Home Is Where The . . . . Domicile Is?

Born in Vancouver, raised in Toronto, educated in New York, graduate degree from England, first job in Hong Kong, transferred to Tokyo, retired in the Cayman Islands.

In our increasingly mobile world, it is not uncommon for a person to have lived in multiple jurisdictions throughout their lives. Educational and career opportunities can often take someone from one country to another, accumulating assets in many locations. In this era of the global citizen, when was the last time you asked yourself: what is my domicile? More likely than not, the answer is never. However, a recent decision of the British Columbia Court of Appeal suggests it may be time you did. The answer could have important implications on your estate planning, or even the validity of your will.