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Whether you're facing separation, dealing with a family estate, or just planning ahead — the right information makes everything clearer. Pick your situation below.
, just like your dentist or family physician. Lawyers are in meetings, mediations and court throughout the day, so each appointment is set aside for you and prepared in advance. Our staff are always happy to welcome and help visitors who drop in, but it is best to make an appointment in advance so we can confirm the office is not closed for any reason. Meetings are by phone or secure video.
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The guides BC residents turn to most — clear, practical, and written for real situations.
British Columbia's family law system is governed primarily by two statutes: the provincial
for most family law matters, and the federal
for married couples seeking divorce. Together, they determine how parenting arrangements are made, how property is divided, and how financial support flows between former partners. Understanding which law applies to your situation is the critical first step.
governs wills, probate, executor duties, and how assets pass to beneficiaries. WESA also controls what happens when someone dies without a will — known as intestacy — which can produce outcomes very different from what the deceased would have wanted.
Many BC families are surprised to learn that separation and divorce are legally distinct. You can be separated without being divorced, and separation — not divorce — is what triggers most of the important legal deadlines and property rights under BC law. Common law couples (unmarried partners who have lived together for at least two years) have significant rights under the Family Law Act, including rights to spousal support and, in some cases, property division.
Not every situation requires full legal representation. Some families resolve parenting and financial matters through mediation or collaborative processes. We always recommend that your own lawyer attends mediation with you, so you can get legal advice as you go and avoid making decisions under pressure. Others need full advocacy — particularly where there is family violence, a power imbalance, complex business or pension assets, or a dispute that cannot be negotiated in good faith.
The right starting point for most BC families is a
— a focused 45-minute conversation with a BC lawyer who can identify what applies to your situation, what deadlines exist, and what your realistic options are. It costs far less than proceeding without advice and finding out later that you waived important rights.
Andrew Liggett has practised family law, estate law, and business law in BC since 1991. He is a certified Family Law Mediator and Arbitrator through the Law Society of BC — meaning he can serve both as your advocate and as a neutral third party in ADR processes. Sea to Sky Law™ serves clients across all of BC by phone or secure video, with phone and video meetings available across BC, by phone or secure video.
Whether your matter is straightforward or complex, our goal is the same: help you understand your situation clearly, protect your interests, and reach a resolution that works — with as little conflict and cost as possible.
45 minutes — understand your situation clearly
A free 15-minute intake call with Andrew Liggett will point you in the right direction — no obligation.
Learn about the process, what to expect, and how to protect yourself.
Parenting arrangements, decision-making, and the best interests of your child.
Family property, pensions, debt, and the BC Family Law Act explained.
Wills, powers of attorney, trusts, and planning for every stage of life.
Executor duties, probate, estate administration, and beneficiary rights.
BC family mediation and ADR — faster, cheaper, and more dignified.
Child Custody in BC — Parenting Under the Family Law Act
Spousal Support in BC — Who Pays, How Much, How Long
New to Family Law BC? Start Here — Beginner's Guide | Sea to Sky Law
New to family law in BC? Start here — understand your situation, find the right help, and know what happens when you separate. Free guide from Sea to Sky Law™.
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