Trending Family Law Issues

Uncontested vs Contested Divorce: Key Differences

Uncontested vs contested divorce in BC: differences in cost, timeline and process, plus how desk-order divorces work in the BC Supreme Court.

Sep 22, 2025 · 3 min read

Property & Finances

Who Pays Legal Costs in BC Family Law Cases?

Who pays legal costs in BC family law? How costs work in Supreme Court vs Provincial Court, the substantially successful test, and what awards cover.

Sep 16, 2025 · 4 min read

Common Law & Marriage

Common Law in BC: The 2-Year Rule & Your Rights

Living together two years in a marriage-like relationship gives you a married spouse's rights in BC. See the factors courts use and when the rule differs.

Nov 20, 2024 · 4 min read

Property & Finances

Importance of Disclosure in Family Law Matters

When going through a separation, navigating the financial aspect of the marriage is imperative to reaching a fair distribution of assets. This is why…

Nov 20, 2024 · 2 min read

Do I Need to Pay Child Support for my Post Secondary student?

When determining whether an adult child is still entitled to child support, courts consider several factors based on the child's status and…

Sep 5, 2024 · 4 min read

Protection Orders When Court Orders Are Ignored

When a parent ignores parenting orders, BC courts can treat it as family violence. What S.A.M. v. M.R.Y., 2023 BCPC 185 means for protection orders.

Aug 5, 2024 · 3 min read

Navigating Pet Custody in Family Law: The Case of Stella the Golden Retriever

In a recent case before the British Columbia Supreme Court before Associate Judge Nielsen, the complexities of pet custody emerged prominently,…

Apr 30, 2024 · 2 min read

Changes to Family Law Act as of May 11, 2023

The British Columbia Family Law Act underwent some significant changes on March 27, 2023, with new amendments aimed at shedding light on longstanding…

Jun 12, 2023 · 1 min read

Unbundled Family Law Services in Surrey, BC

Can't afford full representation? SiLaw Group in Surrey, BC offers unbundled family law services — document drafting, hearing prep and limited-scope help.

Apr 5, 2023 · 2 min read

Common Law & Marriage

Understanding Maher in Islamic Marriage Contracts in British Columbia

As Muslims around the world observe Ramadan, we wanted to take this opportunity to shed some light on a vital aspect of Islamic marriage contracts: Maher.

Apr 5, 2023 · 5 min read

Tax Issues in Separation & Divorce in BC

How separation and divorce affect your taxes in BC: spousal support deductions, child support rules, RRSP transfers and the CRA forms you need to file.

Mar 30, 2023 · 1 min read

Need to reduce Child Support Arrears? Here's how.

Child support arrears are a serious issue that affects both parents and children involved in a separation or divorce.

Mar 11, 2023 · 2 min read

Divorcing a Narcissist in BC: A Lawyer's Guide

Divorcing a narcissist? Lessons from Bill Eddy's book Splitting for BC family law clients: the CARS method, protecting children and pacing yourself.

Mar 10, 2023 · 2 min read

Planning on moving from BC with your child? What to do when considering relocation

The process for relocating with a child to another province under the Family Law Act in British Columbia can be complex and it is strongly recommended…

Jan 21, 2023 · 2 min read

Thinking of Mediation? Here's why you should try it!

Mediation is a voluntary process in which a neutral third party, called a mediator, helps people in conflict to communicate and reach a…

Jan 4, 2023 · 1 min read

5 Steps to Starting a Divorce

Are you looking for a divorce lawyer in Surrey, British Columbia? We can provide you with the advice that you need to navigate the Divorce Act!

Nov 24, 2022 · 5 min read

What does the "Best Interests of the Child" actually mean?

"It's in the Best Interests of the Children" If you haven't already yet, you'll hear this being said by your lawyers, your ex, the Judges and Masters,…

Nov 24, 2022 · 1 min read

Shared Parenting Arrangements in British Columbia

Shared parenting is usually the best arrangement for all children... usually.

May 18, 2022 · 2 min read

Now you can terminate a rental lease agreement due to violence by ANYONE as of May 20, 2020

There are time when you can't wait to hire a lawyer in order to get some justice. You need a quick solution if you are a victim to family violence.

Jul 17, 2020 · 1 min read

The Supreme and Provincial Courts of BC are not closed to everyone....

We have been receiving inquiries about the courts in BC being closed due to restrictions imposed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. You might feel like…

Apr 17, 2020 · 2 min read

Parenting Arrangements During the Time of COVID-19

On March 26, 2020, Dr. Michael F. Elterman, a British Columbia psychologist with 30 years of practice specializing in court reports for family cases…

Mar 27, 2020 · 2 min read

COVID-19 and your Children: How do you deal?

During uncertain times like pandemics, parenting time issues often emerge, particularly for those managing childcare while going through separation.…

Mar 23, 2020 · 2 min read

Family Protection Orders in BC: How to Apply

Learn how family protection orders work in BC: what counts as family violence under the Family Law Act, what a judge can order, and how to apply urgently.

5 min read

Abuse Against Men in British Columbia Relationships

What counts as family violence under BC's Family Law Act, how protection orders work, and Surrey support services for men experiencing abuse.

