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Core Practice · British Columbia

Family Law

Compassionate, strategic counsel for BC families at every stage of transition.

Separation and divorce are among the most significant legal events in a person's life. They affect your children, your home, your business, your retirement — everything. Sea to Sky Law™ provides comprehensive family law counsel that addresses every dimension of family transition, with an unwavering commitment to resolution over conflict.

ADR-First. Court-Ready.

Andrew Liggett is designated by the Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) as a Family Law ADR Professional — holding the LSBC Family Law Mediator and Family Law Arbitrator designations. We pursue mediation and arbitration in the vast majority of family matters — resolving disputes faster, more privately, and at a fraction of the cost of court. When litigation is necessary, we are prepared and experienced advocates.

How we can help

British Columbia's family law framework is shaped by two pieces of legislation: the provincial Family Law Act (FLA) and the federal Divorce Act. Together, they govern how property is divided, how parenting arrangements are made, and what financial support flows between former partners — for married couples and common-law spouses alike. Understanding the interplay between these statutes is essential to achieving the right outcome.

Property division in BC begins from a presumption of equal sharing of all "family property" accumulated during the relationship — but excluded property (assets brought into the relationship, inheritances, gifts) is protected. For families with businesses, real estate portfolios, pensions, trusts, or significant investments, the classification and valuation of assets is the critical battleground. We bring the financial and legal expertise to navigate this accurately.

Parenting arrangements are governed by the best interests of the child standard — a multi-factor test under both the FLA and the Divorce Act. We help parents develop thoughtful, child-centred parenting plans that reflect their children's needs, working first through negotiation and mediation, and turning to the courts only when necessary.

Pet custody and care arrangements are increasingly recognised in BC family law. While pets are technically property under law, courts now consider the welfare of the animal, the emotional bonds family members have with the pet, and who provided day-to-day care. We help families negotiate pet care agreements that honour these bonds while protecting the pet's best interests.

Beyond the separation itself, we address all the legal consequences of family transition: updating your estate plan, resolving property transactions, protecting your business interests, and ensuring that every loose end is tied. Our clients receive seamless counsel across family law, estate law, real estate, and corporate law — under one firm.

Explore our detailed guides on key topics:

Key legislation

Common questions

Do I need a family lawyer in BC?

If you are separating, divorcing, dealing with a child custody or support dispute, or need a separation agreement, a BC family lawyer protects your rights and your children's future. Many people try to navigate BC family law alone and discover later that they gave up rights they didn't know they had. Sea to Sky Law™ has represented BC families since 1991 — we offer a free intake call to discuss your situation.

How much does a family lawyer cost in BC?

A family lawyer in BC typically charges $250–$500/hour. An uncontested divorce with a negotiated separation agreement costs $3,500–$7,500 in legal fees. Mediated separations cost significantly less than contested proceedings. A contested family law trial can cost $30,000–$100,000+. Sea to Sky Law offers a free intake call to discuss your situation and realistic costs before you commit to anything.

What is the difference between separation and divorce in BC?

Separation means you and your spouse are living separately with the intention of ending the relationship — you do not need a court order to separate, and you can begin separating property, parenting, and support at any time. Divorce is the legal dissolution of your marriage, granted by a court after a 1-year separation period (or immediately on grounds of adultery or physical/mental cruelty). You can finalize your separation agreement, parenting plan, and property division long before applying for the divorce order itself.

How is property divided in a BC divorce?

Under BC's Family Law Act, there is a presumption of equal division of all family property accumulated during the relationship — regardless of whose name it is in. Excluded property (assets you owned before the relationship, inheritances, gifts from third parties) is protected — but any increase in value during the relationship may be shared. Businesses, pensions, RRSPs, real estate, and investments all require careful classification and often independent valuation.

Who gets child custody in BC?

BC no longer uses the word 'custody' — the Family Law Act and Divorce Act use 'parental responsibilities' and 'parenting time.' Both parents typically share parental responsibilities (decision-making). Parenting time (which parent the child lives with and when) is decided on the 'best interests of the child' standard, considering the child's needs, relationships, stability, history of care, and family violence. Children 12 and older may express a preference that courts consider, but there is no age at which a child automatically chooses.

How do common law couples divide property in BC?

Common law couples in BC who have lived together for 2+ years in a marriage-like relationship have almost identical property division rights as married couples under the Family Law Act — equal division of family property accumulated during the relationship, with excluded property protected. This surprises many common law spouses who assume they have no rights. Unmarried couples who separate should seek legal advice immediately — the same limitation periods apply.

How long does a divorce take in BC?

An uncontested divorce in BC typically takes 3–6 months from application to divorce order. If you need a separation agreement first (property, support, parenting), negotiation adds time — typically 1–4 months with cooperative parties or a mediator. A contested divorce that goes to trial can take 2–4 years. Mediation and collaborative law significantly reduce timelines and cost for most families.

What is a separation agreement in BC and do I need one?

A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between separating spouses that covers property division, spousal support, parenting arrangements, and child support. You do not legally need one to separate or divorce, but without it there is no written record of what was agreed — which leads to future disputes. A properly drafted separation agreement, reviewed by independent legal counsel, is the most important document most separating BC couples will sign.

Related areas

This page is general information, not legal or tax advice. Meetings are by appointment only, by phone or secure video.

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