Loans or Gifts: The Common Dispute
In my 25 years as a family lawyer in British Columbia, I have witnessed countless disputes involving parental generosity during relationships. Parents transfer property titles to their children, provide substantial cash gifts for down payments, or pay off mortgages—all with the best intentions. However, when relationships break down, these well-meaning gifts often become contentious battlegrounds. […]
Bill C-12: Could Canada Cancel Your Permanent Residence?
What PR Holders Need to Know Last Updated: November 10, 2025 If you’re a permanent resident of Canada, you need to know about Bill C-12—a proposed law that could fundamentally change the security of your permanent resident card and travel documents. While this legislation hasn’t become law yet, its potential impact on PR card holders […]
Richmond Property Owners
Your Rights Are Protected After Cowichan Tribes Decision A Practical Guide to Understanding Cowichan Tribes v. Canada (Attorney General), 2025 BCSC 1490 This article is for Richmond residents and property owners worried about the August 7, 2025 court decision. The bottom line: Your property was not before the court, your interests were not adjudicated, and […]
Is Your Pet a Child, or Property? Understanding BC’s New Pet Custody Laws
When Couples Separate, Who Gets the Dog? If you’re going through a separation in British Columbia and worried about who will keep your beloved pet, you’re not alone. For many couples, deciding who gets custody of the family dog or cat can be as emotionally difficult as any other aspect of divorce. BC recently became […]
Navigating BC Supreme Court Family Law
A Step-by-Step Guide to Family Law Procedures in Vancouver, BC If you’re facing a family law dispute in British Columbia that involves complex issues like property division, spousal support, or guardianship matters, you need to file in BC Supreme Court. Understanding the court process can feel overwhelming, but this guide breaks down each step in […]
A Step-by-Step Guide to Civil Procedure in BC Supreme Court
Whether you’re pursuing a breach of contract claim, a personal injury lawsuit, or any other civil dispute in British Columbia, understanding the court process is essential. This guide walks you through each stage of a BC Supreme Court civil action, from filing your Notice of Civil Claim to obtaining judgment at trial, in plain English […]
Dealing with Noise Nuisance in BC Condos
Your Legal Rights and Remedies Excessive noise from your upstairs neighbour disrupting your life? Here’s how to address condo noise complaints effectively. Noise nuisance is one of the most frequent complaints in condo living and strata properties across British Columbia. Whether it’s loud music, heavy footsteps, or constant disturbances from an upstairs unit or neighbouring […]
When Parents Help Adult Children Is It a Gift or a Loan Under BC Family Law?
When parents transfer money or property to their adult children in relationships, the legal consequences can be significant and surprising. Understanding whether these transfers are gifts, loans, or something else entirely can mean the difference between keeping assets protected or losing them in a family property division. The Critical Question: Gift to Your Child or […]
When Neighbour’s Trees Become Your Problem
BC Property Law and Tree Nuisance Claims Overhanging branches damaging your roof? Dead limbs falling on your property? You may have legal recourse. Tree disputes between neighbours are among the most common property boundary conflicts in British Columbia. Recently, I represented a client in BC Supreme Court against their neighbour for tree nuisance causing significant […]
The Costly Consequences of Bad Faith Evictions in BC
Thinking of evicting your tenant for “personal use”? Think twice—the penalty could cost you a full year’s rent. Under British Columbia’s Residential Tenancy Act (RTA), landlords can issue a three-month eviction notice when they or a close family member genuinely intend to occupy the rental property. However, when this landlord uses eviction provision is misused, […]