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 17th, 2014
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…
by Michael Butterfield on June 13th, 2014
Every year in BC thousands of people die without making a Will. When that happens their debt and property is distributed according to the BC Wills, Estates and Succession Act, s.20-23 (“WESA”). The property and debt of a deceased is called their estate. When a Will is drafted, it will…