One area where the law in British Columbia continues to treat common-law and married couples differently is how much time following the breakdown of their relationship a person has to initiate a family law claim against their former spouse. While claims for child support are not subject to a deadline (referred to as a “limitation […]
Many people have family pets that they consider to be members of the family. However, when spouses separate, they must determine who gets to keep the pet. In British Columbia, pets are not treated like children and are considered to be property. As a result, for couples who are either married or who have lived […]
Effective November 22, 2017, the Federal Child Support Guidelines Child Support Table has been updated to account for tax and other changes since the previous Child Support Table came into effect on December 31, 2011. The minimum gross annual income at which the Child Support Table applies has been increased from $10,820.00 under the 2011 […]
When Bad Behaviour by one Spouse can Impact Parenting Time In the recent case SEV v. TMV, 2018 BCSC 30 (“SEV”), the BC Supreme Court considered whether to grant a father increased parenting time. In SEV, the two parties, a father and mother, were married and had two children aged approximately 7 and 9 at […]
In order to minimize taxes, avoid probate fees, control distribution or to avoid estate litigation that may result from a Will, some people decide to give away some or all of their assets while they are alive. However, in some cases, giving a gift during your lifetime and outside a Will may lead to litigation […]
As the weather becomes colder, it is important to be aware of the increased risks that result from the accumulation of snow and ice. In Canada, property owners and occupants have a responsibility to act reasonably to remove snow and ice to ensure that their property is not slippery or otherwise unsafe. The responsibility to […]
On separation, a couple must decide how they will share time with their children and what responsibilities they will have in respect to each child. The implications to the couple will depend on whether legal proceedings are under the federal Divorce Act or the BC Family Law Act. A couple may only proceed under the […]
Whether it is a result of a slip and fall, an assault, a motor vehicle accident, or another type of accident, many people suffer injuries while working. If a person in British Columbia is injured while working, the worker should be able to recover some of their losses related to the injury. If the injured […]
Sometimes a loved one who passes away does not provide proper financial support for certain people under his or her Will. For example, a parent may provide unequally for his or her children or may fail to adequately care for a dependent individual suffering from a mental or physical disability. This may leave those who relied […]
When a couple is separating, one issue that may need to be addressed is whether one of the people should receive spousal support. Spousal support attempts to meet the needs of a spouse who is financially dependent on the other spouse. A person may apply for spousal support if he or she was married, living […]