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 child support becomes unemployed has significant unanticipated medical expenses or for any other reason becomes unable to comply with a child support order, he or she may seek a modification of the court order. However, this is not easy, and it will require ample proof to be provided to substantiate a claim of undue hardship.

Another instance that may lead to a request to end child support is when a child becomes self-sufficient. British Columbia regards children to be old enough to care for themselves once they turn 19 years old. That is called the age of majority, and a parent’s child support obligations typically end at that time. Some circumstances may require the continuation of child support payments beyond a child’s 19th birthday. These include a child that continues to be a full-time scholar or one who is ill or disabled.

However, the court will allow child support payments to stop before the age of majority if he or she becomes independent and no longer needs parental care. Such circumstances could include the child moving in with somebody who provides for him or her, or if the child leaves the family home with no inclination to return. A child who lives separately and has employment that enables him or her to live without financial assistance from his or her parents before turning 19 is independent, and the court may cancel the child support order.

A British Columbia parent who has a court-ordered child support responsibility may not decide to stop paying without the court’s permission. For any changes to child support, or to cease payments, the parent must go to court and provide substantiating proof that a child has become independent or that changed circumstances would cause undue hardship if child support payments continue. This is a complicated field of the law, and the support of an experienced family law lawyer, like Laughlin Law, may ease the process and lead to an acceptable new arrangement.

Family Lawyers Coquitlam

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370

Source: bc.familieschange.ca, “Are there exceptions to how much a parent has to pay?“, Accessed on June 30, 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 to carefully devised schedules and plans. While parents may find it easy to cope with minor changes to their child custody and parenting plans, modifications that are more complicated may lead to disputes or contention.

It is in times like these when the responsibilities of a family lawyer such as those at Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators can be invaluable. They focus on resolving child-related issues by providing divorced parents with a platform for mediated negotiations. In most cases, their skilled guidance leads to compromise and the development of adjusted parenting schedules that suit both parents while still focused on the best interests of the child.

However, some issues can cause ongoing conflict between former spouses. These may involve extracurricular activities, contact with extended family members and other unanticipated events. Laughlin & Company can arrange parenting coordination to shield conflicting parents from each other by acting as a barrier when they express their opinions. A parenting coordinator facilitates communication and aims to help families learn how to work through day-to-day issues without antagonism.

Divorced couples in British Columbia may find that the professional but personalized approach of the legal team at Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators can help them master the skills of negotiation through communication and compromise. Many find this to be empowering, knowing that they can manage to resolve day-to-day parenting issues that are common in any family. With such professional guidance, child custody issues need not jeopardize post-divorce parent-child relationships.

Family Lawyers Coquitlam, BC

Lawyers & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370

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 spouses have the opportunity to discuss their concerns. A qualified divorce mediator will facilitate the negotiations and encourage communication — and compromise when necessary — to help couples reach agreements that suit all concerned.

However, even though a divorce mediator can be a qualified lawyer, to avoid a conflict of interest, he or she may not give legal advice to either spouse. For that, and for valuable input, each party may have his or her legal representative present during mediation sessions. So, how can the mediator help? The experience of a qualified divorce mediator allows him or her to explain the laws related to property division, spousal support, child custody and child support.

After assessing the family dynamics, the mediator can make suggestions that may guide spouses to resolve their issues. These may include parenting plans, and although the court makes decisions about child support, spouses may discuss additional payments. The same goes for spousal support, financial decisions and property division for which couples may find their own solutions. Once the parties understand the laws related to these issues, it may be empowering to be able to make these decisions together rather than leaving it to a judge who has no intimate knowledge of the family.

Throughout negotiations, the respective lawyers can ensure their clients have fair participation. If couples can agree on all issues, their respective divorce lawyers can make sure the settlement agreement complies with the laws of British Columbia. However, if some issues prove unsolvable, couples may choose to let the court decide on those and then come to divorce mediation to draft a final agreement which the lawyers can present to the court.

Source: divorcesupport.about.com, “What Legal Issues Can a Divorce Mediator Discuss?“.

Ask a legal question? Call Laughlin Law!

Family Lawyer Coquitlam

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370

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 session, as well as subsequent sessions if more than one is necessary.

You must mentally prepare for the mediation session before that first session. This is a big point because how you mentally prepare can have an impact on how you handle the negotiations that are part of the process. You have to be ready to negotiate on the points that come up. Compromise is the key to mediation, so you can’t go into the meeting thinking that you are going to get your way on every point. You can’t let your emotions, such as anger, rule you during the mediation process.

Another important consideration is the financial aspect of the divorce. You need detailed financial records so that you can get moving on the property division process. Planning a budget for when you are a single person can often help you in this portion of the mediation process. Your budget lets you know what you can afford, which can help you to know if you are able to afford assets that require upkeep and have other expenses.

Make a list of the concerns that you have. By writing down your concerns, you can make sure that you have those addressed during the divorce negotiations. If you want, you can make a list of points that you think you need to hold firm on and points that you are willing to negotiate on. This can let you start your negotiations a bit higher than what you are willing to accept.

During the process, you can ask to speak to the mediator and/or your attorney in private. This might help you to discuss problems that are sensitive in nature. This also gives you the chance to get answers to any questions about your rights or obligations answered.

Source: The Huffington Post, “How to Prepare for Your First Mediation Session — Your Eight Steps Plan,” Dr. Michelle Rozen, accessed Aug. 12, 2016

Family Lawyers Coquitlam

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370
https://www.laughlinlaw.ca/