Outset Law
Insights · British Columbia family law

Family law, made clear.

Plain guides on divorce, parenting, support and property in British Columbia, from the lawyers at Outset Law.

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Useful, plain-language perspectives on the decisions that shape life during and after separation.

Parenting Plans in BC: What to Include
Parenting & Custody
18 min read

Parenting Plans in BC: What to Include

A parenting plan is only as strong as what it actually says. This guide walks BC parents through every required component, common drafting mistakes, and how to turn a written agreement into an enforceable court order.

Separation Agreements and Mediation in BC
Divorce & Separation
17 min read

Separation Agreements and Mediation in BC

Mediation is now the mandatory first step before family court litigation across most of BC. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, what your lawyer does at each step, and why independent legal advice before signing is non-negotiable.

Changing Joint Custody to Sole Custody in BC
Parenting & Custody
23 min read

Changing Joint Custody to Sole Custody in BC

If your current joint custody arrangement is no longer working for your child, BC law provides a clear process for seeking sole parental responsibilities. Here is what you need to know before you act.

BC Family Law Rules Explained: Which Laws Apply to Your Situation
Family Law News
21 min read

BC Family Law Rules Explained: Which Laws Apply to Your Situation

BC family law is governed by overlapping federal and provincial rules across two court systems. This guide breaks down exactly which laws apply to your situation and what to expect at every stage.

Divorce Act and Spousal Support in BC
Child & Spousal Support
24 min read

Divorce Act and Spousal Support in BC

Understanding how the Divorce Act governs spousal support in BC can directly affect your strategy, your timeline, and your outcome. Here is what every separating married spouse needs to know.

How to File for Divorce in BC
Divorce & Separation
19 min read

How to File for Divorce in BC

Filing for divorce in BC involves more than paperwork — timing, court selection, and interim relief can all shape your outcome. Here is what you need to know before you file.

Spousal Support Law in BC: What You Need to Know
Child & Spousal Support
19 min read

Spousal Support Law in BC: What You Need to Know

Spousal support is one of the most financially significant outcomes of any separation, and the rules in BC are more nuanced than most people expect. This guide walks you through everything from eligibility to tax treatment.

Child Custody in BC: Parenting Time Guide
Parenting & Custody
27 min read

Child Custody in BC: Parenting Time Guide

If you searched 'child custody' in BC, the law actually uses different terms — and the process may look nothing like you expect. Here is what parents need to know before taking any steps.

Family Law in BC: Separating Families Guide
Divorce & Separation
23 min read

Family Law in BC: Separating Families Guide

Separation in BC involves two overlapping legal regimes, a court system that now prioritises mediation over litigation, and decisions that will shape your family for years. Here is what you need to know before you act.

Divorce in BC: Legal Process and Timeline
Divorce & Separation
20 min read

Divorce in BC: Legal Process and Timeline

Divorce in BC follows specific legal rules that many people don't fully understand until they're already in the middle of it. This guide walks you through every stage of the process, from separation to final order.

BC Divorce Process: Separation to Final Order
Divorce & Separation
21 min read

BC Divorce Process: Separation to Final Order

Divorce in British Columbia is governed by a specific legal process most people have never encountered before. This guide walks you through every stage, from the day you separate to the final divorce order.

Separation Agreements in BC: Your Complete Guide
Divorce & Separation
8 min read

Separation Agreements in BC: Your Complete Guide

A separation agreement is a legally binding contract that resolves parenting, support, and property issues without going to court. This guide covers what must be included, why financial disclosure matters, the role of independent legal advice, and when agreements can be set aside.

Property Division in BC: Understanding Family Property and Debt
Property Division
9 min read

Property Division in BC: Understanding Family Property and Debt

In BC, family property and debt are divided equally between spouses at separation — regardless of whose name it's in. This guide explains what counts as family property, how excluded property works, how the family home is treated, and when courts deviate from equal division.

Parenting Arrangements After Separation
Parenting & Custody
8 min read

Parenting Arrangements After Separation

BC family law has replaced 'custody and access' with parenting time and parental responsibilities. This guide explains how parenting arrangements work, common schedules, how courts decide disputes, relocation rights, and how to modify arrangements as children grow.

Spousal Support in BC: What You Need to Know
Child & Spousal Support
7 min read

Spousal Support in BC: What You Need to Know

Spousal support in BC is assessed individually — there's no automatic entitlement. This guide explains who qualifies, how the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines work, how long support lasts, and how to vary or terminate an existing obligation.

Child Support in BC: A Complete Guide for Parents
Child & Spousal Support
8 min read

Child Support in BC: A Complete Guide for Parents

Child support in BC is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines. This guide covers how table amounts are determined, Section 7 expenses, shared parenting, variation applications, and enforcement through BC's Family Maintenance Enforcement Program.

Essential Guide to Divorce in Vancouver, BC: What You Need to Know
10 min read

Essential Guide to Divorce in Vancouver, BC: What You Need to Know

Divorce in BC is governed by both the federal Divorce Act and BC's Family Law Act. This guide covers eligibility, the steps to file, contested vs. uncontested divorce, financial implications, and how to protect your interests throughout the process.

How to Protect Your Assets During a High Net Worth Divorce in BC
Property Division
9 min read

How to Protect Your Assets During a High Net Worth Divorce in BC

High net worth divorces in BC involve unique challenges: complex asset valuations, excluded property claims, business interests, and tax consequences. This guide outlines proven strategies to protect your wealth and navigate BC's Family Law Act with confidence.

Your situation is specific. Your advice should be too.

Speak with an Outset Law family lawyer about your options and the next step that makes sense for you.

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