#coquitlamfamilyattorney | Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators Port Coquitlam

Child support issues when one parent lives outside B.C.

Laughlin Law — Tue, 12 Sep 2017 20:54:14 +0000

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 also exist with several other nations that will honor child support and spousal support arrangements fashioned in the region.

The province wanted to make sure both parties involved in the process were treated fairly and that, if needed, both people could present any evidence before the order was entered. The former process could be long and arduous. So, B.C. provincial and supreme court judges discussed the matter with the provincial Ministry of Justice, which culminated in a new way of doing things — the Interjurisdictional Support Order Act (ISO).

Lawyers in the process, appearing as a “friend of the court,” should be at the ready if the case goes to trial. However, lawyers, except for Surrey and Vancouver Robson Provincial Courts, appear by video or can phone in. Standard forms are also now available to help in the timely preparation of any child support orders.

The average decision time on an application has been reduced from more than 20 to 9.3 months. Not one form has been put off without a set date since the new process has been in place. The process continues to be evaluated.

British Columbia residents who experience child support issues would do well with the guidance and experience of a family law lawyer. He or she knows the ins and outs of the process in place regarding the legalities of child support. A lawyer will be able to offer solid advice on how to address any issues.

Source: provincial court.bc.ca, “Dealing with child support issues when one parent lives outside BC,” Accessed on Sept. 11, 2017

Lawyer Coquitlam

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

The post Child support issues when one parent lives outside B.C. appeared first on Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators Port Coquitlam.

Child custody, property division and lately — divorce ceremonies

Laughlin Law — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 22:43:15 +0000

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. Although most divorcing couples seek shared child custody, nobody wants their kids to remember all future holidays as the sad time when their parents got divorced.

During January, people planning a divorce will likely get all their financial matters in order, settle as many debts as possible, close shared credit cards and bank accounts and open personal accounts. Being fully informed about family finances by gathering all the financial information may ease the property division process. This month of preparation may be the time to discuss child-related matters.

Although running two households and subjecting kids to two sets of rules can be tough on parents, the best interests of the children are what matters most. A divorce will yield ex-spouses but never ex-children. As long as they are alive, regardless of how many subsequent marriages the parents enter, they will always be the parents of that child. To make the most of the situation, many divorced parents commit to cooperate and be flexible in post-divorce child-related issues.

A divorce can be as complicated as the parties choose to make it, and it is becoming more common for newly divorced couples in British Columbia to arrange divorce ceremonies to say their goodbyes and wish each other the best for the future. While these ceremonies have no connection to family laws, the legal navigation of a divorce can be challenging. For that reason, many people seek the support of a lawyer who is experienced in providing guidance through the complicated areas such as child custody, property division and more.

Source: CBC News British Columbia, “January is a popular time to get divorced, therapists say“, Accessed on Jan. 20, 2017

Need a lawyer? Contact us now!

Family Lawyers in Coquitlam, British Columbia

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

The post Child custody, property division and lately — divorce ceremonies appeared first on Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators Port Coquitlam.