Q: I have a court hearing next week. I don’t know what to expect in court. can a legal coach help?
A: Some studies show that as many as 80% of people appearing in court, in Canada, are self-represented, but knowing that doesn’t make it...
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Ask A lawyer
Every month we answer a question related to family law in our "Ask a Lawyer" blog.
Have a question you'd like us to answer?
*Any guidance provided is not covered by solicitor client privilege, nor is it taking into consideration all of the facts of your matter beyond those in the question. The legal information is specific to British Columbia Law. If you want a more thorough and case-specific analysis of your legal matter please CONTACT US to arrange a consultation.
Q: I received a letter from my ex’ lawyer. I have no idea what it means. can a legal coach help me?
A: legal coach is a great option for people who don’t require the full suite of services that a lawyer can provide, but who might need...
Q: Is a legal coach the same thing as having a lawyer on retainer?
A. No, a legal coach doesn’t go on record as your lawyer and they do not require a large retainer. They are fully-trained and licensed...
Q: What is Legal Coaching?
A. Going to court is one of the most stressful things a person can do. Going to court without a lawyer is another ballgame entirely. A...
Q: Why should I think about my overall estate planning?
A: The short answer is that we cannot predict the future as to when we might be in a life-altering car accident, a debilitating illness...
Q: My estranged father just died and I was left out of the Will. Do I have a claim to his estate?
A: You may have a claim to your father’s estate. Under the Wills Estate and Succession Act a will- maker has a legal, ethical and moral...
Q: If I die without a will, will all of my assets go to the government?
A: If someone dies without a will, their assets that would be subject to a will would be governed by the intestacy provisions under the...
Q: What is probate and when is it required after someone dies?
A: Probate is a legal process where the B C Supreme Court grants an order for either an executor or administrator to act on behalf of the...
Q: I have heard that some assets do not require probate, is this true and what are they?
A: The following assets are not governed by a will or the intestacy provisions and as such do not require probate: Any assets held in...
Q: I have been named as executor in my mother’s will. Am I responsible for paying her debts?
You are not responsible for paying your mother’s debts. They are her debts and not yours. There is a priority of how debts are to be paid...
Q: my ex is appealing our divorce because he doesn't like the outcome. Can he do that?
A: The BC Court of Appeal is a safety net in case where the lower court makes a mistake in law or fact. Most family law decisions can be...
Q: i am getting divorced and my lawyer said we need an order from the supreme court. Why is that?
A: Only the Supreme Court of British Columbia can grant a divorce. The primary purpose of a divorce order is that you are allowed to...
Q: my exs appeal is going through provincial court and supreme court. I'm lost with how this works
A: Let me just say, you’re not alone in being lost. It’s a complex, and sometimes downright confusing process. That’s why its important...
Q: lawyer says the court could decide custody. what does the best interest of the child test mean?
A: Your lawyer is talking about section 37 of the BC Family Law Act, which requires the court only consider the best interests of the...
Q: my ex and my litigation is causing stress to my daughter. can she be appointed her own lawyer?
A: Yes, this is a thing. Lawyers are provided free of charge by the Society of Children and Youth of BC. A lawyer can be appointed for...
Q: My hours got cut back at work. What'll happen if I stop paying my child support
A: You need to ask your ex if she will agree to a consent order varying the support payments. Otherwise, you will need to make a court...
Q: I’m living in my ex’s family home which he owned before we got married. Should I move out?
A: When breaking up, the decision to move out is a tricky one. This is the moment you need legal advice the most. Staying in a home with...
Q: My ex says I’m an unsafe parent and only let's see my kid once a week. Should I take her back?
A: No, you should not take her back. Your ex-husband just keeping your daughter is no better than you just keeping your daughter. When...
Q: My new partner has some debts that I am considering paying off for them. Is this a bad idea?
A: There is nothing wrong with you supporting your new partner, and nothing wrong with paying off a debt on their behalf. Where so many...
Q: Can my mental health challenges block me from parenting my children?
A: As long as you are actively managing your wellness with a treatment plan that you are following and can show the courts the steps that...
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