Can Negotiation Work for You?

Negotiation is something we do everyday with our spouses, colleagues, children, and even strangers. Most people are pretty good negotiators because they know what they want and what they are willing to give up to get it. The corner stone of negotiation is compromise. So why do spouses have such…

BC’s “Deadbeat Parents” Fail to Support Their kids

The child and spousal support system is in crisis. With two thirds of all support orders being ignored, deadbeat parents in BC owe over half a billion dollars in back support. Spousal support orders are supposed to be enforced by the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP). But FMEP director Chris…

Can Family Mediation Work for Me?

Is Family Mediation right for you? This is an important question. Many people want to try family mediation because they fear going to court. This is understandable as court is expensive and time consuming. Is Family Mediation the answer? In most the answer is yes. The research shows that Mediation is successful…

Travelling with Kids outside of Canada

Documentation Requirements for One Parent Traveling with Kids: If your child is travelling out of Canada with only one parent, a friend or a relative, it is important to be prepared with appropriate documentation.  As the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) states on their website: “Border services officers watch for…

Separation And Early Inheritance

When a relationship ends one issue that frequently needs to be addressed is how gifts and inheritances are dealt with.  Section 85(1) of the Family Law Act  makes the situation a lot simpler. This provision for gifts and inheritances (aside from capital gains) to be excluded from the family property which…