As family lawyers in BC, we do our very best to negotiate a resolution of all the issues in a family law dispute as expeditiously as possible. Regrettably, an expeditious negotiated settlement is at times unattainable because of anger or distrust between the parties.  During a trial, a judge decides unresolved disputes between parties. While few cases proceed to trial, many cases do and undergo pre-trial procedures known as discovery before a settlement is reached.  In this blog, we will set out what discovery of documents is, and its importance to the resolution of cases at trial or ..read more

This is an updated version of our previous blog article, The Legal Rights of Grandparents in BC. What rights do grandparents have in British Columbia? We often hear terms like “grandparents’ rights” or “rights of a grandparent”, so it may come as a surprise that grandparents actually do not have any default or automatic rights when it comes to their grandchildren. But that doesn’t mean there isn’t a legal avenue a grandparent can pursue if they wish (but are unable) to spend time with their grandchildren! What is Contact With a Grandchild? Concerning grandchildren, grandparents (or other signi ..read more

This is an updated version of our previous blog article, How To Change Your Legal Name In British Columbia. How do I get a name change in BC? This question is frequently asked of family lawyers, especially when it comes to marriage and divorce. This blog post will cover how to change your name legally in BC, as well as the nuances surrounding name changes—particularly for children—that clients should know before beginning the process.  How Changing Your Name Works The process and requirements for legal name changes vary from province to province. In BC, any adult aged 19 and above is lega ..read more

Child support ensures children receive care financially in the event of a separation or divorce. Parents are legally obligated to care for their children financially, regardless of if one parent is not involved in the child’s life.  At Westside Family Law, we understand that navigating child support arrangements can be challenging. In this blog, we will cover the basics of child support in Canada so parents can be informed throughout the process of making child support payments.  What is Child Support? Child support is the amount a parent pays to another parent to help support their ..read more

Family life can be a source of immense joy, but it also comes with its share of challenges and complexities. Disputes, separations, divorces, guardianship battles, and other legal matters can arise, making it necessary to consider the services of a family lawyer. In this blog, we will explore the crucial moments when hiring a family lawyer becomes essential, along with insights into the role and benefits of these legal professionals. Divorce & Separation The decision to initiate a divorce or separate is emotionally and legally challenging. A family lawyer can guide you through this process ..read more

Divorce and separation are complex, emotionally charged processes that can be challenging to navigate. In Canada, these processes are governed by specific laws and regulations that vary by province or territory. To help you gain a better understanding of the divorce and separation process in Canada, we'll explore the key steps involved and some important considerations. Grounds for Divorce In Canada, you can get a divorce based on either fault or no-fault grounds. Fault grounds include adultery, cruelty, or abuse, while no-fault grounds are based on the fact that you and your spouse have been ..read more

Family law is a unique field that intersects with deeply personal and emotional aspects of people's lives. At Westside Family Law in Vancouver, we understand the complexity of family matters and the need for compassionate and skilled legal representation. Our team is committed to guiding clients through challenging times while upholding five core responsibilities. Legal Expertise & Advice One of the primary responsibilities of a family lawyer is to provide clients with expert legal advice. This specialised practice encompasses a wide range of issues, including divorce mediation, child cust ..read more

Choosing a family lawyer in Vancouver can be daunting and stressful, especially if you're going through a tough time – but it's crucial to have someone that can protect your interests and represent you well. With so many law firms available in the area, it can be hard to know where to start – and that's why we've put together this guide to help you choose the right representation for you. Look for Experience & Expertise When choosing the right representation, experience and expertise should be your top priority. Whether you’re looking for divorce mediation, child custody support, or help d ..read more

Are you considering mediation as an alternative to litigation? Many families who are facing serious disputes find themselves at a crossroads; they can either bring their issues to court, or try to find another way to resolve their legal concerns. While litigation may seem like the only option for resolving your problems, there's actually something else that could make things much easier: mediation. By opting for family or divorce mediation instead of taking part in a trial, you can reap many of its unique benefits. In this blog post, we'll be discussing four of these advantages that come from ..read more

Divorces, custody disputes, and child support battles can be extremely challenging, both emotionally and legally. When you find yourself in such a situation, it becomes essential to hire the right family lawyer to help guide you through this turbulent process. But with so many legal professionals out there, how do you find the best family lawyer for your needs in Vancouver? At Westside Family Law, we want to ensure that you enter into any legal setting equipped with clarity and knowledge, so that you can be as successful as possible with your respective case, regardless of whether it involves ..read more