What Is “Equal Parenting” ?

On May 28, 2014, Bill C-560, referred to as the “equal parenting bill”,  was defeated at Parliament (174:80).  The Bill proposed to amend the Divorce Act in a way that would create a presumption for the courts to grant equal parenting time and responsibilities to each parent, with the opportunity…

What is A Family Case Conference?

Court Procedure made simple After you have received your notice for a first appearance in Provincial Family Court, the next step in a court process is to have a case conference with a judge. This is normally arranged at your first appearance in court. A Family Case Conference (FCC) is…

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)?

What is Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)? There are probably as many ADR approaches as there are different types of conflict. Most of the time the process is fluid and the best process may develop with the file. The following is an overview of the ten main types of alternative dispute…

Does Ongoing Child Support Include University?

Does Ongoing Child Support Include University?

Q: My son starts at UVic in September and will be living on campus. My ex wants me to pay her the ongoing child support as well as pay his school fees. A: Child support for children in post secondary education is a thorny subject. It also leads to a…

Access and Parenting Time Explained

Access and Parenting Time Explained

Q: I know the law changed recently. What is the difference between access and parenting time? Is guardianship the same as parental responsibilities? A: The new BC Family Law Act (FLA) has made several key changes.  The terms “custody” and “access” have been abandoned and replaced by a broader definition…