Divorce Lawyers in Vancouver, British Columbia
Helping Clients Navigate Complex Family Law Issues
If you’ve decided to end your marriage, we know you have a lot of questions and concerns on your mind. Going through a divorce can put you in a constant state of anxiety as you worry about all the unknowns, including how your assets will be divided, how parenting time will be split, and more.
We know you have a lot at stake during your divorce, which is why our experienced Vancouver divorce lawyers are the best allies you can choose to guide you through the process. Call Lam Legal Trial Lawyers to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how our Vancouver, BC, family law team can restore your confidence during this emotionally challenging time.
How Does Divorce Work in British Columbia?
The divorce laws of this province are hard to navigate alone, especially since there are many nuances you likely aren’t aware of. This is why it’s best to rely on our knowledgeable Vancouver divorce lawyers, especially if you have children and must deal with complicated family law matters like child support and child custody.
If you’re ready to end your marriage, you can seek a contested or uncontested divorce, as British Columbia allows for both. The BC Supreme Court will grant your divorce only if the following conditions exist:
- You (or your spouse) have lived in BC for one or more years
- You can demonstrate that your marriage has broken down
- The court is satisfied that you have made reasonable arrangements for your children, including child support
The court will not grant a divorce until you and your spouse have been separated for at least a year or longer, but you can apply for divorce any time after you separate. If no appeal has been filed after 31 days following the granting of the divorce order, it is considered final. However, if you plan to remarry, you must wait until this 31-day period ends.
Note that British Columbia uses a no-fault divorce system, so you don’t have to spend time proving why you want a divorce. As long as you state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and you’ve been living separately for at least 12 months, you can request a divorce.
That being said, you technically have the option to ask for a divorce based on adultery or physical or mental cruelty during the marriage. However, proving these elements can take a lot of time and typically won’t affect important family law issues, such as child custody and spousal support. Experienced Vancouver family lawyers can advise you on the best way to approach your divorce case, so call our law firm for advice on your legal proceedings.
Do You Have a Contested or Uncontested Divorce?
If you and your spouse agree on all matters pertaining to the divorce – including parenting arrangements, spousal support, and property division – you can file jointly for an uncontested or undefended divorce. This eliminates the need to serve the other party with divorce paperwork and paves the way for a much smoother divorce process.
If you and your spouse disagree on the issues and cannot reach any sort of compromise, your divorce is considered contested or defended, and a BC Supreme Court judge will make the final ruling. In general, you can expect a contested divorce to take longer to be resolved, since a judge must carefully review every detail of your lives before making a decision on spousal support, child support, parenting time, and more.
Fortunately, you can rely on our aggressive Vancouver divorce lawyers to be your staunch advocates if there is no choice but to go to court. We can also help turn a contested divorce into an uncontested divorce through family law mediation outside of court, meaning you and your spouse will work together to decide on family law issues rather than letting Provincial and Supreme Court judges do so. If you’re ready to speak to experienced lawyers in Vancouver, contact our law firm today for a consultation.
What Family Law Issues Will a Vancouver Divorce Lawyer Assist With?
Most divorces have far-reaching consequences since ending a relationship changes a lot, especially when it comes to children, family property, and finances. There are some critical family law matters to consider, which is why it’s recommended that you consult a divorce lawyer. Vancouver family lawyers regularly assist clients with the following family law issues:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Spousal support
- Property division
- Debt division
If you expect to deal with these or other family matters during your BC divorce case, you should contact a Vancouver divorce lawyer to meet your legal needs. This consultation is especially important if you have a high-net-worth divorce involving valuable assets and the possibility of hidden income. Our legal team has handled both high-net-worth cases and high-conflict divorce proceedings, so we can assist with all kinds of family law issues. If you have questions about spousal support advisory guidelines, parenting time, and other common issues in family law cases, contact our BC divorce lawyer for an initial consultation.
How Can Divorce Lawyers in Vancouver, British Columbia Protect Your Best Interests?
No matter how amicable you and your spouse have managed to keep your divorce, this process can still be emotionally, legally, and financially draining. After all, the results have lasting effects on your future, from your living situation to your relationship with your children. As a result, you could get too bogged down in your emotions to make sensible decisions on your own.
This struggle is why having a lawyer that you trust and who truly cares about your life beyond divorce is so critical. Our dedicated Vancouver divorce lawyers will help you remain grounded and ultimately focused on the big picture throughout your family law case.
At Lam Legal Trial Lawyers, our Vancouver family lawyers are committed to doing everything in our power to protect you, your money, your children, and your future. No matter the circumstances surrounding your divorce, you can depend on our adept Vancouver family lawyers to step in and lead you in the right direction. Call 604-800-0774 for a free consultation and discover how our law firm can give you an advantage during a divorce.