We focus on family law, under British Columbia's Family Law Act and the federal Divorce Act, and on wills and estates. Here is what we help with.
Separation is a legal status in itself. You don't need a court order or a document to be separated. Divorce is the court order that formally ends a marriage, and it's usually the last step once everything else is resolved.
BC law focuses only on the best interests of the child. We help parents agree on, or ask the court to decide, who makes the big decisions and how time is shared.
Child support is the right of the child, and in most cases the amount follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines. The details, like determining income, shared parenting and special expenses, are where good advice matters.
Whether spousal support is payable, how much, and for how long depend on the relationship's length, each person's role, and their financial situation. We use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines to give you realistic ranges early.
In BC, family property and family debt are generally shared equally, while certain excluded property, like pre-relationship assets, gifts and inheritances, may stay with one spouse. Tracing and valuing those assets is often where cases are won or lost.
A well-drafted agreement lets you decide your own terms instead of leaving them to a default rule or a judge. The key is full disclosure and independent advice for both people, so the agreement holds up.
Most family matters are best resolved outside court. It's faster, less costly, private, and far easier on children. We represent clients in mediation and practise collaborative family law, where everyone commits to reaching a settlement without litigation.
If you or your children are unsafe, we can act quickly. That includes applying for protection orders and for urgent orders about parenting and the family home.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For confidential support 24/7, call VictimLinkBC at 1-800-563-0808.
Separation, marriage, a new relationship or a new child all change who should inherit and who should make decisions for you. Under BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act, separation can also affect gifts to a former spouse. We help you put a plan in place, and we help families through an estate when someone dies.
A first consultation gives you a clear picture of where you stand and what your options are. Most people leave with a plan.
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