-collapses/BC real estate deposits are not automatic forfeitures or automatic refunds. Who keeps the deposit when a deal falls apart depends on why, when, and what the contract says.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/joint-tenancy-or-tenancy-in-common-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/joint-tenancy-or-tenancy-in-common-bc/Joint tenants vs tenants in common in BC: right of survivorship, what happens on death, probate, and how to change title. A plain-English guide with a comparison table.Tue, 02 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatejoint tenancytenants in commontitleco-ownershipright of survivorshiphttps://limelaw.ca/blog/lifetime-capital-gains-exemption-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/lifetime-capital-gains-exemption-bc/The federal lifetime capital gains exemption can shelter hundreds of thousands of dollars in gains on the sale of a qualifying small business corporation. Here is how it works and what BC owners need to do to qualify.Wed, 06 May 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-registry-annual-reports/https://limelaw.ca/blog/bc-registry-annual-reports/When you incorporate a business in British Columbia, you gain access to the advantages of operating through a corporation—limited liability, tax planning opportunities, and more.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporateannual reportcorporate maintenancebc registryincorporationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/commercial-leases-what-every-business-needs-to-know/https://limelaw.ca/blog/commercial-leases-what-every-business-needs-to-know/From the Offer to Lease to fixturing periods, rent-free periods, and net operating costs — the commercial lease terms BC business owners should negotiate before signing.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatecommercial leaseoffer to leasefixturing periodsmall businesshttps://limelaw.ca/blog/personal-real-estate-corporation-prec-in-british-columbia/https://limelaw.ca/blog/personal-real-estate-corporation-prec-in-british-columbia/A Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC) offers licensed realtors in British Columbia a streamlined and tax-efficient way to operate their business.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatePRECpersonal real estate corporationincorporationrealtorshttps://limelaw.ca/blog/how-to-incorporate-a-medical-professional-corporation-in-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/how-to-incorporate-a-medical-professional-corporation-in-bc/How a BC physician incorporates a medical professional corporation (MPC): CPSBC permit, the lawyer's certificate, share structure, and the eight steps from name to certificate.Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporatemedical professional corporationprofessional incorporationphysiciansincorporationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-contingency-fee-agreements/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-contingency-fee-agreements/Legal services can often feel out of reach for many people due to the high costs associated with hiring a lawyer.Wed, 29 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTCivil litigationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/gender-bias-in-estate-distribution/https://limelaw.ca/blog/gender-bias-in-estate-distribution/The distribution of a loved one’s estate can often lead to emotional and legal challenges, as was seen in a recent case involving Mrs. Law’s will.Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMTEstate planninghttps://limelaw.ca/blog/the-residential-tenancy-branch-ruled-bc-landlord-was-able-to-increase-rent-by-23-5/https://limelaw.ca/blog/the-residential-tenancy-branch-ruled-bc-landlord-was-able-to-increase-rent-by-23-5/BC caps annual rent increases each year, but landlords can apply to the RTB for more. How the cap works — and the case where a landlord was granted a 23.5% increase.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCivil litigationrent increaseresidential tenancylandlordRTBhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/should-i-keep-my-own-minute-book-a-guide-for-bc-business-owners/https://limelaw.ca/blog/should-i-keep-my-own-minute-book-a-guide-for-bc-business-owners/If you’ve incorporated a company or are considering doing so, one of the key aspects of running your business will be complying with legal requirements for record-keeping.Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-corporate-share-structure-in-canada/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-corporate-share-structure-in-canada/When incorporating a business in Canada, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is how to structure your shares.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporateshare structureshare classesincorporationcorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-incorporation/https://limelaw.ca/blog/sole-proprietorship-vs-incorporation/Sole proprietorship vs incorporation in BC: liability, tax, setup cost, and compliance compared in a table, with the situations where each one is the right call.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporateincorporationsole proprietorshipcorporationsmall businesshttps://limelaw.ca/blog/business-contracts/https://limelaw.ca/blog/business-contracts/We draft and review business contracts in BC — on both sides of the deal, from a one-page agreement to a multi-party shareholder agreement.Sun, 04 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/residential-and-commercial-conveyancing/https://limelaw.ca/blog/residential-and-commercial-conveyancing/An overview of the legal side of residential and commercial conveyancing in BC — what you deal with as a buyer, a seller, and on a refinance.Fri, 02 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/representation-agreements/https://limelaw.ca/blog/representation-agreements/Life is unpredictable. Illness, accidents, or cognitive decline can strike without warning—leaving you unable to make or communicate your healthcare decisions.Thu, 01 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMTEstate planninghttps://limelaw.ca/blog/powers-of-attorney/https://limelaw.ca/blog/powers-of-attorney/An enduring power of attorney in BC lets someone manage your finances if you lose capacity. How it differs from an ordinary POA, what it does (and doesn't) cover, and how to sign one.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstate planningpower of attorneyenduring power of attorneyestate planningrepresentation agreementhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/company-incorporation/https://limelaw.ca/blog/company-incorporation/Embarking on the journey of entrepreneurship is more than just a day-to-day occupation—it's a way of life, a passion that shapes your future.Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMTCorporatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/trusts/https://limelaw.ca/blog/trusts/A plain-English guide to the trusts used in BC estate planning — alter ego, joint spousal, family, disability, and bare trusts — and what each one is actually for.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstate planningtrustsestate planningalter ego trustfamily trusthttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-a-will/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-the-importance-of-a-will/Creating a Will is an essential step in managing your estate, ensuring that your wishes are honoured after you pass away.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTEstate planningwillsestate planningexecutorintestacyhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-immediate-roadside-prohibition-in-bc-not-a-criminal-offence-but-serious-consequences/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-immediate-roadside-prohibition-in-bc-not-a-criminal-offence-but-serious-consequences/When it comes to drinking and driving, the legal landscape can be quite complex. In British Columbia, Canada, the Immediate Roadside Prohibition ('IRP') has been implemented as part of the Motor…Tue, 17 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMTGeneralhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/the-significance-of-a-shareholders-agreement-for-your-bc-company/https://limelaw.ca/blog/the-significance-of-a-shareholders-agreement-for-your-bc-company/If your BC company has more than one shareholder, a shareholders' agreement sets the rules for decisions, share transfers, disputes, and exits.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTCorporateshareholder agreementcorporatesmall businessincorporationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/how-to-handle-a-landlord-who-wont-maintain-your-rental-property/https://limelaw.ca/blog/how-to-handle-a-landlord-who-wont-maintain-your-rental-property/Dealing with a landlord who neglects or declines to make essential repairs or maintain your rental unit can significantly impact your health, safety, comfort, and overall satisfaction with your home.Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMTCivil litigationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/the-price-of-justice-navigating-legal-waters-with-limited-means/https://limelaw.ca/blog/the-price-of-justice-navigating-legal-waters-with-limited-means/During articles, we were involved in a case that highlighted the intersection of money and access to justice — a matter that goes to the heart of our legal system's integrity.Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMTCivil litigationhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/navigating-collapsing-real-estate-deals-in-british-columbia/https://limelaw.ca/blog/navigating-collapsing-real-estate-deals-in-british-columbia/Why BC real estate deals fall through — breach, misrepresentation, frustration — and the remedies available to the innocent party: deposit, damages, rescission, specific performance.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatecollapsing dealbreach of contractreal estateremedieshttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-pay-reductions-in-canadian-employment-your-rights-and-protections/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-pay-reductions-in-canadian-employment-your-rights-and-protections/When it comes to employment, compensation plays a vital role in an employee's livelihood and job satisfaction.Mon, 07 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMTEmploymenthttps://limelaw.ca/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-multiple-traffic-tickets-in-british-columbia/https://limelaw.ca/blog/the-hidden-dangers-of-multiple-traffic-tickets-in-british-columbia/Getting a traffic ticket is undoubtedly frustrating, but what many people in British Columbia fail to realise is that receiving multiple tickets can lead to even more serious consequences.Fri, 04 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMTGeneralhttps://limelaw.ca/blog/real-estate-completion-possession-adjustment-dates/https://limelaw.ca/blog/real-estate-completion-possession-adjustment-dates/In a BC real estate deal the completion date (BC's 'closing date'), the possession date, and the adjustment date mean different things. Here's how each one works.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatecompletion datepossession dateconveyancingclosinghttps://limelaw.ca/blog/private-mortgage-lending-in-canada-how-to-get-a-private-mortgage-for-property-purchase/https://limelaw.ca/blog/private-mortgage-lending-in-canada-how-to-get-a-private-mortgage-for-property-purchase/Owning a home is a dream for many Canadians. However, with the rising prices of real estate, it can be challenging for some to qualify for a mortgage from traditional lenders like TD or RBC.Mon, 17 Apr 2023 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/buying-a-home-in-vancouver-common-mistakes-to-avoid/https://limelaw.ca/blog/buying-a-home-in-vancouver-common-mistakes-to-avoid/Purchasing a new home can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be very stressful. Making such a significant financial investment and having to make decisions that will affect your life for…Thu, 02 Feb 2023 00:00:00 GMTReal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/navigating-property-transfer-tax-ptt-exemptions-in-british-columbia/https://limelaw.ca/blog/navigating-property-transfer-tax-ptt-exemptions-in-british-columbia/BC property transfer tax exemptions explained: the first-time home buyer exemption, the newly built home exemption, related-individual transfers, and the 20% foreign-buyer tax.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estateproperty transfer taxPTT exemptionsfirst-time home buyerreal estatehttps://limelaw.ca/blog/property-transfer-tax-in-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/property-transfer-tax-in-bc/How much property transfer tax you pay in BC: the 1% / 2% / 3% brackets, the 2% luxury surtax, who pays and when, and worked examples from $500K to $3.2M.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estateproperty transfer taxPTTreal estateclosing costshttps://limelaw.ca/blog/what-is-title-insurance/https://limelaw.ca/blog/what-is-title-insurance/Title insurance protects a BC property owner against title fraud, liens, and defects a land title search can miss. What it covers, what it costs, and how to get it.Wed, 03 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMTReal estatetitle insurancetitle fraudconveyancingrefinancinghttps://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-property-purchase-fees-in-vancouver-bc/https://limelaw.ca/blog/understanding-property-purchase-fees-in-vancouver-bc/Whether you're a first-time homebuyer or not, the closing costs associated with purchasing a property can come as a surprise. You should make sure you have a budget set aside for these costs.Wed, 11 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMTReal estate