Divorce
There may come a point where you know your relationship is over. In British Columbia, the road to divorce has many steps, from separation to dividing family assets, determining child custody and working out issues of support. Speaking with an experienced divorce lawyer is the first step to separation.
The divorce lawyers at Westside Family Law have extensive knowledge about uncontested divorce, divorce mediation, and no fault divorce. We have helped many couples in Vancouver and the surrounding area to successfully navigate the divorce process. We will take the time to fully understand your family's unique needs. And we will then help you determine the best path to resolution, whether that means negotiation, divorce mediation, collaborative law or, litigation. In some cases, nothing less than the Court's supervision will work to get you where you need to be.
Whatever path your case takes, we will offer candid advice and experienced support every step of the way.
Vancouver Divorce Lawyers
To get divorced in British Columbia, you must apply to the BC Supreme Court. Some couples choose to simply go their separate ways without seeking a Court order, and this is fine as long as they do not seek to get married again to another person. An experienced divorce lawyer can guide you through the court’s requirements. You must show the court that:
- You were legally married in the first place (this is usually accomplished by filing your marriage certificate along with your request).
- At least one spouse has lived in BC for one year.
- The marriage has broken down.
Most people ask for divorce based on their mutual decision to separate, and if you and your spouse have lived separate and apart for at least one year, you will meet this third requirement. This is called an uncontested divorce, where both spouses agree that the marriage is over or one spouse files for divorce and the other does not contest it.
Those with “no fault divorces” can seek our firm's assistance in finalizing their decision with a Court Order. Such "desk order divorces" are usually quick and cost-effective for us to do. We will help you gather the appropriate documentation, draft the paperwork and file all the necessary forms with the Court. If the case is truly uncontested, the process can take about three months from end to end.
If, however, you wish to contest your spouse's decision to file for divorce or you would like the Court's help in dividing marital assets, establishing parenting time (if you have children) and/or seeking child or spousal support, the process will take longer. Our divorce lawyers are adept at helping families negotiate and litigate these issues in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible.
Solutions For Your Unique Circumstances
Every divorce will be as unique as the family itself. Westside Family Law’s Vancouver divorce lawyers can find not just a solution for you, but the right solution for you. Fill out the contact form below to set up a consultation with a divorce lawyer, or call us at 604-734-7911 to get started.