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
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When a relationship breaks down, many couples in British Columbia wonder whether they need to be “legally separated” before they can get a divorce. While the terms “separation” and “divorce” are often used interchangeably, they have distinct meanings and legal effects under BC law. Understanding the distinction between separation and divorce is an important first
The Difference Between Legal Separation and Divorce in BC Read More »
In British Columbia, the rights of grandparents regarding visitation and custody of grandchildren are governed by the Family Law Act [SBC 2011] Chapter 25. We can discuss them through the following points below: What Rights Do Grandparents Have Regarding Visitation and Custody of Grandchildren, Especially in Cases of Parental Separation or Divorce? When parents go through a
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Separation or divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally taxing experiences an individual can go through. In addition to the emotional and personal challenges, there are significant financial implications to consider. Dividing assets, liabilities, and ensuring fair financial settlements can be complicated. To protect assets and financial interests in the event of
The Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) in British Columbia provides a comprehensive framework for the distribution of assets, particularly addressing the complexities that arise in blended families. Here’s how WESA deals with such situations: In summary, WESA acknowledges the complexities of blended families and provides mechanisms to balance testamentary freedom with the financial rights
Distribution of Assets For Blended Families 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.
