Van Beek Barbosa Notary Corporation - Walnut Grove Notaries

10/10/2026

10/09/2026

Thank you Jeanette for sharing and your kind words!

Walnut Grove Notaries was a special featured business in the Langley Advance Times for Wills Week October 4th to 10th!

A will alone is not enough - Power of attorney and representation agreements protect the living

By Donna Van Beek & Marcella Barbosa
Special to Advance Times

Most people assume that having a will is enough to protect themselves and their family if something goes wrong. But a will only takes effect after death.

If you become seriously ill, injured, or mentally incapable while still alive, two other documents matter far more: a power of attorney and a representation agreement.

A power of attorney lets you appoint someone, your “attorney,” to manage your financial and legal affairs: paying bills, managing investments, dealing with your bank, or selling property.

In British Columbia, most people prepare an “enduring” power of attorney, meaning it remains valid even if you later lose the mental capacity to manage your own affairs. Without one, your family may have to apply to court to be appointed as your “committee,” and that requires a lawyer – which will be very expensive and time consuming.

A representation agreement covers different aspects entirely: your health care and personal care. It lets you name a representative to make decisions about medical treatments, where you live, and day-to-day personal care if you’re unable to decide for yourself.

There is also an option for representation agreement that covers basic banking for adults with reduced capacity, who are no longer eligible to do a power of attorney. This is why the two documents work together, not as substitutes for one another.

• A power of attorney with no representation agreement could leave your health-care decisions in limbo, depending on your family situation.
• A representation agreement with no power of attorney leaves your bills unpaid and your assets unmanaged.

☆ Both documents should be prepared while you’re mentally capable, not after a crisis begins.

A B.C. Notary Public can help you prepare either document, explain your options, and make sure they reflect your actual wishes.

– Donna Van Beek and Marcella Barbosa are Notaries with Walnut Grove Notaries

10/09/2026

Writing
📜 As Make a Will Week (October 4th to 10th) comes to a close, we have one important question for you…
Is your Will up to date?

At Walnut Grove Notaries, we believe planning for the future is one of the most thoughtful gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.

Whether you're preparing your first Will, updating an existing one, or navigating changes in your life, our experienced team is here to help you take that important step with confidence and peace of mind.

Make a Will Week may be ending, but protecting your wishes and your loved ones is important all year long!
Don't leave your future to chance. Let's start the conversation.

📍 Walnut Grove Notaries
20171 92A Avenue, Unit 201, Langley, BC
📞 604-888-6605



Photo credit BC Notaries Association

10/07/2026

Walnut Grove Notaries was a special featured business in the Langley Advance Times for Wills Week October 4th to 10th!

A will alone is not enough - Power of attorney and representation agreements protect the living

By Donna Van Beek & Marcella Barbosa
Special to Advance Times

Most people assume that having a will is enough to protect themselves and their family if something goes wrong. But a will only takes effect after death.

If you become seriously ill, injured, or mentally incapable while still alive, two other documents matter far more: a power of attorney and a representation agreement.

A power of attorney lets you appoint someone, your “attorney,” to manage your financial and legal affairs: paying bills, managing investments, dealing with your bank, or selling property.

In British Columbia, most people prepare an “enduring” power of attorney, meaning it remains valid even if you later lose the mental capacity to manage your own affairs. Without one, your family may have to apply to court to be appointed as your “committee,” and that requires a lawyer – which will be very expensive and time consuming.

A representation agreement covers different aspects entirely: your health care and personal care. It lets you name a representative to make decisions about medical treatments, where you live, and day-to-day personal care if you’re unable to decide for yourself.

There is also an option for representation agreement that covers basic banking for adults with reduced capacity, who are no longer eligible to do a power of attorney. This is why the two documents work together, not as substitutes for one another.

• A power of attorney with no representation agreement could leave your health-care decisions in limbo, depending on your family situation.
• A representation agreement with no power of attorney leaves your bills unpaid and your assets unmanaged.

☆ Both documents should be prepared while you’re mentally capable, not after a crisis begins.

A B.C. Notary Public can help you prepare either document, explain your options, and make sure they reflect your actual wishes.

– Donna Van Beek and Marcella Barbosa are Notaries with Walnut Grove Notaries

10/06/2026

Wills Week October 4th to 10th!

'Why is having a will so important?

Without one, your estate may be distributed per BC law ...not your wishes—and administration costs can skyrocket.

A will allows you to:
- Determine who inherits what
- Appoint guardians for minor children
- Make funeral arrangements
- Ease the burden on loved ones navigating a difficult time

Use Make a Will Week to take control of your legacy today.' - BC Notaries Association

Contact us at Walnut Grove Notaries 604 888-6605

10/05/2026

Today we celebrate the teachers who educate, encourage, inspire and help shape the future — one student at a time.

On World Teachers’ Day, the team at Walnut Grove Notaries sends a heartfelt THANK YOU to the incredible educators in our community for the patience, passion and dedication you bring to your classrooms every day.

Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom.

Happy World Teachers’ Day!

10/03/2026

With Lower Fraser Valley Aboriginal Society – We just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

10/03/2026

Reminder Make Will Week Starts Sunday October 4th!

Had big life changes recently? Time to update your will!

Did you get married, have a baby, purchase a home, or get separated? Updating your will ensures your wishes reflect your life—today.

Use this Make a Will Week as your reminder to check in with with us!

Call Walnut Grove Notaries 604 888-6605 or visit www.wgnotaries.com

(Photo credit BC Notaries Association)

10/01/2026

At Walnut Grove Notaries, we have the privilege of working with seniors in our community and hearing the stories, wisdom and experiences that have helped shape families and generations.

Today is an opportunity to recognize and thank the older adults in our lives ... our parents, grandparents, neighbours, mentors, friends and community builders... for all they have contributed and continue to contribute.

Take a moment today to make a phone call, share a visit, lend a hand or simply say, “Thank you.”

Happy National Seniors Day from all of us at Walnut Grove Notaries.

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/campaigns/national-seniors-day.html

(Photo credit: Government of Canada)

09/30/2026

For over 30 + years Donna Van Beek has been a Soroptimist of the Langleys this article articulates written by fellow Soroptimist member Vanessa perfectly why she continues to be one - Well written Vanessa!

By Vanessa Turke, Soroptimist International of the Langleys