n British Columbia, an ex-spouse generally cannot claim a future inheritance that has not yet been received. A potential inheritance is considered a mere expectancy—meaning it’s not guaranteed—and therefore, it is not treated as family property under the Family Law Act. Until the inheritance is actually received, it does not form part of the assets to be divided during a separation or divorce.

In British Columbia, if an inheritance is used to buy a family home, it can become family property and be subject to division during divorce — even though inheritances are typically excluded from division.