Child support in British Columbia: Funding a child’s free time
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, mediators posted Child Support on Monday, October 2, 2017. Parents want to give their children what other kids have, and that could translate into going beyond their means to provide it. When a British Columbia couple separates and one partner is paying child support, he or she could […]
Division of property could be a kink in a retirement plan
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, mediators posted Division of Property on Monday, September 25, 2017. Divorce can be a costly endeavor. When a divorcing British Columbia couple shares a lot of assets, splitting up could mean having to rethink any retirement plans that may have been in place for quite some time. That process […]
Canada Revenue Agency may require child custody proof in Canada
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, September 18, 2017. Single parents who have custody of their children may get some tax benefits from the federal government. But there are times British Columbia parents might have to prove to the Canada Revenue Agency that they’re the custodial parent. When […]
Child support issues when one parent lives outside B.C.
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Getting a court order for child support when a former spouse is living outside the province or even outside the country was once a tricky situation. However, British Columbia now has agreements with all provinces and territories. Agreements […]
Divorce mediation: Transforming parenting roles during divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Monday, September 4, 2017. Waving the white flag is the first order of business when it comes to making the best out of a less than stellar divorce situation. Divorce is usually not looked upon as a positive regarding any familial area. […]
Child poverty in Canada has child support connection
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers & Attorneys Mediators posted in Child Support on Monday, August 28, 2017. Single parents often have a tough time financially. The fact that child support payments are taken off social assistance cheques in Canada doesn’t make it any easier. Some single parents even find it difficult to pay […]
Child custody: Indigenous heritage not only factor in B.C.
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, August 22, 2017. Although a child’s aboriginal heritage should be considered during the adoption process, it is not the only factor when deciding on the best interests of the child, according to the British Columbia Court of Appeal. Several things come […]
Death of man paying child support leads to complex court case
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, Mediators posted Child Support on Sunday, August 13, 2017. When a man who was shelling out money to support two families dies, some sticky problems can arise. The deceased, a citizen of Canada, was paying spousal and child support to his ex-wife. They had two children. However, he was […]
The why’s of divorce mediation in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Monday, August 7, 2017. There are few things more heated in a family dynamic as discussing an impending divorce. British Columbia couples who are separating — especially when there are children involved — might do well to seriously consider divorce mediation. Solving […]
Complete disclosure essential to high-asset divorce in B.C.
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, July 31, 2017. Sometimes, even being high school sweethearts and launching a home-based business together is no guarantee against the eventuality of a divorce. Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions in life, carrying in its wake the dismantling […]
Divorce mediation helps separating couples stay strong mentally
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Monday, July 31, 2017. Couples facing divorce have much on their minds — sometimes overwhelmingly so. Separating British Columbia couples, especially those with children, must realize they need to take care of their well-being to continue to be active parents. Divorce is […]
Division of property may follow money disputes in marriage
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, July 20, 2017. Getting married, or committing to a common-law relationship, is a significant life decision. The strength and stability of the basis for such a permanent connection require different bricks to provide security. One of those is open conversations […]
Couples can specify division of property wishes in a contract
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, July 13, 2017. More and more British Columbia couples enter marriages with already acquired assets in their respective names. For this reason, signing marriage contracts are becoming a more accepted process than what it was years ago. Marriage agreements give […]
Changing circumstances may justify child support modification
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, July 5, 2017. British Columbia authorities recognize the fact that circumstances change in the lives of divorced parents and allow them to petition the court to make certain modifications under complex child custody rights. If a parent who has to pay […]
High-asset divorce need not be a high-priced process
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Tuesday, June 27, 2017. When wealthy British Columbia residents file for divorce, they typically have different concerns than those with more typical incomes. For most people, the costs of a divorce are the primary concern, and litigation is often too expensive. When […]
Parenting coordination may limit child custody disputes
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Legal Attorneys posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. The fact that divorced British Columbia parents presented a parenting plan to the court and had it approved does not mean all will proceed smoothly. Life is full of unexpected turns and events that may require modifications or adjustments […]
Choosing the right facilitator for divorce mediation is important
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. The dynamics of every divorcing couple in British Columbia are unique, and more and more people choose to be in control of important decisions rather than leaving it up to a judge. However, not everybody can deal with […]
Child Custody: Can technology aid parent-child relationships?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, June 6, 2017. Following a divorce in British Columbia, circumstances often cause one of the former spouses to relocate. This could be difficult for children who may then have little contact with the parent who moved away. However, with the accessibility […]
Division of property in common law relationships a challenge
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Law Corporation posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, May 31, 2017. In British Columbia, any couple who lives together as a husband and a wife is treated in the same way married couples are treated. The number of people choosing to live together rather than get married increases every […]
Division of property can be recorded in domestic agreement
On behalf of Laughlin Lawyers & Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, May 25, 2017. British Columbia residents who are considering marriage or entering into a cohabitation relationship may find it difficult to broach the subject of domestic contracts. However, most people who make such commitments might have already accumulated some assets that […]
Child support enforcement can be severe
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, May 18, 2017. Life is unpredictable, and circumstances may change for British Columbia parents who are divorced. Loss of employment, unexpected medical expenses and more can lead to financial difficulties that might render a parent unable to pay child support. However, […]
Can a parent with child custody relocate at will?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, May 9, 2017. British Columbia parents who are divorced may manage to establish schedules for parenting time and visitation that benefits the children, and it may all work out well — until the time comes that the custodial parent wants to […]
Child custody and co-parenting issues: A tough challenge
