Divorce Law BC: Dividing Assets Acquired by Joint Family Venture
Where spouses contribute in various ways, and in different measures, to the acquisition of family wealth and assets, how does BC divorce law apply to divide that…
Can I Challenge a BC Marriage Agreement if I got Legal Advice Before Signing?
A BC marriage agreement may be unenforceable if one or both of the spouses did not obtain independent legal advice before signing the agreement. Without independent legal…
Challenging the Enforceability of a BC Marriage Agreement
If properly prepared, a BC marriage agreement effectively and efficiently deals with issues such as division of property, responsibility for debts, spousal support, and child support on…
Legal Test of “Best Interests of the Child” is the Only Consideration
When parents or judges make decisions about parenting – including decisions about guardianship, parental responsibilities, and contact with a child – BC family law is clear that the…
BC Divorce Law: Parenting Coordinators Offer New Approach
The role of a parenting coordinator is relatively new to BC divorce law. Divorce is a very difficult process for the whole family and when parents separate…
BC Family Law: Increasingly Proactive Role of Judges
The traditional trial culture of BC family law has shifted to react to the demands of an overwhelmed system that is under-resourced and buried under a never-ending…
Do Grandparents Have Rights in BC? Parental Authority and Grandparent Access
Do grandparents have rights in BC? For example, are grandparents in BC able to get a court order for access to their grandchildren? The answer is yes. In…
Child Custody and Access When the Child is in a Different Country
There are a host of additional considerations with respect to child custody and access when the child is in a different country. I have recently discussed child…
What Not to Do in a Custody Battle: Using Access as Negotiating Lever
A recent decision of the Ontario courts provides sharp reminder to parents on what not to do in a custody battle. In Harboura v. Sitzer, 2016 ONSC…
Child Custody When Parents Live In Different Countries: Jurisdiction of the Court
It can be challenging to obtain an order for child custody when parents live in different countries, particularly where one parent has moved to a new country…