The decisions that shape BC family law, and the question each one answers.
| Case | Citation | The question it answers |
|---|---|---|
| Property division | ||
| V.J.F. v S.K.W. | 2016 BCCA 186 | What happens if you gift excluded property to your spouse in BC? |
| Agreements | ||
| Hartshorne v Hartshorne | 2004 SCC 22 | Are prenuptial agreements enforceable in BC? |
| Rick v Brandsema | 2009 SCC 10 | Can a separation agreement be set aside for hiding assets? |
| Anderson v Anderson | 2023 SCC 13 | Is a separation agreement valid without a lawyer? |
| Spousal support | ||
| Miglin v Miglin | 2003 SCC 24 | What is the Miglin test for spousal support agreements? |
| Moge v Moge | [1992] 3 SCR 813 | What is compensatory spousal support? |
| Bracklow v Bracklow | [1999] 1 SCR 420 | Can I get spousal support if I can't work due to illness? |
| Leskun v Leskun | 2006 SCC 25 | Does adultery affect spousal support in Canada? |
| Boston v Boston | 2001 SCC 43 | What is double-dipping in pension division? |
| Child support | ||
| D.B.S. v S.R.G. | 2006 SCC 37 | What are the D.B.S. factors for retroactive child support? |
| Michel v Graydon | 2020 SCC 24 | Can you claim retroactive child support after the child turns 19? |
| Colucci v Colucci | 2021 SCC 24 | Can child support arrears be cancelled in Canada? |
| Contino v Leonelli-Contino | 2005 SCC 63 | How is child support calculated with 50/50 parenting? |
| Chartier v Chartier | [1999] 1 SCR 242 | Do step-parents have to pay child support in BC? |
| Parenting & relocation | ||
| Gordon v Goertz | [1996] 2 SCR 27 | What is the test for moving away with a child after separation? |
| Barendregt v Grebliunas | 2022 SCC 22 | How do BC courts decide relocation cases? |
| Estates | ||
| Tataryn v Tataryn | [1994] 2 SCR 807 | Can you contest a will in BC? |
| Common law | ||
| Kerr v Baranow | 2011 SCC 10 | What is a joint family venture claim? |
This sheet lists cases and the questions they address — it does not state what any case decided. Plain-language commentaries on each decision are being published in The BC Family Law Casebook as each passes lawyer review. This is legal information, not legal advice; how any precedent applies depends on your facts.
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