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, May 3, 2017. Regardless of how amicable a divorce is, most British Columbia parents will find it tough to navigate co-parenting without difficulties. Divorced parents may keep in mind that they will be ex-spouses once the divorce and child custody issues […]
Can bankruptcy resolve debt issues in division of property?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. When British Columbia couples consider divorce, it might be a good idea to sit down and discuss how mutual debts will be handled before the divorce is finalized, rather than waiting to face the consequences afterward. With […]
Disagreements about money not limited to a high-asset divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Tuesday, April 18, 2017. Disagreements related to finances cause a significant number of marital problems in British Columbia. Regardless of whether it is a high-asset divorce or a middle-income couple’s divorce, money often brings contempt. It has been suggested that many couples […]
Even if division of property seems equal, it may not be
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. Along with the emotional toll a divorce can take on British Columbia couples, the financial consequences can be devastating — often for both parties. The economic impact typically starts when the couple separates and less income is […]
How long do child support responsibilities continue?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, April 5, 2017. Whenever British Columbia parents file for a divorce, both parents will be responsible for the welfare and care of the child. Regardless of whether they were in a common-law relationship or married, one parent typically has to pay […]
Division of property: What will happen to the family home?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, March 28, 2017. Like other provinces and territories, British Columbia has a matrimonial and family law act that governor provides guidelines for — the way assets and debts are divided in a divorce. While many couples have complicated estates that […]
Woman admits ex not the father — judge waives child support
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, March 22, 2017. In British Columbia, child support obligations are not necessarily determined by paternity. A person whose name is on the birth certificate, who had taken care of a child as his own, can be assumed the father and held […]
Child custody may be best negotiated with legal guidance
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, March 14, 2017. In British Columbia, the legal terms related to childcare and access have changed to parenting time and parenting responsibilities. These are the components of what used to be called child custody and is now known as child guardianship. […]
Divorce mediation can save time and money
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, March 8, 2017. As an alternative to litigating a divorce in a British Columbia court, mediation is an effective way for divorcing spouses to resolve contentious issues. Divorce mediation is a process by which all important matters can be addressed in […]
Bitcoin often used to conceal funds in a high-asset divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Monday, February 27, 2017. Just like the changes that the internet has brought in which emails have replaced traditional communication methods, technology has made it possible for monetary transactions to be done without a bank or a government entity. This has created […]
Symposium promotes divorce mediation vs. litigation
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. It is reported that approximately four in every 10 marriages in Canada, including in British Columbia, end in divorce. A recent symposium was held in another province to help professionals in various fields who often have to deal […]
Division of property in every divorce has unique challenges
On behalf of Laughlin & Company, Lawyers Mediators posted Division of Property on Thursday, February 16, 2017. Any person in British Columbia who is going through a divorce might have noticed that there is no shortage of advice from friends and family — and sometimes even from strangers. Although it is important to have the moral […]
Concealed marital property in a high-asset divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Wednesday, February 8, 2017. In many British Columbia marriages, one spouse would be in charge of the finances, leaving the other spouse vulnerable in the event of a divorce. The lack of financial skills and a comprehensive knowledge of the marital assets […]
Division of property: Are cash divorce settlements taxable?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, Mediators posted Division of Property on Tuesday, January 31, 2017. When a married or common-law couple in British Columbia decides to go their separate ways, it may be wise for each party to retain legal counsel to provide guidance during negotiations. Division of property can be a complicated […]
Child custody, property division and lately — divorce ceremonies
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, January 25, 2017. January is often reported to be the month when many British Columbia married couples decide it is time to go their separate ways. Some people avoid divorce talk during the holidays — especially couples who have minor children. […]
Child support: DNA tests can prove or disprove paternity
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, January 18, 2017. In British Columbia, it is possible for a man to be named the father of a child and burdened with the responsibilities even if he is not the child’s biological father. Men who believe they are not responsible […]
Prenuptial agreements can prevent issues in division of property
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, mediators posted Division of Property on Thursday, January 12, 2017. While conversations about prenuptial agreements used to be uncomfortable, more and more British Columbia couples find it the best way to protect their individual assets — not only in the event of a divorce but also if one spouse […]
Divorce mediation: Can a mediator also be legal advisor?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, January 5, 2017. British Columbia residents who are considering ending their marriages might have heard that they can avoid the costs and trauma typically associated with litigation. Opting for divorce mediation can provide a platform for peaceful negotiation by which both […]
High-asset divorce need not cause financial ruin
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Wednesday, December 28, 2016. One of the primary concerns of people in British Columbia who are considering divorce may be the cost. Contested divorces — especially a high-asset divorce — can cost tens of thousands of dollars and in some cases even […]
The family court can address child support evasion
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, December 21, 2016. Many British Columbia parents remain committed to the best interests of their children. However, in some cases, a divorced parent may hold back on paying child support to punish a former spouse. Sadly, the children may be the ones who […]
Division of property can do with appropriate help
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Sunday, December 11, 2016. Couples in British Columbia may not realize that the lasting effect of the trauma of a divorce can be lessened by taking proper care of themselves. Emotions and anxiety can be overwhelming during this time, and adequate […]
High-asset divorce: Hidden assets can be discovered
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Monday, December 5, 2016. During the process of divorce in British Columbia, each spouse must provide full disclosure of all his or her assets. Sometimes, one spouse may try to slant the property division for his or her personal benefit by hiding […]
Unable to pay child support? Modification can be sought
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Saturday, November 26, 2016. While most British Columbia parents who have to pay child support want the best for their children, some may find it tough to keep up with the payments. The problem is often not a case of the inability […]
Protect combined funds during the division of property
