When two people who formerly were partners in raising a family and creating financial security for themselves separate the consequences can be devastating!   Suddenly, custody of and access to children, child support, spousal support and dividing assets become issues which must be resolved between two people who are embarking upon new divergent lives.

It is in these situations when you need thoughtful and principled advice from an experienced family lawyer who can assist you in understanding what is a fair and reasonable in your specific situation as a separating spouse and then convey your position persuasively and cost effectively to your former partner’s lawyer or, if necessary, in court before a judge.

We offer family law mediation and collaborative family law services and experienced trial lawyers for the litigation of cases.

Mediation is where the parties with or without counsel attempt to resolve the issues through discussion(s) in the presence of a trained mediator whose  role is to facilitate discussion and guide the parties towards a resolution that is fair and reasonable. 

The collaborative family law process is relatively new in British Columbia.   Collaborative family law involves lawyers and clients working together in meetings to resolve the issues without the threat of proceeding to court.   In a collaborative case other professionals such as child psychologists and financial planners can become involved to assist the parties and legal counsel in developing a good resolution.

Sometimes opposing spouses are intransigent and it is necessary for litigation to be commenced to have the case decided by a judge.   Commencing a legal action does not mean forsaking the possibility of achieving a fair negotiated settlement and indeed, can in fact facilitate meaningful discussions leading to a fair result.