Helen Low

Helen Low stands at the forefront of Fasken's BC division, helming the Wills, Trusts, Estates, and Charities Group with unmatched expertise. Her practice is a cornerstone for those navigating the intricate waters of estate disputes, offering a guiding hand through tumultuous times involving wills, trusts, and the rights of the elderly and incapacitated. Helen's approach to estate planning is both meticulous and compassionate, ensuring that both straightforward and complex estate arrangements are designed to preemptively quell any potential post-mortem disagreements.

Her legal prowess extends across a vast array of contentious estate matters. She's adept at untangling estate plans under scrutiny, recalibrating wills and trusts, addressing abuses of power by attorneys, and spearheading committeeship cases, among others. Her efforts to resolve disputes over asset distribution, whether through undue influence, incapacity, or contentious joint tenancies, have earned her accolades from prestigious legal directories and societies, including Best Lawyers in Canada and the American College of Trial Lawyers.

Beyond litigation, Helen's advisory role encompasses the full spectrum of estate and business succession planning. From drafting pivotal documents like wills and trusts to navigating the complex process of asset transfer, her goal remains clear: to secure her clients' legacies and minimize future conflict. Her tenure as an adjunct professor at UBC's Faculty of Law, coupled with her recognition as Queen’s Counsel, underscores her profound contribution to the field of estate law.

Helen's litigation expertise covers an extensive range of estate-related disputes, ensuring fair treatment for disinherited children or spouses, validating wills and trusts, and clarifying the ownership of joint assets. Her adeptness at interpreting legal documents and addressing claims of financial abuse or unjust enrichment further showcases her comprehensive grasp of estate litigation.

In the realm of estate administration, Helen's guidance is indispensable for executors and trustees, ensuring the seamless execution of estates, wills, and trusts. She deftly addresses the myriad responsibilities and challenges these roles entail, from tax obligations to the equitable treatment of heirs and beneficiaries. Her expertise also extends globally, managing estates with assets across multiple jurisdictions.

Elder law is another facet of Helen's practice, where she champions the rights and needs of the elderly. Through careful incapacity planning and legal protections for the vulnerable, she safeguards the interests of those unable to advocate for themselves.

Her strategic estate planning advice is sought after for its ability to preserve wealth and familial harmony across generations. By creating tailored estate plans, Helen mitigates the risk of future litigation, ensuring that her clients' wishes are honored and protected.

Helen's commitment extends beyond individual clients to the broader community, advising charities and not-for-profits on securing and managing gifts. Her professional qualifications, including her role as an expert witness and her contributions to legal education, highlight her dedication to advancing the field of estate law.

With an illustrious career marked by leadership positions in various legal and community organizations, Helen's impact resonates beyond the courtroom and classroom. Her involvement with institutions like Canuck Place Children's Hospice and the BC Children's Hospital reflects her commitment to societal well-being, making her a distinguished figure in both the legal and philanthropic landscapes.