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Sunday, November 20, 2016. When British Columbia couples get married, many changes take place in the lives of both parties. Along with having to get used to each other’s habits and ways of life, the unique financial profiles of two entirely different people are combined […]
How do the British Columbia courts handle division of property ?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, November 17, 2016. Dividing property in a divorce or separation of common law partners may sound like a simple process. However, in real life, it is a stressful and emotional process and could be as difficult to navigate as child custody issues. In British […]
Child custody and relocation — how is it handled?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, November 9, 2016. Working out parenting plans that suit both parents and their children after a divorce can be challenging. If one parent intends to relocate after the divorce, matters can be complicated. Spouses can become ex-spouses, but children can never become ex-children. Regardless of […]
How is division of property handled in common-law break-ups?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, November 2, 2016. Residents of British Columbia who have been in common-law relationships for two years are regarded by law as the same as married couples. However, they may not be aware that it is not the case in other provinces. In fact, […]
Property division in British Columbia must follow certain rules
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, October 28, 2016. Divorcing your spouse means that you will have to divide your property based on the laws that pertain to your case. Some property, such as the marital home, are always divided. Other property, such as certain inheritances, aren’t subject to the […]
Divorce mediation can be a good process
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, October 21, 2016. We recently discussed how important it is for people who are going through a mediated divorce to go into the process prepared. You can do this by thinking about what points of the settlement you can negotiate on as well as the […]
Keep an open mind and clear head during divorce mediation
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, October 13, 2016. The mental trauma of going through a divorce is something that some people don’t expect. Even if you are the one who decides that divorce is the best thing, you are likely still going to have some emotional reaction to the filing […]
Child support orders might need to be changed
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, October 6, 2016. Paying child support has to be a priority for parents. As we discussed in the previous blog post, child support agreements can be made between parents, or you can turn to the court to determine who is going […]
Child support can be court ordered or agreed upon by parents
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, September 28, 2016. Providing for your child is a priority for most parents. If you and your child’s other parent divorce, the parent who doesn’t have primary custody of the child might need to pay child support so that the child […]
Child custody matters are emotional but a clear head must prevail
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, September 23, 2016. In our most recent blog post, we discussed how sperm donations could impact child custody matters. That is only one of the factors that can be a part of child custody decisions. If you are facing a child custody case for any […]
How does sperm donation affect child custody?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, September 16, 2016. Sperm donation is becoming more and more common for people who want to start a family and are unwilling or unable to do so naturally. For the sperm donors and the people who are inseminating, it is crucial to fully understand the […]
Your divorce settlement is the springboard to your future
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, September 7, 2016. In our previous post, we discussed how watching pornography without your spouse can lead to divorce. That probably doesn’t come as a shock to some people, but it does bring up an important point. There are various reasons why marriages don’t last. […]
Your marriage might be ruined by pornography
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, September 1, 2016. A recent study that was presented at the American Sociological Association meeting found that watching pornography can lead to the end of your marriage. The study hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet, but there aren’t any major methodological flags present. The study used data […]
Know what is allowed and what isn’t in child custody
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, August 26, 2016. Canadian law has very specific points about what can happen in a child custody case. These custody agreements are very serious because they set the tone for the rest of your child’s childhood. When the child custody agreement gives your child stability, […]
Can I move my child whenever I want without consent?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, August 18, 2016. Having a child custody agreement means that you have to abide by the points laid out in the agreement. This means that you can’t just make decisions for your child if they go against the agreement. One of the major life decisions […]
Planning is a crucial step in the mediation process
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, August 12, 2016. The mediation process is often a faster, more cost-effective method of getting through all the points in your divorce. If you are planning on going through mediation, you should make sure that you are properly prepared before you head to the first […]
Legal separations and child support
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, August 4, 2016. A legal separation is an option that many people explore, either as a trial period to see if the divorce is really what they want or for other personal or financial reasons. However, it’s important to understand that […]
How important is it to stay organized during divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, July 26, 2016. While you don’t need to start color-coordinating your files or rush out for a few label makers, making a concerted effort to stay organized as you move through the divorce process can make it much easier and less stressful. Here are […]
Judge removes himself from divorce, citing parents’ attitudes
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, July 21, 2016. A British Columbia family court judge has ruled that one divorced couple needs to move on with a new judge. It seems the parents ended up back in court in 2013 to address the father’s wish to have the parenting time order modified. The […]
What if my ex doesn’t want to attend mediation?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, July 13, 2016. Mediation can be an excellent way to expedite the divorce process and make it less stressful for everyone involved. Even after the divorce is finalized, mediation can help you and your ex-avoids the courts when you want to make changes to the […]
Can a marriage contract address child support?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, July 8, 2016. A marriage contract is a document that both parties sign before getting married, and it can address many topics, such as conduct within the marriage, what is to be done with assets already owned, and what happens with assets gained during the […]
Can I pay child support direct to my children?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, June 29, 2016. It’s a question many noncustodial parents have. They balk at having to give their exes money every month and wonder if it’s being spent on the children’s needs. However, in the vast majority of situations, the answer is […]
Court orders in child custody cases can help
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, June 24, 2016. Child custody matters, which are now known as parenting time and parenting responsibilities, are important matters when parents aren’t in a relationship but still have the child to take care of. In most cases, it is necessary to seek out assistance from […]
Coparenting and summer visitation schedules
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, June 17, 2016. Co-parenting over the summer can be very difficult. There are vacations to plan around, family events to attend and often competing schedules. However, with some communication and planning, it is possible to navigate the summer months without any significant issues. Having a […]
