Layne Thiessen

Layne Thiessen stands as a beacon of dedication in the realm of estate litigation, offering his expertise to a diverse clientele across Alberta and beyond, reaching as far as the United States, Mexico, France, and Germany. His approach is straightforward: he expects honesty and, in exchange, commits to a relentless and fervent pursuit of his clients' objectives. Over a decade, Layne has navigated the complex waters of estate disputes, employing mediation and litigation to advocate for his clients at every judicial level within Alberta.

His practice encompasses a broad spectrum of estate dispute resolutions. This includes interpreting wills and trusts, challenging wills, navigating probate matters, and estate administration advice. He also specializes in the removal and replacement of trustees, ensuring fair compensation for them, and tackling issues related to testamentary capacity and undue influence, especially concerning inter vivos gifts. His expertise extends to joint account litigation, dependant support claims, and the intricacies of power of attorney and trust litigation, not to mention contested account passings.

Layne's voice is prominent in his field; he regularly shares his knowledge with financial advisors, accountants, and fellow legal professionals. His presentations have graced the halls of the Canadian Bar Association and the Legal Education Society of Alberta, benefiting attendees from accounting, tax, and financial advisory backgrounds.

His educational background is as diverse as his professional experience, holding a JD from the University of Manitoba, a BA with Honours from Brandon University, and a Diploma in Radio & Television Broadcasting from Robertson Broadcasting Academy, all of which have contributed to his comprehensive approach to legal and communicative practices.

Among his notable cases are the Duhn Estate, Starratt v. Mamdani, and Toyota Tsusho Wheatland Inc v. Encana Corporation, showcasing his wide-ranging impact within the legal landscape. Layne's membership in the Alberta Bar since 2010 further solidifies his standing as a trusted advisor and advocate within the legal community. His dedication extends beyond the courtroom, as evidenced by his teaching roles and speaking engagements, where he continues to influence and educate on matters of estate litigation and beyond.