What to Do in the First 30 Days
Separation is overwhelming. This checklist cuts through the confusion — covering the legal, financial, parenting, and practical steps BC residents should take as soon as possible after separating.
Every separation is different, but the legal framework in BC creates a common set of urgent priorities. Acting quickly protects your rights, your children, and your financial future. This checklist is a starting point — not a substitute for legal advice.
Sea to Sky Law™ Free Intake Call
The Justice Institute of BC offers a free, court-accepted online course covering the legal, emotional, and practical side of parenting through separation — a natural companion to your separation checklist.
A free BC resource for children, teenagers, and parents going through separation — plain-language guides covering every stage, written at every age level.
Estate Planning Checklist and Court Day Preparation are also available.
This checklist is a starting point. Our lawyers and mediators help BC families navigate separation with clarity and compassion — province-wide.
BC Separation Checklist — Steps to Take After Separation
Newly separated in BC? This checklist covers every legal, financial & parenting step to take first. Free guide from Sea to Sky Law™.
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BC separation checklist — legal, financial, parenting & housing steps to take first. A free practical guide from Sea to Sky Law™ for BC residents.
Consult a family lawyer to understand your rights regarding property, support, and parenting.
Gather financial records: bank statements, tax returns, mortgage documents, investments, and pensions.
Establish interim parenting arrangements for children as quickly as possible to minimise disruption.
Determine occupancy rights, update insurance, and do not remove the other party's property without legal advice.
Separation does not automatically revoke your will in BC — update estate documents immediately.
Work with a lawyer or mediator to create a written separation agreement covering all issues.
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Consult a family lawyer to understand your rights under BC's Family Law Act
Ask about the difference between separation and divorce (you can separate without divorcing)
Find out if mediation is right for your situation — it's faster, cheaper, and less adversarial than court
If there is family violence, contact a lawyer immediately and consider a Protection Order application
Gather 3 years of tax returns (yours and, if possible, your spouse's)
Download and save statements from all bank, investment, and RRSP accounts
Get a current mortgage statement and property tax assessment
List all family debts: mortgages, lines of credit, credit cards, car loans
Note all assets: vehicles (with current values), property, business interests, pensions
Open a bank account in your name only if you don't already have one
Do NOT make large transfers or gifts — courts scrutinize asset movement after separation
Stop automatic contributions to joint investment accounts where possible
Establish an interim parenting schedule as quickly as possible — even an informal one reduces conflict
Keep a record of who has the children on which days
Do not relocate with children without giving proper 60-day notice under the Family Law Act
Enrol children in counselling if needed — separation affects children differently by age
Maintain routines: school, activities, extended family contact
Do not put children in the middle or speak negatively about the other parent in front of them
Both spouses have an equal right to occupy the family home at separation (unless a court orders otherwise)
Update the home insurance company that you are now separated
Determine whether you will sell, buy out the other party, or agree on continued joint ownership temporarily
If you leave the home, document what belongings you take
Review your Will — separation does NOT revoke your Will in BC
Update beneficiary designations on life insurance, RRSPs, and pensions
Review your Power of Attorney — your spouse may still be your attorney
Review your Representation Agreement (health care decisions)
If you have a business, review shareholder or partnership agreements
Begin the separation agreement process with a lawyer or mediator
File for child support or spousal support if needed (can be done without a lawyer)
If married, decide whether to pursue divorce (must be separated for 1 year unless fault-based)
Update your address with government agencies: CRA, Service BC, health authority
Update your driver's licence and vehicle registration address
Remove your ex-spouse from any joint credit cards you control
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