Legal Services for the West Kootenay

The following is a list of the legal services and areas of practice we provide:

CRIMINAL LAW

Facing criminal charges is an extremely stressful prospect.  The implications of a conviction could be immense.  You could face fines, incarceration, impediments to your ability to obtain employment, or severe restrictions on your rights to cross international boundaries.  The stakes are very high in these situations, and having legal representation that helps you navigate the complexities of the charges is crucial.  If you are facing criminal charges of any degree, we can offer experienced representation. 

Our aim is to provide you with information, options, and sound legal advice in all manner of charges, including:

• Assault
• Dangerous Driving
• Drug Charges
• Fraud
• Impaired Driving
• Motor Vehicle Offences
• Robbery
• Sexual Assault
• Theft

Please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule a confidential consultation.

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Business LAW

Practicing Lawyers: Kenneth R. Watson and Christopher E. Smith

Our business is to help your business achieve success.  No matter what size or type of business, the support and advice of good legal representation is an invaluable asset to growth.  Let us provide you with experienced and efficient legal services.

Our solicitors represent a broad base of business clients in many different types of transactions, including:

• Business purchases and sales of companies, partnerships and sole proprietorships;
• Residential and commercial real estate purchases, sales and financing;
• Commercial leases;
• Corporate transactions including shareholder agreements, reorganizations and related transactions;
• Incorporating and maintaining British Columbia and federally incorporated companies and societies;
• Sole proprietorships;
• Partnerships;
• Joint ventures;
• Acting for financial institutions including banks and credit unions; and
• Assisting developers with all aspects of property development, including subdivision and strata title creation, marketing and administration

Our clients include individuals, small and medium sized businesses, developers, private corporations, and financial institutions including chartered banks and credit unions.

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WILLS AND ESTATES

Practicing Lawyer: Kenneth R. Watson

The importance of having an estate plan cannot be overemphasized.  It is one of the most significant means you have of protecting your loved ones and easing a difficult time for them.  Our lawyers have the experience necessary to create a plan that ensures that your wishes regarding your estate are clear and will be followed.  Having an estate plan in place ensures a smooth transition of your assets.

Our estate planning and administration services include the following:

• Wills to ensure that your estate is not distributed according to statute law but is instead dealt with in accordance with your wishes.

• Trusts to allow you, either during your lifetime or upon your death, to conserve your assets to benefit designated persons and minimize taxes.

• Powers of Attorney to authorize trusted others to conduct your financial affairs at the times and in the circumstances you direct.

• Working with your accountant and financial advisors to ensure that all tax issues are taken into consideration.

• Acting for executors and administrators in estates to obtain Probate or Administration and fulfill their duties to beneficiaries, creditors and the Court.

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PERSONAL INJURY

Practicing Lawyer: Richard Spilker

Our personal injury lawyer has the experience, knowledge and ability to make sure that you are fairly compensated for your injuries.

Our services include:

• Free first consultation
• All personal injury claims
• ICBC claims including Whiplash, Quadriplegia, Brain Injury, and Death claims
• No fees until you collect
• Over 25 years ICBC experience
• Successfully recovered millions of dollars in compensation for claimants
• Paying necessary litigation expenses (disbursements)

There are no legal fees unless we are successful.  We understand that there can be financial stress so we offer contingency fee arrangements (we are paid when you receive payment) to assist clients with the cost of pursuing a personal injury claim. 

We work hard to protect your rights and have the experience necessary to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.  We are committed to negotiate or litigate as required to achieve a fair resolution of your claim as quickly as possible.

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CIVIL / COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

Practicing Lawyers: Kenneth R. Watson and Christopher E. Smith

We are aware that legal disputes can be stressful and unpredictable and our goal is to achieve a timely and cost effective resolution whenever possible.  Our litigation lawyers have the experience to step in and protect our clients’ interests. 

Litigation can be a lengthy and costly endeavor.  We will advise you of the options that are available and assist you to determine a strategy that meets your needs.  Once a strategy is in place, we work hard to achieve the desired outcome.  We strive to resolve cases through negotiation or mediation in appropriate circumstances. Our experience helps us to judge when to litigate and when to settle.  In determining whether to litigate, we work with you to determine if the possible gain outweighs the risks and costs of court proceedings.

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REAL ESTATE

Practicing Lawyers: Kenneth R. Watson and Christopher E. Smith

Residential Property Transactions:

There are many things to consider when buying or selling a home.  Our real estate lawyers have the necessary experience to guide you through the details of buying, selling or refinancing your property. We represent and advise purchasers, sellers and investors with their transactions including the following:

• Residential Purchases and Sales
• Condominium Purchases and Sales
• Leases and related transactions
• Mortgage Financing
• New Home Construction
• Refinancing

Commercial Property Transactions:

Our real estate lawyers work hard to close your deal in a manner that is best for your circumstances.  We have represented a broad range of clients in the negotiation and completion of many commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase or sale of office buildings, apartment buildings, hotels, and industrial properties.

We will assist you in all of these matters:

• Commercial Purchases and Sales
• Commercial Financing and Mortgages
• Commercial Leasing
• Construction Financing
• Land Development
• Condominium Developments

Our experience and resources ensure that we are able to competently represent clients with virtually any type of transaction or financing, including negotiating and drafting purchase agreements, drafting a lease, or structuring a joint venture or limited partnership.

Real Estate Development:

Our real estate lawyers have experience in a wide range of legal services for development related matters including:

• Preliminary Layout Approvals
• Real Estate Disclosure Statements
• Joint Venture Agreements
• Subdivision and Rezoning Applications
• Easements, Covenants and Statutory Rights of Way
• Fee Simple and Strata Lot Developments

Our office works with other professionals including surveyors and engineers, as well as municipal, regional and provincial authorities.  We represent clients including developers, builders, investors and landlords.  Our experience has given us the knowledge required to assist our clients through all phases of development projects including planning, approvals, disclosure, construction, and completion.

Please contact our office for more information or a confidential consultation.

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