How is pet custody determined?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, June 6, 2016. While many couples going through a divorce disagree on matters of child custody and parenting time, a new type of custody case has been coming before the courts more and more: pet custody. If you or your soon-to-be ex-adopted pets during […]
Can property you buy after the separation be martial property?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Property division can be extremely complex, and there are many misconceptions about what is or is not marital property and therefore subject to the divorce settlement. While many people are aware that the property that either spouse bought during the course […]
Post-divorce planning: Spousal support and settlement payments
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorceon Thursday, May 19, 2016. High asset divorces often involve substantial settlements as well as long-term spousal support. It’s normal to get caught up in how much you will be paying or receiving, but there are other important details that you should be sure you understand before […]
What is Parenting After Separation?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, May 13, 2016. Divorce mediation can be an excellent option for parties who want to end their relationships but without all of the fightings. The mediation process can be especially helpful and beneficial for divorces or separations involving children. The less strife and contention surrounding […]
Important parts to include in a court order
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, May 5, 2016. A formal court order is one of the most important things you can have in your child support case. It protects both the parent paying the support and the parent receiving support because it ensures that there are […]
Prepare for the decisions that come with child custody matters
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, April 29, 2016. Child custody cases usually have very sensitive elements to them. These cases must always place the child as the priority, which is what parents usually want. Still, each parent likely has a different idea of what is best for the child. In […]
Getting a better divorce settlement
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, April 22, 2016. While a divorce is often a very emotional process, many people are more prepared to deal with the anger, disappointment, and frustration of ending a relationship than boiling down their marriage into a list of debts and assets. However difficult […]
Does what I post on social media matter?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, April 14, 2016. When you begin going through divorce proceedings — or just a custody battle in the case of unmarried parents — you begin questioning everything you do and day and wonder if and how it may affect your case. And rightly so. When […]
High-asset divorce and property division
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Thursday, April 7, 2016. While the basic process of divvying up the assets and debts is the same no matter how much the assets are worth, things do get more complicated when you start dealing with high-value assets. In some cases, you may not even be […]
The real estate market’s impact on divorce settlements
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Because the family home is often the most valuable asset a divorcing couple has, it’s common for there to be disagreements over who should get to stay in the house. While the booming housing market and increasing property values may sound […]
Dividing property during a divorce requires thought
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, March 25, 2016. Getting a divorce involves a host of different considerations. One of the issues that you have to go through is the property division. This isn’t always something that is easy to do. Instead, you might find that some items are the […]
How is child custody determined in British Columbia?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, March 18, 2016. One of the most important things that happen during a divorce between people who have children is the child custody order. Child custody is one issue that can cause great strife between parents. Learning about some basic points of child custody can […]
Divorce mediation can end your marriage faster than a trial
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, March 11, 2016. Going through a divorce can be as easy or as difficult as you and your ex-make it. If you and your ex can work together with the help of a mediator, you might find that your divorce goes a lot smoother than […]
What qualifies as an extraordinary expense?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers, Mediators posted Child Support on Wednesday, March 2, 2016. When a child support order is put in place, it takes into consideration a variety of factors. Everything from the parents’ current incomes, any annual bonuses, children either parent is already supporting not covered by the court order and […]
What are some ways to cope with divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, February 25, 2016. Nearly everyone knows at least one person who is divorced or is currently going through the process, but this doesn’t make it any easier if and when it happens to you. Learning how to cope with the challenges of ending your marriage […]
January continues as divorce month
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Thursday, February 4, 2016. In the family law field, January is known as Divorce Month because it is one where attorneys often see a sudden influx of people wanting to know more about the legal and financial ramifications of ending their marriages. While many of these […]
Mediation and property division
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, January 29, 2016. When a couple divorces, one of the most difficult things to deal with can be property division. If you and your soon-to-be-ex can’t stand to even be in the same room together, negotiating who gets what property can be truly […]
When does a child get to pick which parent to live with?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, January 19, 2016. Children often have strong feelings when their parent’s divorce, and it can be very difficult for them not to feel like they have to take sides. Even when both parents are making every effort to keep the best interests of the children […]
Divorce mediation may be right for you
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, January 14, 2016. In order to get a divorce, you might think that you can snap your fingers and it will happen. There are actually timeframes that are constructive to getting a divorce. It can be an emotional time and divorce mediation may be the way that […]
Seriousness of child support arrears
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, January 7, 2016. Statistics show that close to two-thirds of Canadian child support payments are in arrears, amounting to nearly $3.7 billion. In British Columbia, parents owe $538 million in past due child support. While the reasons for these past due […]
Is it possible to get a child support payment refund?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Tuesday, December 29, 2015. Sometimes things happen, and it is possible for one parent to have paid more child support that was ordered at that time. While these situations are rare, they can happen, and it’s normal to wonder what your options […]
Kelly Rutherford loses right to travel with children
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, December 24, 2015. After more than three years, the custody battle between Daniel Giersch and actress Kelly Rutherford has come to a close. The couple has been involved in a heated custody dispute over their two children, now ages 6 and 9, since their divorce […]
Property division and the collaborative process
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, December 16, 2015. One of the most challenging but more important aspects of a divorce, or separation in the case of a common-law relationship, is the property division process. During the course of your relationship, you and your ex probably acquired many different kinds […]
