Practice Areas
In these pages, you will find me explaining some of my main practice areas, including:
criminal defense;
separation and divorce;
cohabitation, marriage and separation agreements; and
commercial and residential tenancy.
As part of my litigation practice, I also offer legal services in civil and commercial litigation. In addition, as a full service legal practice, I offer legal services in many other practice areas, including:
wills and estates;
power of attorney, including enduring power of attorney;
representation agreements;
immigration;
incorporation;
commercial transactions; and
creditors' and debtors' remedies.
Divorce
Parenting time/guardianship
Divorce is a difficult and emotionally charged process, and we understand that it can be overwhelming for anyone going through it. Our experienced family law team is here to help guide you through the legal process and protect your rights, while being mindful of the personal and emotional impact of divorce. You can trust us to listen to your concerns, provide clear and practical advice, and advocate for your best interests. With our support, you can feel reassured that you are not alone in this process, and that we are here to help you achieve the best possible outcome for your future.
Understanding the concepts of parenting time and guardianship is crucial for navigating the post-separation landscape. Parenting time refers to the amount of time that each parent spends with their child, and it encompasses everything from day-to-day care to vacations and holidays. Guardianship, on the other hand, refers to the legal authority to make major decisions on behalf of the child, such as those related to education, healthcare, and religion. Ultimately, the goal of any parenting time and guardianship arrangement is to promote the best interests of the child and provide a stable, loving environment for their growth and development.
Prenutual agreements
A prenuptial agreement is a crucial legal document that can provide peace of mind and protect assets in the event of a divorce or separation. By establishing clear guidelines for property division, spousal support, and other financial matters prior to marriage, a prenuptial agreement can prevent lengthy and costly legal battles down the road.
Cohabitation agreements
By outlining clear guidelines for property division, financial support, and other important matters, a cohabitation agreement can help prevent costly disputes in the event of a breakup or separation. Ultimately, a well-crafted cohabitation agreement can offer both parties peace of mind and ensure that their respective rights and obligations are clearly defined and understood, no matter what the future holds.
Separation agreements
When it comes to drafting a separation agreement, it is essential to have experienced lawyers on your side. A well-crafted separation agreement requires a comprehensive understanding of family law and a thorough examination of the unique circumstances of each case. By working with knowledgeable lawyers at Grandview Law Group LLP, you can ensure that your separation agreement accurately reflects your wishes, protects your rights, and complies with the law.
Property Division
Understanding the rules around property division is critical for ensuring that you receive a fair and equitable share of assets following a separation. British Columbia follows the principle of "family property," which means that most assets acquired during the marriage or common-law relationship are divided equally between the parties. This includes everything from real estate and investments to pensions and business interests.
It's important to note that certain assets, such as inheritances, gifts, and pre-marital property, may be exempt from division. However, determining which assets are considered family property and which are "excluded" can be a complex and highly fact-specific process.
mediation/arbitration
Lawyers have a professional and ethical obligation to help their clients resolve disputes in the most cost-effective and efficient manner possible, and this often means exploring Alternate Dispute Resolutions before resorting to court.
Mediation is one of the most common forms of ADR used in family law disputes, and it involves a neutral third party helping the parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Mediation can be a powerful tool for resolving conflicts in a constructive and collaborative way. There are other ADR methods available, including negotiation, arbitration, and collaborative law. Each of these methods has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the best approach will depend on the specific circumstances of your case.
Grandparents rights
In BC, under the Family Law Act, grandparents may have certain rights to see their grandchildren in certain circumstances. While grandparents do not have automatic rights to parenting time or guardianship of their grandchildren, they may be able to seek a court order for "contact" time with their grandchildren if they can demonstrate that it is in the best interests of the child.
The law recognizes that children have a right to maintain relationships with people who are important to them, including their grandparents. If a grandparent is denied access to their grandchild by the child's parent or guardian, they may be able to bring a court application for contact.
Spousal support
Spousal support, sometimes known as alimony or maintenance, is a legal obligation that requires one spouse to provide financial support to the other spouse following a divorce or legal separation.
Our lawyers understand that spousal support can be a contentious issue, and we work with our clients to develop strategies that are tailored to their specific circumstances and goals. We have extensive experience representing both recipients and payors of spousal support, and we are committed to helping our clients achieve the best possible outcome in their case.
Legal coaching
Our legal coaching services are designed to provide clients with tailored legal advice and guidance throughout every step of the litigation process. We understand that the legal system can be overwhelming and intimidating, and we are dedicated to providing our clients with the tools and resources they need to achieve the best possible outcome in their case.
Our legal coaching services are ideal for clients who wish to represent themselves in court or who are unable to afford full legal representation. With our legal coaching services, you can rely on our experienced attorneys to provide you with the guidance and support you need to represent yourself effectively in court.
Mobility/child relocation
If you are considering relocating with your child, or if you are facing a relocation case brought by your ex-partner, it's important to understand that these cases can be very difficult to resolve. Relocation cases involve complex legal and factual issues, and they often require a high degree of sensitivity and understanding from all parties involved.
In Canada, the courts have developed a framework for deciding relocation cases that is based on the best interests of the child.
One of the biggest challenges in relocation cases is that they often involve competing interests and deeply held emotions.
child support
Child support is a legal obligation that requires parents to financially support their children. This obligation is usually created upon the breakdown of a relationship where the parties have a child/children together.
Child support is an important aspect of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. If you are facing a child support issue, it is important to seek legal guidance to ensure that your rights are protected and that your child's best interests are taken into account.