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 May 21st, 2014
With the recent fire at View Tower’s in Victoria, BC, many tenants are asking do they need insurance. The simple answer is yes. The first and foremost consideration for tenants is protection of personal property. Landlords have limited legal obligations and are not responsible for damage to or loss of…
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 November 20th, 2013
Victoria man, Brent Van Buskirk, recently lost his appeal of a sentencing decision which would see him serve a 17 year jail sentence for first degree murder, conspiracy and conspiracy to commit murder. Mr. Van Buskirk argued that the sentence was unduly harsh and long. The court disagreed. In rejecting…
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…