How is excluded property defined in the Family Relations Act?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, December 14, 2015. In a divorce in British Columbia, it is important to determine what the court will consider excluded property in terms of property division. The Family Relations Act of British Columbia defines excluded property as it pertains to property division. Because one […]
How can I make coparenting easier during the holidays?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, November 30, 2015. The holidays are an exciting time for young and old alike as the magic of the season bring the year to an end. This is usually a time for family traditions and seasonal get-togethers, but if you and your ex-are divorced, it […]
Facebook may come back to haunt you when your marriage ends
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, November 27, 2015. When you’re married, you may decide to use Facebook for fun, just to connect with people. When you’re getting divorced, you may keep using it as both a way to share information and to vent. However, when you step into the courtroom, […]
British Columbia ends clawback program
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, November 20, 2015. In the past, single parents residing in British Columbia faced issues if they were both receiving child support payments and government assistance. That’s because officials were deducting the amount the parent was receiving in child support from what […]
Court harassment: What you need to know
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, November 13, 2015. Many divorces, separations or even just custody disputes between never-married couples can get very heated, causing the parties to act in ways they maybe wouldn’t normally. It often doesn’t take very long for one party to start trying to use the family […]
Billionaire’s divorce finally settled
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorceon Wednesday, November 4, 2015. High-asset divorces come with their own unique set of issues. Because of the world’s fascination with the wealthy elite, it’s also common for these divorces to play out in the public eye at least to some degree. This can mean that the […]
A child’s best interests means more than blood ties in Canada
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, October 26, 2015. As we discussed last week, the best interests of the child are the primary factors that helps to determine child custody issues. There are several points that are considered when the court is trying to determine the best interests of the child. […]
What are the best interests of the child?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, October 23, 2015. You’ll hear it a lot in child custody cases in British Columbia: The court wants to rule with the best interests of the child in mind. But what does this really mean? What are the child’s best interests and how are they determined? This […]
How to work out a separation agreement
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, October 16, 2015. When a couple decides to go their separate ways, it leads to a variety of emotions. It’s very common for these emotions to spill over into the legal aspect of the separation process. When this happens, couples tend to get […]
Introducing a stepparent: How can I ease the transition?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, October 8, 2015. While every family is different, the dynamics that come along with stepparents and blended families are particularly complicated. As a stepparent, it can be difficult to figure out exactly what your role is and how to keep your family on solid ground […]
Important considerations when changing your name
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, October 1, 2015. Changing your name when you get married is common tradition for women, but more and more men are also deciding to change their name, either taking on a hyphenated version of both last names or sometimes even taking their partner’s name. If […]
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner attend divorce counseling
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Thursday, September 24, 2015. Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner are one of many celebrity couples to announce they are going their separate ways this summer. The couple has made headlines for their continuing commitment to co-parenting their children and have even gone so far as to […]
Child support and changing needs
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Tuesday, September 15, 2015. Having children is expensive, and it can seem as if the cost of raising children only increases as they get older. The list of needs and wants expands to include more expensive items. Add in supplies and fees […]
Can I move out of the area with my child in a custody case?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Sunday, September 6, 2015. When you have a child with someone else and you aren’t a couple, you have to deal with a variety of child custody issues. One of these issues has to do with moving away. If you are the custodial parent of the […]
Post-divorce finances: What you need to know
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, September 1, 2015. A divorce is a major, life-changing event. While many people are focused during this time on the change in their relationship status and any family issues, it’s also important to understand that your financial situations will also likely be undergoing significant […]
Can adultery affect my divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, August 28, 2015. The list of email addresses hacked from the adultery site Ashley Madison is slowly making the rounds in the media, and those who find their spouses on the list may find themselves suddenly contemplating the end of their marriages. While infidelity is […]
Kelly Rutherford ordered to return children to father
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, August 21, 2015. While any custody battle can be very difficult for a parent to deal with, particularly in the case of a noncustodial parent who is trying to win more access to the children, it’s important to keep in mind that respect for the […]
How mediation can help with back-to-school struggles
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, August 14, 2015. Even though the summer visitation schedule has hurdles of its own, such as coordinating vacations and keeping a routine during the lackadaisical summer days, it’s often easier to keep your cool and negotiate with your ex when you don’t have to deal […]
Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton announce divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, August 7, 2015. Taking precautions before you get married to protect your assets is one of the most important things anyone can do. A prenuptial agreement, while not pleasant to deal with when you’re envisioning spending the rest of your life with someone, can take […]
What if I can’t make my child support payments?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Tuesday, July 28, 2015. While there are some parents who balk at paying child support just because they don’t agree with the amount or don’t want their ex to have the money, there are others who understand that child support goes to […]
Marriage contract: Why do I need a lawyer?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, July 24, 2015. A marriage contract can help make the property division aspect of a divorce quicker and easier, but it needs to be done correctly for you to get the full benefits. A marriage contract lets the two parties decide how they will divide […]
Actress claims finances kept her from seeing children
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, July 16, 2015. International custody battles can be tricky. Even with today’s technology that allows for talking, texting and even video conferencing with parents who live far away, maintaining parental bonds and staying actively involved in a child’s life is difficult from a distance. It […]
Resolve your family law issues using mediation
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, July 9, 2015. In our previous blog post, we discussed how mediation can help you to work out family law issues. This can be a very effective tool in family law cases because it takes the decision making away from the court and places it […]
Mediation might help to speed up the divorce process
