Our Services
Property division is often the most financially complex part of any separation. At Outset Law, we cut through the noise — identifying what BC law requires, what you're entitled to, and how to get there efficiently.
What We Handle
Under BC's Family Law Act, property acquired during a relationship is presumptively divided equally on separation. But the line between family property and excluded property is frequently contested — and getting it right can mean the difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. Excluded property includes gifts, inheritances, and assets owned before the relationship, but the growth in value of excluded property during the relationship is generally shareable.
We advise on the full range of property division matters: the family home, investment portfolios, pension and RRSP entitlements, business ownership interests, corporate shares, debt allocation, trusts, and pre-relationship property claims. Where the financial picture is complex, we work with valuators, accountants, and other experts to ensure the numbers are right.
Many property disputes resolve through negotiation or mediation without going to court. We prepare clients thoroughly for both — and when litigation is necessary, we are experienced advocates at BC Supreme Court in contested property proceedings.
Advice on the family home — whether to sell, buy out the other spouse, or retain it. Buyout valuations, mortgage liability, and title transfer all addressed.
Gifts, inheritances, and pre-relationship assets may be excluded from division under BC's Family Law Act. We identify and protect your excluded property claims.
Pension entitlements are often the largest asset in a separation. We advise on defined benefit and defined contribution plans, pension division orders, and RRSP splitting.
Business valuations, shareholder agreements, and the division of corporate interests require specialist advice. We work with business valuators to protect your position.
Mortgages, lines of credit, credit cards, and joint debt all require careful allocation on separation. We advise on who is responsible for what and how to structure the split.
In limited circumstances, the court can order an unequal division if equal division would be significantly unfair. We advise on when and how to make or defend these claims.
We review your assets and liabilities, explain the family property vs excluded property distinction, and assess your entitlements under BC law.
We identify your excluded property claims, engage experts where needed, and prepare a clear position for negotiation, mediation, or litigation.
Most matters resolve by agreement. Where they don't, we litigate at BC Supreme Court to protect your financial interests.
Book a consultation
Book a confidential consultation with a Vancouver family lawyer to discuss your property division matter. We will review your situation, explain what BC's Family Law Act entitles you to, and help you build a strategy that protects your financial interests — whether through negotiation or litigation.
Book a Consultation