Saviour Law

Family Lawyers in Surrey, BC – Trusted Legal Guidance

Book your free consultation and get trusted legal guidance—fast and confidential.

778-708-8551

Family Law Services

Family law in British Columbia (BC), Canada, covers various legal matters related to family relationships, including marriage, divorce, child custody, support, and property division. Here’s an overview of key aspects of family law in BC:

‘Navigating Family Law in BC: Your Guide to Legal Matters’

Family law Services BC Canada

Marriage and Divorce

  • Marriage: To marry in BC, individuals must obtain a marriage license and ensure the ceremony is officiated by a licensed individual. Both parties must be at least 19 years old or have parental consent if they are 16-18 years old.
  • Divorce: Under the Divorce Act, a couple can file for divorce on the grounds of breakdown of the marriage, which can be demonstrated by living apart for at least one year, adultery, or cruelty.

Child Custody and Support

  • Custody: The best interests of the child are paramount in custody decisions. BC uses the terms “parenting time” and “parental responsibilities” rather than custody and access. These terms are detailed in a “parenting plan” agreed upon by both parents or decided by the court.
  • Support: Both parents are responsible for child support, calculated based on the federal Child Support Guidelines, which take into account the income of the paying parent and the number of children.

Spousal Support

Spousal support is intended to recognize financial advantages or disadvantages arising from the marriage or its breakdown. The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines help determine the amount and duration of support, considering factors like the length of the marriage, roles during the marriage, and the recipient’s needs and means.

Property Division

  • Family Property: Family Property: BC follows the Family Law Act, which presumes equal division of family property and debt upon separation. Family property includes assets acquired during the relationship, while excluded property covers items owned before the relationship or received as gifts or inheritances.
  • Agreements: Couples can create prenuptial, cohabitation, or separation agreements to outline the division of property, which must be fair and reasonable to be enforceable.

Domestic Violence

Protection orders can be sought under the Family Law Act if there is evidence of family violence. These orders aim to protect victims by restricting the abuser’s actions, such as prohibiting contact or requiring them to leave the family home.

Dispute Resolution

BC encourages out-of-court resolutions for family disputes through mediation, arbitration, and collaborative family law. These methods can be less adversarial and more cost-effective than litigation.

Legal Resources and Assistance

Various resources are available to assist individuals with family law matters, including Family Justice Counsellors, Legal Aid BC, and community legal clinics. These services provide information, mediation, and in some cases, legal representation for eligible individuals.

Book your free 30-minute consultation today.