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. When you and your ex are ready to call it quits, you likely want to get through the entire process of severing ties quickly. That means going through the divorce process as quickly as possible. While not all divorces are going to […]
Know the grounds for divorce in Canada
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, June 26, 2015. When you want to get a divorce, there are a few things you’ll need to do. The main thing is providing evidence that you have the grounds for divorce that fall under the federal guidelines. In Canada, one of the three […]
Child support in arrears: Getting compensated with interest
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Tuesday, June 16, 2015. Have you been suffering and struggling to pay for the things your child needs because your ex-spouse’s child support payments are in arrears? The Family Maintenance Enforcement Act (FMEA) Regulations in Canada discuss how you can collect these […]
Tips for a divorce that you can agree with
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, June 9, 2015. A divorce isn’t something most people plan on going through, but if you have to, you want to make sure you get what you deserve out of your marriage. If you want to have a successful divorce, then there are some tips […]
How is paternity determined in Canada?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, June 4, 2015. As a father, you want to know that you have the same legal rights as your child’s mother. If you’re married, you automatically receive those rights, because it’s assumed that you’re the father of a newborn child. However, if you aren’t married […]
Focus on marriage agreements to determine affairs before marriage
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, May 27, 2015. Marriage contracts can be a good idea for people who are committed to each other but are not yet married under the law. For instance, if you and your significant other have lived together for several years, you could choose to […]
What assets may be considered non-family assets in a divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, May 19, 2015. Non-family assets are the items that will be split between spouses. Those may be things like a shared family home in both people’s names or savings accounts that are shared. pensions, RRSPs, business ventures and other items could also be identified […]
An interim order can help you stabilize your divorce issues
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, May 13, 2015. An interim family order can do many things, but its primary function is to hold agreements made before trial in place until a trial is able to take place. Trials can take a year or longer to transpire, […]
A parenting coordinator can help you after a divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, May 5, 2015. You know that part of the reason you’ve gotten a divorce is the likelihood that you’re going to disagree with your ex-spouse. This can be particularly difficult in cases where you have children involved. Even though you are separated from your ex, […]
Kids less stressed with shared custody
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, April 30, 2015. After a divorce, your child has to go through changes since your family structure is being altered. Now, your child may have to travel to see your ex-spouse or you may have sole custody and your ex may only have visitation. While […]
How separating couples divide debt in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, April 23, 2015. Whether or not you want to, the fact of any ending relationship is that if you have debt, you need to deal with it. Not taking the time to review shared debts or whose name is in debt can lead […]
What do you do if you are denied parenting time by your ex?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, April 16, 2015. When you decide on a parenting agreement with your ex or have had one determined by a judge, you may think that everything should go well from there on out. Unfortunately, sometimes parents don’t stick to the agreement because of complaints about […]
Pension division and disability benefits in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Wednesday, April 8, 2015. When couples divorce in British Columbia, the former spouse of a person who is receiving a pension may be eligible for a share of that income. In the event that benefits are being paid to the one party because of their disability, […]
Home ownership and divorce in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, April 1, 2015. Couples who are preparing to divorce in British Columbia will be required to divide their marital property. In many cases, the couple will have purchased a home. There are several important considerations regarding how to handle the home in a property […]
Property division rules for common-law couples in B.C.
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, March 23, 2015. More and more couples in British Columbia are choosing to live together without getting married. Government statistics reveal that the growth rate of common law families is three times that of families with married parents, and this demographic trend was one […]
Company offers couples divorce insurance
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, March 17, 2015. When most couples tie the knot, they generally do not plan to get divorced at some point in the future. As a result, a large number of married couples fail to plan for the possibility of the end of their marriage. […]
Property division in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, March 12, 2015. When a person is preparing to get a divorce, it is important for him or her to think critically about how the property that has been accumulated will be divided. In addition to the division of property, divorcing people should also […]
What is considered a special expense for child support?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, March 6, 2015. British Columbia parents may be interested in some information regarding child support payments beyond those mandated by the federal child support guidelines. These expenses can cover a number of things to support the child, including medical expenses and other important costs. While […]
Mediation: An effective means of solving family law matters
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, February 26, 2015. Mediation has been used by families in British Columbia for several years and has become a preferred means to decide important issues such as property division and child custody. In order for spouses to achieve the best possible outcome from mediation, it […]
How divorce affects a person’s income tax
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorceon Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Readers who are considering divorce in British Columbia may be wondering how their income tax might be affected once the divorce is finalized. The answer to this question may be complicated, depending on the person’s situation. For example, as part of the […]
Interim division of property prior to a final divorce order
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, February 12, 2015. When a couple in British Columbia chooses to divorce, both parties are considered responsible for martial liabilities and entitled to marital assets, according to provincial statutes. Prior to the finalization of a divorce order, each spouse is entitled to apply to […]
Parenting arrangements and extraprovincial orders
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, February 5, 2015. When a custody case is being filed, one of the first considerations is finding the appropriate jurisdiction. Even if a child has recently relocated to British Columbia with his or her parent or parents, if the move has been recent, the appropriate […]
Child custody and the best interests of the child
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, January 29, 2015. In child custody cases in British Columbia, courts apply the best interests of the child standard when issuing their rulings and orders. It is important for parents to understand that the emphasis will always be on the child’s interests rather than on […]
When is it OK to deny a non-custodial parent parenting time?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, January 23, 2015. In certain situations, British Columbia parents may feel it is appropriate to deny parenting time to their child’s non-custodial parent despite the arrangements set forth in their divorce decree. While it may seem like they might incur punishment for withholding visitation or […]