5 min read

After Separation: Getting more than just half of your assets

"But I want more than 50/50 of my assets!" These are some of the words that I hear from my clients. Before walking into the doors of my office and…

2 min read

Times are a Changin' - the new and improved Divorce Act

In June 2020, the Divorce Act is being amended... So what does that mean for you?

1 min read

Child Support in British Columbia

How child support works in BC: who pays, how Guidelines amounts are set, special expenses, support past age 19, and enforcement through the BCFMA.

3 min read

Coercive Control Is Now a Tort: What Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia Means for Families in British Columbia

By Sandy Sihota, SiLaw Group Family Lawyers & Mediation, Surrey, British Columbia

5 min read

Discover the Mediation Benefits SiLaw Group Offers for Families

Mediation is a process where a neutral third party helps people communicate and reach agreements. Unlike going to court, mediation focuses on…

4 min read

Do I need to file a Leave to Appeal a Judgment in British Columbia?

Leave to appeal is the permission given by a court that allows a party to challenge a decision. In British Columbia, not all judgments qualify for an…

5 min read

Everything you need to know about Retroactive Child Support in BC, Canada

If you are involved in divorce proceedings, you may have heard the term retroactive child support before or otherwise known as back pay.

3 min read

Pet Custody in BC: New Family Law Act Rules

Who gets the pet after separation in BC? The Family Law Act's 2024 companion-animal rules list the factors courts weigh. Book a free consultation.

3 min read

Grounds for Divorce in BC: The 3 Legal Grounds

BC recognizes three grounds for divorce under the Divorce Act: one year of separation, adultery, and cruelty. Learn how each works and the steps to file.

6 min read

Spousal Support

How do I get Spousal Support from my ex?

This is a common question that we get asked often: how do I get spousal support from my ex?

2 min read

Spousal Support

How to Terminate or Vary Spousal Support in BC

Learn when BC courts will vary or end spousal support: the material change test from Powell v Levesque, plus how to apply. Free 30-minute consultation.

3 min read

Desk Order Divorce in BC: Step-by-Step DIY Guide

Step-by-step guide to filing an uncontested desk order divorce in BC without a lawyer: eligibility, Supreme Court forms F3 to F52, timelines and fees.

4 min read

How to Respond to an Ex-Parte Application in Court: Setting Aside Ex Parte and Without Notice Court Orders

At SiLaw Group Family Lawyers in Surrey, BC, the firm aims to educate clients and the public about legal rights regarding ex parte and without notice…

2 min read

Collaborative Family Law in Surrey, BC

How collaborative family law works in Surrey, BC: both spouses commit to settling out of court with trained lawyers, full disclosure and joint meetings.

4 min read

Mediation with a Narcissist: Can It Work?

Divorcing a narcissist? How BC family law mediation handles high-conflict personalities, when it can work, and when court is the safer route.

5 min read

Need a Divorce Lawyer? Here's what to look for.

Going through a divorce can be one of the most challenging and emotionally charged experiences in a person's life. In such situations - so you need a…

2 min read

7 Mistakes to Avoid After Separation in BC

Recently separated in BC without a lawyer? Avoid 7 costly mistakes — from missed disclosure to the two-year limit on property claims after separation.

3 min read

Benefits of a Separation Agreement in BC

Learn how a separation agreement protects both parties in BC — certainty, privacy, lower cost — and the steps to make yours legally binding.

2 min read

Common Law & Marriage

Leaving an Abusive Relationship: What to Pack

A practical checklist of what to take when leaving an abusive relationship in BC: ID, financial records, medication, kids' items and tech safety steps.

3 min read

Reconsidering a BC Family Law Judgment

Reconsideration is not a substitute for an appeal. When BC courts will reopen a family law judgment before entry, and Rule 15-1(18)'s slip rule after.

3 min read

Services Offered by SiLaw Group Family Lawyers and Mediators

Family mediation services enable families to resolve disputes outside of court. A neutral third party—the mediator—facilitates communication and helps…

3 min read

Spousal Support

Spousal Support Reviews - a tool to change your spousal support order.

In the landscape of family law in British Columbia, spousal support is often a key issue that evolves long after a separation agreement or court order…

4 min read

The Caselaw re: Parenting Time amid COVID19

The firm noted satisfaction in seeing "one of the first provincial court judgments relating to parenting time amid the COVID19 era" released during…

1 min read

What Is a Judicial Case Conference (JCC) in BC?

Learn what happens at a judicial case conference (JCC) in the BC Supreme Court: what to file first, what orders a judge can make, and how to prepare.

4 min read

Family Lawyer vs Mediator in BC: How to Choose

Family lawyer or mediator? Learn what each does in BC family disputes, when to choose which, and how the two roles work together in Surrey, BC.

4 min read

Navigating Divorce in Vancouver: Getting the Right Legal Help

When a marriage ends, the legal process can feel overwhelming. Getting proper legal help means working with professionals who understand British…

4 min read

What to Ask a Family Lawyer Before Hiring Them: Top 12 Questions

When it comes to resolving family law matters, finding the right family lawyer can make all the difference. Whether you are dealing with issues of…

3 min read