by Michael Butterfield on June 30th, 2014
When a relationship ends one issue that frequently needs to be addressed is how gifts and inheritances are dealt with. Section 85(1) of the Family Law Act makes the situation a lot simpler. This provision for gifts and inheritances (aside from capital gains) to be excluded from the family property which…
by Michael Butterfield on March 15th, 2014
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…
by Michael Butterfield on March 15th, 2014
Beyond Collaborative Family law Over the last decade a great deal of attention has been given to Collaborative Family Law as the ADR alternative to family litigation. The process starts with an agreement (Participation Agreement) not to go to court, and to negotiate an interest based settlement without the intervention…
by Michael Butterfield on November 22nd, 2013
Court Procedure made simple The “grounds for divorce” are the reasons you can use for seeking a divorce. Divorces are governed by the Divorce Act of Canada. You can get a divorce for one of the following reasons: You and your spouse have lived separately and apart for at least…
by Michael Butterfield on November 15th, 2013
Judicial Case Conference in BC – Procedure made simple What is a Judicial Case Conference? A Judicial Case Conference in BC (JCC) is required in all family law proceedings. It is a private and informal hour-long meeting with a Supreme Court Judge or Master, the parties, and their lawyers. Hiring a…
by Michael Butterfield on November 15th, 2013
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…