Glossary of Legal Terms

Access is an older family law term that used to describe time a child spent with a parent or another person. In many newer B.C. matters, it has largely been replaced by terms such as parenting time or contact.

An administrator is the person appointed to manage an estate when there is no will, no executor was named, or the named executor cannot act. Their authority usually comes from a grant of administration.

An advance directive is a legal document in which an adult gives instructions about health care decisions that may be followed if the adult becomes incapable of making those decisions later.

An affidavit is a written statement of facts that a person swears or affirms is true. It is often used as evidence in court and must be signed in front of someone allowed to witness it, such as a lawyer, notary public, or commissioner of oaths.

An alternate executor is the backup executor named in a will in case the first choice cannot or does not want to act. Naming an alternate can help avoid delays in estate administration.

An annual general meeting is the yearly meeting of a company’s shareholders if one is required or held. Corporate matters such as director elections and certain approvals may be dealt with at that meeting.

An annual report is the filing a B.C. company must make each year to keep its registry information current. It helps the public record stay accurate and helps the company remain in good standing.

In land title practice, an applicant is the person or party making an application to register something in the land title system. The applicant may be an owner, lender, lawyer, or another authorized party.

An application is the package or request filed to register a document or change in the land title system. It is the formal step used to record interests affecting land.

A company’s articles are the rules that govern how the company conducts itself. They can cover matters such as share rights, internal procedures, and restrictions on the business or powers of the company.

An authorized share structure is the set of share classes and related rights a company is allowed to issue under its corporate documents. It describes the framework for the company’s shares.

A beneficial owner is a person who benefits from or effectively controls property even if another person or entity is the registered legal owner. Beneficial ownership can matter in transparency and trust-related matters.

A beneficiary is a person or organization that is entitled to receive something from an estate. That entitlement may come from a will or, in some cases, from succession rules that apply when there is no will.

The board of directors is the group of directors responsible for managing, or supervising the management of, the company’s business and affairs. The board acts for the company at a high level.

A builder’s lien is a claim that may be filed against land when work or materials supplied to improve the property have not been paid for. It is meant to help secure payment for construction-related work.

A certificate of incorporation is the official record issued when a company is incorporated. It confirms the company has been legally formed.

A charge is a registered interest or claim against land, such as a mortgage, easement, or covenant. Charges appear on title and can affect the owner’s rights.

A charge number is the number assigned to a registered charge in the land title system. It helps identify a specific charge on title.

Child support is money one parent pays to help cover a child’s everyday needs after separation. It is meant to help with things like housing, food, clothing, and other costs of raising a child, and it is usually based on the Child Support Guidelines.

A codicil is a formal change or addition to an existing will. It must meet the legal requirements that apply to changing a will.