Our Practice Areas
Serving the Kootenays with Legal Expertise: Nelson, Trail, Castlegar, Creston, and Cranbrook and beyond
Business Law
Helping Your Business Succeed
At Watson & Company, our goal is to help your business achieve success, no matter its size or type. We believe that strong legal support and advice are essential for business growth. Our experienced lawyers provide efficient business law services tailored to your needs.
We represent a wide range of business clients in various transactions, including:
- Business Purchases and Sales: Companies, partnerships, and sole proprietorships.
- Commercial Leases: Drafting and negotiating commercial lease agreements.
- Corporate Transactions: Shareholder agreements, reorganizations, and related transactions.
- Incorporation: Incorporating and maintaining British Columbia and federally incorporated companies and extra provincial registrations.
- Business Structures: Sole proprietorships, partnerships, and joint ventures.
- Financial Institutions: Acting for banks and credit unions.
- Property Development: Assisting developers with subdivision, strata title creation, marketing, and administration.
Our clients include individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, developers, private corporations, and financial institutions, including chartered banks and credit unions.
For more information or a confidential consultation, please contact our office.
Practicing Lawyers
Matthew Scheffelmaier
Matthew Scheffelmaier brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With a focus on business law, civil litigation, real estate law, and wills & estates, Matthew is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His approachable manner and strategic thinking ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions, whether navigating complex property transactions or planning for the future. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Matthew takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
Douglas Wilson
Doug E. Wilson was born and raised in Trail, BC, and proudly calls this area home. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he also excelled as a member of the university’s soccer team. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Doug pursued his Juris Doctor law degree in Australia, graduating from Bond University. The strong ties of family and community drew Doug back to Trail, where he has been practicing law for the past five years. His legal expertise spans several key areas, ensuring comprehensive support for his clients.
Wills & Estates
Ensuring Peace of Mind for You and Your Loved Ones
The importance of having an estate plan cannot be overstated. It is one of the most effective ways to protect your loved ones and provide peace of mind during difficult times. Our experienced lawyers at Watson & Company will create a clear and comprehensive estate plan that ensures your wishes are respected and followed, facilitating a smooth transition of your assets.
Our estate planning and administration services include:
- Wills: Ensure your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
- Trusts: Conserve your assets to benefit designated persons and minimize taxes, either during your lifetime or upon your death.
- Powers of Attorney: Authorize trusted individuals to manage your financial affairs as directed by you.
- Collaborative Planning: Work with your accountant and financial advisors to address all tax considerations.
- Executor and Administrator Services: Act for executors and administrators to obtain probate or administration and fulfill their duties to beneficiaries, creditors, and the court.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our office.
Practicing Lawyers
Douglas Wilson
Doug E. Wilson was born and raised in Trail, BC, and proudly calls this area home. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he also excelled as a member of the university’s soccer team. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Doug pursued his Juris Doctor law degree in Australia, graduating from Bond University. The strong ties of family and community drew Doug back to Trail, where he has been practicing law for the past five years. His legal expertise spans several key areas, ensuring comprehensive support for his clients.
Alan Perello
Alan Perello brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With expertise in family law, criminal law, and wills and estates, Alan is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His practical approach and strong communication skills ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Alan takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives and the community.
Peter Beug
Peter Beug brings wide-ranging experience and enthusiasm to Watson & Company. With experience in civil litigation, estate litigation, corporate disputes, land disputes, and family law, Peter is committed to providing top-notch legal services. He approaches legal issues practically and focuses on achieving the best results possible for his clients.
Civil & Commercial Litigation
Resolving Legal Disputes with Expertise and Care
We understand that legal disputes can be stressful and unpredictable. Our goal at Watson & Company is to achieve a timely and cost-effective resolution whenever possible. Our experienced civil litigation lawyers are dedicated to stepping in and protecting our clients’ interests.
Litigation can be a lengthy and costly process. We will advise you on the options available and help you determine a strategy that meets your needs. Once a strategy is in place, we work diligently to achieve the desired outcome. We strive to resolve cases through negotiation or mediation whenever appropriate, leveraging our experience to judge when to litigate and when to settle. In determining whether to litigate, we work with you to assess if the potential gain outweighs the risks and costs of court proceedings.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our office.
Practicing Lawyers
Matthew Scheffelmaier
Matthew Scheffelmaier brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With a focus on business law, civil litigation, real estate law, and wills & estates, Matthew is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His approachable manner and strategic thinking ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions, whether navigating complex property transactions or planning for the future. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Matthew takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
Peter Beug
Peter Beug brings wide-ranging experience and enthusiasm to Watson & Company. With experience in civil litigation, estate litigation, corporate disputes, land disputes, and family law, Peter is committed to providing top-notch legal services. He approaches legal issues practically and focuses on achieving the best results possible for his clients.
