by Michael Butterfield on November 17th, 2014
What is a Cohabitation Agreement? A Cohabitation Agreement is a written legal document. It reflects the agreement between two people living together in a romantic relationship for two years. This period may be shorter, if the couple have a child together. What is a common law spouse? The Cohabitation Agreement…
by Michael Butterfield on October 21st, 2014
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…
by Michael Butterfield on June 13th, 2014
Every year in BC thousands of people die without making a Will. When that happens their debt and property is distributed according to the BC Wills, Estates and Succession Act, s.20-23 (“WESA”). The property and debt of a deceased is called their estate. When a Will is drafted, it will…
by Michael Butterfield on March 15th, 2014
Beyond Collaborative Family law Over the last decade a great deal of attention has been given to Collaborative Family Law as the ADR alternative to family litigation. The process starts with an agreement (Participation Agreement) not to go to court, and to negotiate an interest based settlement without the intervention…
by Michael Butterfield on November 22nd, 2013
Court Procedure made simple The “grounds for divorce” are the reasons you can use for seeking a divorce. Divorces are governed by the Divorce Act of Canada. You can get a divorce for one of the following reasons: You and your spouse have lived separately and apart for at least…