Most divorcing couples in British Columbia don’t end up with a judge deciding the key matters. Instead, they negotiate a settlement agreement. The judge will check this to confirm that “reasonable arrangements” have been made for the children before granting the divorce. The settlement agreement process can be challenging for separating couples during a time […]
A prenuptial agreement is a “marriage contract” made before a marriage starts, often helping to decide key financial matters in the event of divorce. Such agreements are becoming increasingly common in British Columbia, as couples get married later in life, often having already accumulated significant assets. Prenuptials can reduce the level of financial uncertainty while
In many British Columbia divorces, mediation is a voluntary process where spouses agree to sit down with a trained mediator to settle their main differences. The divorce mediator tries to facilitate an agreement on disputed matters and, if successful, the mediation process helps to avoid litigation and keep things more amicable. But how can you
When parents separate or divorce in British Columbia, their legal responsibility to financially support their children remains—even if they relocate to another province or overseas. One parent usually pays child support to the other parent to assist in meeting the various expenses involved in raising the child. The calculation of how much support must be
A business is often one of the major assets to consider after a couple separates in British Columbia. Business owners may wonder what steps they can take to protect this asset during divorce proceedings. Business assets are almost always considered marital property and, therefore, subject to B.C.’s equal property division laws. However, the laws are
Whether you’re legally married or in a common-law relationship in British Columbia, separation can be challenging. During times of such personal, emotional, and practical upheaval, making clear, well-considered decisions can be tough. It helps to understand the relevant separation laws for married and unmarried couples before you talk your situation through with a divorce or
Parental Responsibilities Models: The Joyce Model vs. The Horn Model When parents separate in British Columbia, determining how major decisions about their children will be made becomes critical. Beyond parenting time schedules, courts must establish who has authority to make significant decisions about the child’s health, education, and welfare. British Columbia courts use two primary
When a BC Provincial Court family case decision doesn’t go your way, you might wonder if there’s a path forward. Section 233 of the Family Law Act grants you the right to appeal certain Provincial Court family decisions to the Supreme Court. However, the appeals process involves strict timelines and specific procedures you need to
During a separation, there are often legitimate concerns about the protection of the marital finances and property before it is divided between the two spouses. As you’re working out the main property division and support issues in your separation agreement, certain steps can be taken to protect yourself financially. As a starting point, make a
Family law protection orders are an essential legal safeguard under British Columbia’s Family Law Act, designed to protect individuals and children from family violence, threats, harassment, or emotional abuse. These court orders can provide urgent safety measures by placing clear legal boundaries on an abusive partner or family member. At Legalbird, our experienced family lawyers