by Michael Butterfield on October 27th, 2014
Negotiation is something we do everyday with our spouses, colleagues, children, and even strangers. Most people are pretty good negotiators because they know what they want and what they are willing to give up to get it. The corner stone of negotiation is compromise. So why do spouses have such…
by Michael Butterfield on October 21st, 2014
The child and spousal support system is in crisis. With two thirds of all support orders being ignored, deadbeat parents in BC owe over half a billion dollars in back support. Spousal support orders are supposed to be enforced by the Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP). But FMEP director Chris…
by Michael Butterfield on October 15th, 2014
Is Family Mediation right for you? This is an important question. Many people want to try family mediation because they fear going to court. This is understandable as court is expensive and time consuming. Is Family Mediation the answer? In most the answer is yes. The research shows that Mediation is successful…
by Michael Butterfield on August 8th, 2014
Documentation Requirements for One Parent Traveling with Kids: If your child is travelling out of Canada with only one parent, a friend or a relative, it is important to be prepared with appropriate documentation. As the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) states on their website: “Border services officers watch for…
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…