A common assumption is that, if a relationship ends, each person simply keeps what they owned at the start. British Columbia’s Family Law Act (FLA) does protect certain “excluded property,” but outcomes often turn on details such as growth in value, how assets were handled during the relationship, and the quality of the paper trail. […]
Separation agreements can provide a structured, private way to resolve the consequences of separation—often without the delay and expense of court proceedings. Yet enforceability is not automatic. In British Columbia, a court may decline to enforce, may vary, or may set aside some or all of an agreement where it fails to meet statutory requirements
Separation Agreements in British Columbia: When Will the Court Enforce Them? Read More »
After separation, parents often need to make practical changes—accepting new employment, moving closer to family supports, or finding more affordable housing. In British Columbia, a move with a child can become a legal issue if it meets the Family Law Act (FLA) definition of a “relocation.” When that framework applies, there are clear notice requirements and a
Many people assume that once a Will is signed, it can be stored away and never revisited. In practice, a Will is only as effective as its fit with a person’s current life, assets, and relationships. In British Columbia, an older Will may still be legally valid, but it can produce outcomes the Will-maker never
Updating Your Will in British Columbia: When and Why You Should Revisit It Read More »
Dividing Property After a Common-Law Relationship Ends in British Columbia When a common-law relationship in British Columbia comes to an end, the division of property is primarily governed by the Family Law Act. Under this legislation, unmarried couples who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years are legally considered “spouses”
Common-Law Relationships and Property Division in B.C. Read More »
Can a Spouse Be Held Responsible for the Other Partner’s Personal Debt After Separation in BC? The division of debt following a separation in British Columbia is governed by the Family Law Act, which sets out clear rules for how debts are classified and divided between spouses. Understanding these rules is essential for advising clients
Liability For Partner’s Debt After Separation in B.C. Read More »
Do Common-Law Couples Have the Same Property Rights as Married Couples in BC? In British Columbia, many couples choose to live together in committed, marriage-like relationships without formally marrying. These relationships—commonly called “common-law relationships”—are recognized under BC’s Family Law Act. Importantly, once certain criteria are met, common-law couples have nearly identical property and debt division rights
Property Rights of Common-Law and Married Couples After Separation in British Columbia Read More »
In British Columbia, spousal support (sometimes called “alimony”) is not automatic. Whether a spouse is entitled to support, and for how long, depends on a careful assessment under the Divorce Act (for married spouses) or the Family Law Act (for married and common-law spouses). The process involves determining entitlement, quantum (amount), and duration, guided by both legislation and the Spousal
Entitlement and Duration of Spousal Support in British Columbia Read More »
When a spousal relationship ends, the division of property and debt is governed by the Family Law Act. The Act applies to both married spouses and unmarried spouses who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years. 1. Equal Division: The General Rule The starting point is that all family property and family debt are divided
Property Division on Divorce or Separation in British Columbia Read More »
Do I Need a Lawyer to Get a Divorce in British Columbia? Ending a marriage can be overwhelming and emotional. A common question in British Columbia is whether you need a lawyer to get a divorce. The short answer is no—you are not legally required to have a lawyer. However, legal advice is strongly recommended, especially
When to Let a Lawyer Handle a Divorce Read More »
Melissa has 8+ years of combined Commercial, Business and Contract Law experience as In-House Counsel in manufacturing, health, real estate development, and broadcast communication industries. She is instrumental in developing strategies to minimize legal risk and ensure regulatory compliance.
She has 6+ years of Human Resources Management experience and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation. Her practice includes Family Law, Civil Litigation, Wills & Estates and Real Estate & Conveyancing.
For fun, she visits ancient sites and ruins and belts out popular Broadway tunes.
Northam Law is a boutique law firm offering advisory services in Real Estate Law and Conveyancing, Business Law, and Human Resources. Our practice areas also include Wills & Estates and Family Law. Notarization services are also available.
