A plan for the legal problem and the life around it
Family law is emotional because the evidence is personal. Text messages, bank records, parenting routines and old promises can all become part of the case. Our role is to bring order to that story. We explain the law, separate urgent issues from long-term ones and build a plan that protects your children, property and future.
We look for a workable settlement first when it can protect you. Negotiation, a four-way meeting or mediation may save time, money and family relationships. If safety, hidden assets or an unreasonable position makes court necessary, we prepare for court.
Separation and divorce
We advise married and unmarried spouses about separation, divorce and the claims that follow. Those claims may include parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, family property and debt. We also handle uncontested divorces when the remaining issues have been resolved.
Parenting arrangements and guardianship
Parents often search for a “child custody lawyer,” but British Columbia law now speaks mainly about guardianship, parental responsibilities and parenting time. The court focuses on the child’s best interests. We help parents propose safe, realistic schedules and address decision-making, relocation, communication, family violence and enforcement of existing orders.
Child support and spousal support
Support depends on facts such as income, parenting arrangements, relationship history and need. Income can become difficult when a spouse is self-employed, controls a company, receives foreign income or does not disclose complete records. We help clients obtain financial information, assess guideline ranges, negotiate terms and seek or respond to support orders.
Family property, debt and excluded property
The name on title does not always decide who owns the value. We advise on homes, businesses, investments, pensions, debt, inheritances, parental gifts and property brought into the relationship. Tracing matters. Documents matter. Early action may matter if you believe property will be sold, transferred or hidden.
Separation, marriage and cohabitation agreements
A strong agreement should do more than record a bargain. It should rest on full financial disclosure, clear language, informed consent and independent legal advice. We draft, negotiate and review separation agreements, marriage agreements and cohabitation agreements. We also advise when an existing agreement may be challenged or enforced.
Family violence and urgent protection
If you or a child faces immediate risk, tell the office at the beginning of the call. Urgent options may include protection orders, exclusive occupancy of the home, supervised parenting arrangements or other court relief. If there is immediate danger, call 911.
Property and people may be in more than one country
A family case becomes harder when a parent, child, asset, company or document is outside British Columbia. We have experience with matters connected to China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and other jurisdictions. We advise on BC law, help organize foreign-language records and explain when foreign-law evidence or counsel in another country may be required.
What to bring to the first meeting
- Any court document, agreement or order already made.
- A short timeline with the separation date and the most important events.
- Recent income information and a simple list of major property and debts.
- The current parenting schedule and any urgent concern involving a child.
- Your three most important questions. Start with what worries you most.
Recommended family-law resources
- The BC Separation Agreement Guide: Why You Need One and What to Include
- Property Division in BC: Understanding Your Rights in Divorce
- Protecting Parental Gifts in BC Family Law
- “I Don’t Want Him to See My Kids” — Can You Get Sole Custody in BC?
- A Two-Step Map for Setting Aside Separation Agreements
- Is Your Excluded Property Really Protected?
Protect the next decision
A short delay can sometimes change the practical options. Contact the office with the names of the parties, any court date and a short description of the issue.