News
Bill MacRae named Lexology Legal Influencer
November 2, 2023
William D. MacRae*
*William D. MacRae Law Corporation
Associate Counsel
He/Him
William’s clients count on him for his wealth preservation expertise.
Biography
As the chair of our Wills & Estates Group, William’s practice is focused on helping clients set up wills, trusts and use other tools that help them preserve wealth and transfer it to their beneficiaries in an efficient and effective manner. He is also known for his keen understanding of the laws that impact each facet of his practice.
William has a reputation for carefully considering the entire estate including family businesses, real estate holdings, investment assets, family trusts, pensions and life insurance to best serve his client’s needs. He also reviews charitable intentions and discusses ways to integrate them into the client’s planning.
William often works with colleagues at trust companies and accounting firms to structure his services to provide comprehensive solutions for his clients.
Assistance Team
Expertise
Education
University of British Columbia, LL.B., 1975
University of Winnipeg, B.A., 1972
Languages spoken
- English
Experience
Wills & Estates
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As claims under the Wills, Estates and Succession Act are especially of concern in a second marriage situation, we have assisted clients in setting up alter ego/joint partner trusts to deal with such Wills, Estates and Succession Act scenarios
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The enhanced legal status of common-law partners in estate law has meant that we now advise our clients to take into account family situations which were previously not considered
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Assisting clients to minimize the probate fees payable to the government in light of among other things, the substantial increase in estate values due to housing price increases
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Ensuring that our clients have plans in place to deal with the possibility of a temporary or permanent incapacity
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Assisting individual clients with estate administration matters where the individual has no previous experience as personal representative or beneficiary
Professional Credentials
Leadership
- Arthritis Society of BC and Yukon, Past Director
- Harper Grey Wills & Estates Group, Chair
Memberships
- Canadian Bar Association, BC Branch Subsections, Member: Wills and Trusts
- Estate Planning Council of Vancouver, Member
Recognition
Recognized as a “Leading Lawyer” in the area of Trusts and Estates in Canada by Best Lawyers®
2020-2024
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