Separation agreements in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, January 14, 2015. When you are going through a separation from your spouse, you must necessarily address many issues. You will need to decide how you will divide your property and whether either you or your spouse may require financial support in order to be […]
Avoiding court through family mediation
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. Canada’s Family Law Act that became effective in March 2013 may provide a greater ability for family disputes to remain out of the courtroom. The law provides for out-of-court action through mediation to resolve family disputes associated with divorce proceedings. Although a decision to […]
Relocation with children
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, January 2, 2015. In British Columbia, circumstances occasionally change following a couple receiving a court order governing the visitation rights of a noncustodial parent. When the circumstantial change involves the residential custodian’s need to move far away, the law mandates that the other parent be […]
Dividing collective property in a divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, December 29, 2014. British Columbia couples considering divorce might want to prepare for the fact that a substantial portion of the assets they own might fall under the legal category of family property, which is subject to division by law. Assets obtained independently and […]
A look at relocation issues for parents after a divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Thursday, December 18, 2014. British Columbia residents may be interested in some of the considerations that courts make when deciding whether one parent can relocate with a child, away from the other parent. Competing judicial interests make these relocation decisions difficult to predict. When parents divorce, […]
Benefits for grandparents
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, December 15, 2014. British Columbia grandparents who have assumed custody of their grandchildren may be unaware of the possible governmental help available to them to help. In fact, there are several benefits intended to help provide for the children’s needs for which grandparents may be […]
Developing a plan for co-parenting and child support
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, December 4, 2014. When a couple’s relationship ends, both parents will need to decide a number of issues including co-parenting, child custody and child support arrangements. Parents in British Columbia must adhere to the child support guidelines set forth by federal law. In most cases, […]
The rights of a stepparent in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. A stepparent in British Columbia who separates from that child’s legal parent may still maintain a relationship with that child. In some cases, each party will agree to visitation and custody arrangements assuming that such visitation or custody is in the best […]
Property Division in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, November 20, 2014. In a divorce case or a case in which the parties are unmarried but have lived together for two or more years, people in British Columbia can expect to go through a property division. Under the rules, property is categorized […]
Is an uncontested divorce right for me?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Thursday, November 13, 2014. Some British Columbia residents might not be aware that an uncontested divorce is more easily resolved than a contested divorce. The reason being that the spouses in an uncontested divorce essentially agree to the terms of a settlement without the intervention of […]
How are pension plans divided in a divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, November 6, 2014. In a British Columbia divorce, the value of a pension is split in a specific fashion. For local defined contribution plans, a spouse may have his or her share of the pension withdrawn into a separate account. He or she may […]
Why would a plaintiff need a mediator?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Monday, November 3, 2014. Mediation has been used in British Columbia to settle legal disputes for over 20 years. When a judge is called upon to decide these matters, both parties must live with the decision. Mediation allows all parties to remain involved until a consensus […]
How can child support be enforced in British Columbia?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, October 24, 2014. Many residents of British Columbia who rely on child and spousal support use the services provided by the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program. The British Columbia Ministry of Justice established the program in 1989 for the purpose of enforcing and monitoring maintenance agreements […]
Can a non-parent gain custody of a child?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, October 17, 2014. Ontario families are diverse, and as such, guardians come in many forms. Parents are not the only people who care for children, and in many cases, non-traditional families may want to add official legal status to their relationships. Fortunately, there are numerous […]
The benefits of divorce mediation
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Monday, October 13, 2014. Some British Columbia couples whose marriages are struggling may wish to learn more about the mediation process of divorce. Although many may believe that divorces can only be settled in a courtroom, the reality is that some cases are suitable candidates for […]
What constitutes a special expense?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. British Columbians who are involved in a divorce with children may be interested to learn about an aspect of child support called ‘special expenses.” Special expenses are large, unexpected expenses, such as extraordinary medical costs or orthodontics, that may come up while […]
How can a parenting plan help after divorce?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, September 26, 2014. Some residents of British Columbia may have an interest in learning about the creation of parenting plans after separation or divorce. Although it can sometimes be difficult for parents to come to such an agreement after their separation, doing so may be […]
Examining the types of child custody in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Tuesday, September 16, 2014. British Columbia parents may be interested in an article discussing the types of child custody available through the court system. Knowledge of these different arrangements may be useful when negotiating a custody agreement with a former spouse. Under the federal Divorce Act, […]
Determining child support in British Columbia
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, September 12, 2014. Child support is the financial support that a parent is obligated to provide to the other parent for a child. Individuals who have a parent-like relationship, such as a stepparent, may be obligated to provide this support whether or not a couple […]
Learning about division of property
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, September 10, 2014. British Columbia has certain default provisions in place to help establish how marital assets can be fairly distributed between each spouse in a divorce. For spouses who do not wish to resort to these default rules, a prenuptial or postnuptial […]
How property and debt are divided when spouses separate
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. When British Columbia spouses separate, their property and debt is divided according to the Family Law Act. Generally, each spouse receives half of the family property and half of the family debt. Family property includes such things as bank accounts, business […]
BC mother not required to relocate after appeal
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Wednesday, August 20, 2014. After a British Columbia Supreme Court ruled that an Okanagan mother would have custody of her child but be required to move to Chetwynd, she has now had the ruling reversed by the British Columbia Court of Appeal. She will no longer […]
Child support in British Columbia: How is it determined?
