Category Archives: Family Law

In Canada, couples who are cohabiting are considered to be legally married after a certain amount of time has passed. In British Columbia, that amount of time is two years.

But some couples don't look favourably on the government deciding their relationship status. A Understanding marriage default laws in British Columbia

There are no guarantees in life, and the same goes for marriage. No couple gets married with the notion that it will all come to a screeching halt one day. But some marriages do end in divorce.

One family law tool that has gained popularity in recent years is the marriage agreement ‚ also referred to as a prenuptial agreement. There are circumstances under which creating a marriage a...

Continue reading Should I say ‚”I do” to a marriage agreement?

Every person has the responsibility to ensure that children are kept safe from harm. There are family law rules in place in British Columbia that speak to the best interests of children. So, what should you do if you suspect a child in your family is being abused ‚ either physically, emotionally or sexually?

First, it‚ important to understand the indicators of potential abuse. Children...

Continue reading What to do if you suspect a child is being abused

Once a couple has made the decision to end their marriage, they may want everything to be settled as quickly as possible. There are rules under family law in British Columbia that must be followed, however, rushing into a settlement without thought of the future may be a mistake. Many people focus on the present rather than thinking about what kinds of lives they want in the future, so takin...

Continue reading Family law: Things to think about before a divorce settlement

When British Columbia parents decide to part ways, emotions often run high. Feelings of resentment, anger and sadness often interfere with fruitful negotiations. If they keep three things in mind, however, it may be possible to put those feelings aside in order to receive the maximum benefits possible from family law mediation.

First, it helps to put the children's needs first. Wou...

Continue reading Keep 3 things in mind during family law mediation

The law states that doing what is in the best interests of children is imperative. There are rules in family law that safeguard children, but some believe that Canada is falling short when it comes to ending child marriage despite the fact that there are laws in place that protect children in British Columbia and the rest of the country from such situations. In fact, some experts say th...

Continue reading Family law: Researcher says not enough done to end child marriage

A teen can proceed with hormone therapy to transition from female to male, the B.C. Court of Appeal recently ruled. The British Columbia panel of three judges ruled that the teen, who identifies as male but who was born female, doesn't need further consent from his parents in order to proceed with treatment. Family law in the province says that a mature minor can consent to medical treatment...

Continue reading Family law: Appeal court says teen can continue hormone therapy

When it comes to child custody situations, some people may not be familiar with the term, right of first refusal. Family law in British Columbia spells out the rules when it comes to issues regarding children. If one parent can't care for a child for a specific time, he or she may choose to use the services of a babysitter, rather than call on the other parent. Right of first refusal means t...

Continue reading Family law: What is the right of first refusal?

Studies have shown that it's important for children to have pets. British Columbia family law stipulates that the best interests of children always be at the forefront of any decisions made concerning them, but when unconventional pets can cause children to become sick, is that really keeping in line with that rule? The country's public health agency is asking the owners of exotic pets to pr...

Continue reading Family law: Salmonella from exotic pets could affect children

It's never easy when divorced parents -- or any parents, for that matter -- have different parenting styles. Raising children can be much less daunting when two people are on the same page on how to do so regarding things like punishment, education, health care, values, religion and the like. Luckily, British Columbia parents are guided by family law when it comes to doing what is in the bes...

Continue reading Family law: Getting on the same page regarding parenting style