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Many Canadians, particularly retirees, investors, and snowbirds, hold a substantial portion of their wealth in the United States, from brokerage accounts and retirement plans to vacation properties or bank holdings. This raises a key estate planning question:If most of my assets are in the US, is it best to have a local executor?The straightforward answer: Often yes, especially for efficien…

Starting a business in British Columbia is an exciting adventure, whether you’re launching a tech startup in Vancouver’s vibrant scene, opening a retail shop on Lonsdale in North Vancouver, or establishing a service-based venture in West Vancouver. From reserving a business name to finalizing agreements and securing financing, the process involves key legal documents that need to be handled caref…

Elder abuse is a serious and often underreported issue affecting older adults across Canada, including in British Columbia. It encompasses physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful forms of mistreatment, as well as abandonment. According to the Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA) and provincial data, financial exploitation is particularly prevalent, with misuse…

If you’re a business in Canada that deals with financial transactions, whether you’re a bank, credit union, real estate broker, casino, money services business (MSB), or any other reporting entity, staying compliant with Canada’s anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing (AML/ATF) regime is non-negotiable.The good news? FINTRAC just made it a lot easier to get up to speed.The Fin…

I am thrilled to share the exciting news that I have been awarded the Certificate of Excellence for an incredible seven years in a row, spanning from 2020 to 2026! This prestigious recognition places me among the top 3 notary public services in North Vancouver.This prestigious recognition, awarded by ThreeBestRated, is a result of a meticulous evaluation encompassing customer reviews, rat…

Most people think lenders only count their paycheck from work. The truth? Banks and private lenders are often happy to include rental income, child benefits, pensions, investment dividends, and even consistent side-hustle earnings, as long as everything is properly documented.That “extra” money can add $20,000, $50,000 or even $100,000+ to the mortgage you qualify for.Here’s exactly what…

Navigating a real estate transaction, whether buying a home in North Vancouver, selling a property in West Vancouver, or transferring a condo in Lonsdale, can feel like a daunting task. The legal complexities involved require precision and expertise, which is where a conveyancer comes in. At Jamie Taleb Notary Public, our conveyancing and real estate transaction services ensure your property deal…

Canada’s Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre (FINTRAC) has updated its guidance on politically exposed persons (PEPs) and heads of international organizations (HIOs), with a sharper focus on bribery and corruption risks. Alongside this, FINTRAC released new money laundering indicators to help businesses spot and report suspicious transactions.These updates are vital for entitie…

Owning assets abroad, whether it’s a vacation home in Italy, a bank account in Singapore, or investments in another country, can add complexity to your estate planning. As a North Vancouver Notary Public, Jamie Taleb Notary Public often helps clients navigate the intricacies of managing assets both locally and internationally. A common question we hear is: Do you need a will for overseas assets…