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 people fill out their tax returns in Canada, the government assumes citizens have declared all their income, but the agency has ways of checking these things. The CRA matches income slips to returns using Social Insurance numbers, making sure citizens have claimed everything. Essentially, claimed expenses, when they come to child custody, must be able to be proved should the government ask for clarification.

Single moms and dads have found that if they claim an eligible dependent (AED) for one child, it may attract the CRA’s attention. The AED can save about $1,700 in taxes, with further savings in each province, so it is a large claim. The CRA is requesting custody proof for many of these claims.

As long as single, custodial parents can provide the right documents to the CRA, the review should go smoothly. Those queried have 30 days to prove custody. Proof may be in the form of a birth certificate and a letter from the school the child attends or from the family doctor. The right paperwork must be presented to prove eligibility for the AED tax credit and without it, the CRA will recalculate tax returns by assuming the claimant doesn’t qualify for the credit.

There are many questions regarding child custody issues that an experienced British Columbia lawyer may be able to answer. A family law lawyer may also be able to point his or her clients in the direction of others knowledgeable in the issues surrounding custody, like those familiar with tax issues such as accountants. The guidance of a lawyer may prove invaluable in these cases.

Family Lawyers in Coquitlam

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

Source: huffingtonpost.ca, “The CRA Might Ask You to Prove Custody of Your Kids“.

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 one of the most stressful experiences in life, second only to the death of a child or partner. Divorce mediation can make what can be a very rocky path much easier to navigate.

In a divorce situation, those involved must acknowledge that things are hard. Researchers have proved that when people understand and give their fears credence, what they think are shortcomings and what causes them shame helps them to grow in maturity and strength. Divorce mediation can be a process that strengthens separating British Columbians.

Agreeing to divorce mediation can help a couple leave the negatives of their situation at the door and deal with difficult issues like adults. Asking for this help can reduce anxiety, help the couple to develop a new, co-operative parenting strategy for their children and help them to deal with the changes that are happening in their lives. There are healthy ways to get through a divorce, and engaging in divorce mediation is one of them.

Even for couples who have the help of an expert seasoned in divorce mediation, having the help of a lawyer experienced in family law will be invaluable. Any couple living in British Columbia considering divorce mediation over litigation will find that a family law lawyer will be able to recommend a mediator. A lawyer will also provide legal counsel regarding any agreements before being signed and given to the court.

Lawyer in Coquitlam

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

Source: canada.ca, “Helping children and youth live with separation and divorce,” Accessed on July 29, 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

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 child support. One of the first questions asked in such circumstances is regarding for how long child support must be paid.

Under the Family Law Act and the Divorce Act, child support must continue until a child turns 19 years old. Also, if the child is disabled or has an illness that prevents him or her from caring for themselves, the parent must continue to pay child support. Another situation in which a parent must provide for a child’s board, room and basic necessities of life even after his or her 19th birthday is when the child is studying at an accredited institution such as a technical college, university or college.

There are exceptions to these laws, and an unemployed child older than 19 years who continues to live in the home of the custodial parent may not necessarily be taken off child support. The court will consider the circumstances. If a child is not gainfully employed because he or she has not bothered to find a job, the court may order an end to child support. On the other hand, if the parent lives in an area known for high unemployment levels, ongoing child support might be ordered.

An experienced British Columbia family law child custody lawyer will be able to answer all questions about child support and other issues. If the custodial parent seeks more money, or the non-custodial parent wants a reduction due to financial hardship, a motion for child support modification can be filed. The support and guidance of the lawyer will be available. A skilled lawyer will assess the circumstances and explain the potential remedies to enable the parent to make an informed choice about how to proceed.

Source: familylaw.lss.bc.ca, “When does child support end?“, Accessed on April 5, 2017

Lawyers Port Coquitlam, British Columbia

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

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. While child custody used to indicate whom the primary caregiver of a child will be after a divorce, guardianship aims to involve both parents in the post-divorce care of the children — except when such arrangements may expose the child to harm.

Most parents agree with the updated laws that give families the chance to continue parent-child relationships even after divorce. However, drafting parenting plans that will meet the schedules and needs of both parents without jeopardizing the best interests of the child can be challenging. While matters such as the responsibilities of supervision, religion, medical treatment, health care and more must be considered, all the day-to-day decisions will need to be made.

Parents may find comfort in learning that there are lawyers who focus on the family law — who know that most mothers and fathers prioritize the stability and happiness of their children. Lawyers such as those at Laughlin & Company lawyer whose paramount concern is the needs of parents and children can facilitate negotiations and discussions on that basis. This will provide a platform for parents to work out how best to arrange their time and responsibilities in relation to their children.

Some divorced parents in British Columbia have learned that a team of legal representatives such as the lawyers at Laughlin & Company understand that many family law issues need to be revisited in the future. The circumstances of parents change over time, and so do the needs of children. Many people enjoy peace of mind knowing that their legal advisors will be there in the future when child custody issues need modification, or when they need guidance and support with any other family law matters.

Port Coquitlam, BC Lawyer

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

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 a means of hiding assets in a high\-asset divorce. However, such transactions are traceable and could adversely affect the manner in which the British Columbia court treats a deceiving spouse in a contested divorce.

Bitcoin is a virtual currency that its inventor calls a cryptocurrency, and it allows peer-to-peer transfers without third parties. Those who are in highly contentious divorces might think that Bitcoin transactions are anonymous. However, each registered user is assigned a wallet address where his or her Bitcoin funds are stored. This address consists of a number string by which forensic investigators can trace and identify the wallet owner.

During a forensic investigation, any monetary transfers that are substantial will be questioned. If it is determined that those transfers were for purchases of Bitcoin — or other cryptocurrencies such as Zcash or Monero — the court may see it as dissipating of marital assets. That person will likely not receive an equitable share of the property in the asset division process based on previous examples of family law cases.

British Columbia residents who suspect a soon-to-be former spouse of using devious ways to hide funds in a high-asset divorce may find comfort in knowing that an experienced divorce lawyer will likely have access to forensic specialists who can trace funds that are concealed. A seasoned Laughlin Law Divorce Lawyer can also provide support and guidance with other divorce-related issues. These can include the division of other marital property and matters related to child custody, child support, spousal support and more.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Hiding Assets with Bitcoin in Divorce“, David Centeno, Feb. 23, 2017

Port Coquitlam Attorney

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