Have the disagreements in your marriage become irreconcilable? Do you and your spouse no longer enjoy each other’s company? Are you longing for a different life or feeling trapped in the one you have? If these questions resonate with you, you are most likely already considering divorce. Because divorce is a complex process with a lot of requirements and regulations, you will need legal assistance to help guide your options and decisions.

Before you get started on the divorce process, you will want to contact experienced Surrey, BC divorce lawyers in order to receive professional guidance. The lawyers at Lam Legal are trial-tested and ready to support you by fighting for a resolution that will benefit you and allow you to begin your new journey on the right foot. Reach out to us for a free consultation and learn how we can advocate for you during this period of personal upheaval.

What You Need To Know About Divorce In British Columbia

In order to obtain a divorce in Surrey, BC, you must first meet certain requirements. These requirements include:

1. You must have lived in British Columbia for a year or more.

2. You must demonstrate that your marriage is irreconcilable. There are three ways to do this:

• a) Prove that you and your spouse have lived separately for more than a year 
• b) Prove that either you or your spouse committed adultery
• c) Prove there was mental or physical abuse in your relationship

3. You can demonstrate to the court that you have made sufficient arrangements for your children, including child support.

The length of your divorce proceedings will be dependent on certain factors, particularly whether or not the divorce is contested. On average, your divorce could take anywhere from three months to over a year. 

Contested And Uncontested Divorce

There are two approaches to divorce: if you and your ex-spouse agree on the terms of divorce, including factors like asset division and alimony, your divorce is uncontested. Uncontested divorce is the quicker approach, and it’s generally cheaper. Since you are in agreement on the essential aspects of the divorce, you do not need to have a courtroom ruling.

Contested divorce means that you and your ex are not in alignment on the terms of divorce. If you are not in alignment, you will need to reach a resolution through mediation, negotiation, or ruling by a judge. If you cannot come to a conclusion between the two of you, a judge will decide what is a fair division of your assets, debt, child support, and whether or not alimony is owed and how much. This type of divorce usually lasts longer and costs more because of the time it takes to reach a ruling. However, it will potentially be worthwhile if you are able to get more out of the dissolution of your marriage than you would otherwise. 

How Our Surrey, BC Divorce Lawyers Can Impact Your Divorce

If your divorce is contested, you will need an experienced attorney to aggressively fight for your interests. Lam Legal’s strategic, results-oriented approach is backed by a combined 85 years of experience. We understand your situation and the high stakes for which you are fighting–you are risking time with your children and your monetary security, among other issues. Our Surrey, BC divorce lawyers will take your fight personally and advocate for you every step of the way. 

Reach Out To Lam Legal, Trial Lawyers Who Have Your Back

At Lam Legal, we are committed to protecting you and the things that matter to you. Reach out to us to schedule a free consultation and discuss the particulars of your marriage and separation, the goals that you have for your divorce, and the parts of your life that are most important to you and that you want to preserve. Work with us, and we can give you the advantage you need.