Family Law
Supporting Families with Compassion and Expertise
Families often need an objective and professional perspective to help resolve disputes. At Watson & Company, we are committed to providing such a perspective to ensure workable resolutions and healthy family dynamics after separation.
We offer a comprehensive range of family law services, including:
- Child Support
- Spousal Support
- Guardianship and Parenting Time
- Division of Property
- Divorce
- Enforcement of Court Orders and Judgments
- Marriage, Cohabitation, and Separation Agreements
We understand that during difficult times, clients need a lawyer who listens and understands their unique situation. We strive to resolve disputes through negotiation whenever possible. If an agreement cannot be reached, we will diligently pursue remedies in court.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation,please contact our office.
Practicing Lawyers
Alan Perello
Alan Perello brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With expertise in family law, criminal law, and wills and estates, Alan is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His practical approach and strong communication skills ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Alan takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives and the community.
Peter Beug
Peter Beug brings wide-ranging experience and enthusiasm to Watson & Company. With experience in civil litigation, estate litigation, corporate disputes, land disputes, and family law, Peter is committed to providing top-notch legal services. He approaches legal issues practically and focuses on achieving the best results possible for his clients.
Criminal Law
Protecting Your Rights and Freedom
Being charged with a criminal offence can have serious and long-lasting consequences for your freedom, financial security, and personal life. The criminal justice system is complex, and having knowledgeable legal counsel is crucial to navigating the court process, understanding legal defences, and minimizing potential penalties.
At Watson & Company, our experienced legal team is skilled in negotiating resolutions with the Court. We provide effective representation in most types of Criminal Code offences and Motor Vehicle Act offenses, including:
- Assaults (including Domestic Violence)
- Sexual Offences
- Domestic Violence
- Homicide
- Driving while Prohibited
- Theft
- Uttering Threats
- Breaches
- Peace Bonds
If you choose us to represent you, we will work diligently to reduce the stress and anxiety you may face during court proceedings or negotiations. We keep you informed about your case at every step, striving to achieve the best possible outcomes while maintaining strict confidentiality.
Practicing Lawyers
Alan Perello
Alan Perello brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With expertise in family law, criminal law, and wills and estates, Alan is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His practical approach and strong communication skills ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Alan takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives and the community.
Real Estate Law
Guiding You Through Every Real Estate Transaction
Residential Property Transactions
Buying or selling a home involves many considerations. Our experienced real estate lawyers at Watson & Company are here to guide you through every detail of buying, selling, or refinancing your property. We represent and advise purchasers, sellers, and investors in various transactions, including:
- Residential Purchases and Sales
- Condominium Purchases and Sales
- Leases and Related Transactions
- Mortgage Financing
- New Home Construction
- Refinancing
Commercial Property Transactions
Our real estate lawyers work diligently to close your commercial real estate deals in the best manner for your circumstances. We have represented a broad range of clients in negotiating and completing numerous commercial real estate transactions, including the purchase or sale of office buildings, apartment buildings, hotels, and industrial properties. We assist with:
- Commercial Purchases and Sales
- Commercial Financing and Mortgages
- Commercial Leasing
- Construction Financing
- Land Development
- Condominium Developments
Our experience and resources ensure competent representation for virtually any type of transaction or financing, including negotiating and drafting purchase agreements, drafting leases, or structuring joint ventures and limited partnerships.
Real Estate Development
Our real estate lawyers provide a wide range of legal services for development-related matters, including:
- Preliminary Layout Approvals
- Real Estate Disclosure Statements
- Joint Venture Agreements
- Subdivision and Rezoning Applications
- Easements, Covenants, and Statutory Rights of Way
- Fee Simple and Strata Lot Developments
We collaborate with professionals such as surveyors and engineers, and work with municipal, regional, and provincial authorities. We represent developers, builders, investors, and landlords, assisting them through all phases of development projects, including planning, approvals, disclosure, construction, and completion.
For more information or to schedule a confidential consultation, please contact our office.
Practicing Lawyers
Matthew Scheffelmaier
Matthew Scheffelmaier brings a wealth of experience and dedication to Watson & Company. With a focus on business law, civil litigation, real estate law, and wills & estates, Matthew is committed to providing top-notch legal services. His approachable manner and strategic thinking ensure clients receive personalized and effective solutions, whether navigating complex property transactions or planning for the future. Passionate about serving the Kootenays, Matthew takes pride in making a positive impact on his clients’ lives.
Douglas Wilson
Doug E. Wilson was born and raised in Trail, BC, and proudly calls this area home. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of British Columbia (UBC), where he also excelled as a member of the university’s soccer team. Seeking to broaden his horizons, Doug pursued his Juris Doctor law degree in Australia, graduating from Bond University. The strong ties of family and community drew Doug back to Trail, where he has been practicing law for the past five years. His legal expertise spans several key areas, ensuring comprehensive support for his clients.