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, August 15, 2014. When couples with children get a divorce, two important matters that they often have to settle are who will pay child support and what the monthly payment amount will be. Child support payments are meant to ensure that both parents of a […]
Family Law Act aims for cooperative approach to parenting
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, August 11, 2014. In March 2013, British Columbia passed the Family Law Act. This law focuses on the child’s best interests and the responsibilities of both parents toward the children after a divorce. One of the ideas behind the Family Law Act is that changing […]
Statistics reflecting child custody agreements in Canada
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, August 4, 2014. When couples in British Columbia with children get a divorce, there are multiple options for child custody and parental contact that could come into play. The National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth provides a number of statistics related to child custody […]
RCMP officer convicted for faking paternity test sentenced
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, July 24, 2014. A 37-year-old British Columbia man was sentenced to jail on July 17 after he was convicted for fabricating evidence by having another person take a paternity test for him. According to the report, the man, who is an RCMP officer, reportedly had […]
Dividing a couple’s family property at the end of a marriage
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, July 16, 2014. British Columbia residents may wish to know how property is divided when a couple divorces. The law has a specific method, but couples are free to come to a separate agreement if they wish. Under B.C. law, there are two categories […]
Controversy swirls over mayor and wife
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Monday, July 14, 2014. As the mayor of Vancouver goes through a reportedly amicable separation from his wife, he is enduring false attacks and alleged rumours from one of his political opponents, the NPA. After three decades of marriage, the mayor moved out of the […]
Real Housewives’ divorce underway
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Thursday, July 3, 2014. Drama filled a Canada courtroom as one of the stars of Real Housewives of Vancouver testified in a divorce case. Jody Claman provided testimony for several days during the divorce trial that endured two weeks. Specifically, she was asked questions about her income, […]
Preparing for divorce financially
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Friday, June 27, 2014. Many residents of British Columbia may aware of some of the expenses that can arise out of a divorce, but some may not have considered how these costs might affect a partner who is not employed. According to some commentators, […]
Understanding rules of property division in BC
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Wednesday, June 18, 2014. The government of British Columbia enforces special rules concerning how property should be divided for couples. These rules regarding property division pertain to married couples as well as unmarried couples who had been cohabiting for two years or more in a relationship […]
Divorcing Hollywood couple may have $50M in assets at stake
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Friday, June 13, 2014. British Columbia readers may be interested in the divorce proceedings of one famous Hollywood couple. At issue in the divorce is custody of a teenage daughter and various properties across the globe valued at tens of millions of dollars. Actors Melanie […]
The role of mediation in divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, June 6, 2014. The British Columbia Supreme Court and Provincial Court hear many cases related to matters of family law, but many people are unaware that such disputes can also be resolved without litigation. Mediation is often a viable alternative to litigation in a divorce situation, and […]
No child support for mother who took child abroad
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, May 29, 2014. The Court of Appeals in British Columbia ruled that a man whose former wife took their daughter to Italy nearly five years ago does not have to pay back child support of more than $32,000. A lower court had already reached the […]
$4.5 billion granted in divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in High-Asset Divorce on Tuesday, May 27, 2014. In what may be the largest divorce settlement in world history, British Columbia soccer fans might have heard that the owner of AS Monaco, Dmitry Rybolovlev, was ordered to pay his ex-wife more than $4.5 billion. The divorce was filed in […]
Protests shine a light on income assistance clawback issues
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Monday, May 19, 2014. A group in British Columbia is attempting to combat a policy that takes back income assistance from some mothers. In New Westminster, they marched in protest against these policies, which they claim are damaging children’s health. Mother’s Day was the day when […]
Parental rights of sperm donors in question
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Monday, May 12, 2014. In British Columbia, legislation provides that a sperm donor does not have automatic parental rights. In the rest of the country, there is no definitive case law pertaining to the obligations and rights of sperm donors. It is unknown how many sperm-donation […]
Overseas parental kidnapping cases and the law
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, May 2, 2014. Data shows that families in British Columbia and across Canada have seen a 40 per cent rise in parental kidnappings and custody battles between nations since 2009, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs. Toward the end of April, the department was […]
What Do I Do If I Have Been Sexually Harassed At Work?
By Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Human Rights on Tuesday, April 29, 2014. If you have been sexually discriminated against then one option is to file a complaint with the Human Rights Tribunal. An example of unacceptable behaviour would be an offer of promotion in return for sexual favours. It is also […]
Deciding who gets to keep the pet after a divorce
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Monday, April 28, 2014. British Columbia couples often argue over the division of marital property during a divorce. Few pieces of property elicit as emotional a reaction as pets, however. Determining who gets the family pet after a marriage ends can be a tricky […]
Advocates call for change in BC child support policy
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, April 18, 2014. Leading lawyers and advocates for single parents have joined the New Democratic Party in criticizing the British Columbia government’s policy of reducing the income assistance and disability benefits of parents who receive child support. Under the current system, a dollar-for-dollar deduction is […]
American man unhappy about his Canadian child support payments
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Friday, April 11, 2014. A man who lived with his family in Canada for several years before getting a divorce and then moving back to the United States is unhappy about a difference in Canadian child support laws that could result in him making payments for far longer […]
Clawback provisions part of assistance cheques
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Support on Thursday, April 3, 2014. According to Statistics Canada, approximately 49.8 per cent of British Columbia children who are below the poverty line live in a single-parent home. Many of these families must rely on an assistance cheque from the government. Although this assistance is very limited, […]
Court could order billionaire to share assets
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Sunday, March 30, 2014. The billionaire owner with a controlling interest in Continental Resources Inc., an oil company, could find the appreciation of his stock classified as a marital asset in a case that family lawyers in British Columbia are watching with interest. Although […]
Trust and Settlement Variation Act
By Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Trusts on Thursday, March 27, 2014. If you are the beneficiary of a trust and are facing a long waiting period to receive your inheritance, this may be of interest to you. Trusts are a common device to provide a secure stream of income for another person, usually family […]
Study shows children benefit from equal parenting time
On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Child Custody on Friday, March 21, 2014. A 2013 study with implications for parents in British Columbia and across Canada found that children of divorced parents have the best outcome when they can spend equal time with both parents. The study shows that shared parenting usually works to minimize […]