All Posts

Can I contract out of my child support obligation?

When children live largely with one parent, typically the non-custodial parent must pay the custodial parent child support.The objective is to ensure that children continue to benefit from the financial means of both parents. Is that negotiable?

Kids

Video: Should there be a presumption for 50-50 parenting post separation?

Connect Family Law lawyer Rebecca Stanley believes there should not be a presumption in favour of equally shared parenting. Connect Family Law partner Simon Kent believes there should be. Hear what they have to say about this controversial topic.

Mediation

Discover Your “Zone of Possible Agreement” and Be the Author of Your Own Future

The “zone of possible agreement” or ZOPA exists where there is overlap between what the parties want, and what they are willing to live with. Knowing your ZOPA can help you find that overlap and come to a resolution you design yourself.

Property

Video: Who gets to live in the family home ?

Connect Family lawyer Louise Lam navigates through the difficult question of who gets to live in the family home after parties separate. Suprisingly, courts won't force one party to move out unless it's impossible for the parties to live together.

Property

Part 1: Whose property is it anyway?

When couples separate they have to determine what property will be divided between them and what property will remain with one spouse. Lawyer Amalia Schön provides some basic principles to consider when making this determination.

Kids

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VIII: Who Pays for University?

Episode VIII of “What’s Up With That?” features guest star Leisha Murphy. In this episode, Leisha and Simon discuss whether a parent has to pay for their child's university even if the child wants to go to an expensive Ivy League school.

Divorce

Video: Dealing with a difficult co-parent

Connect Family Law's Jessica England gives four tips on how best to deal with your ex, including how to send an email that provides the information you want to share and avoids the digs you are dying to make.

Separation

Uncoupling

Separation, while painful, does not need to be destructive. I often tell clients that the process they choose for separation is more important than the outcome because the process will often determine the outcome.

Divorce

Video: Pets and Divorce

What happens to the family pet when spouses divorce? Lawyers Rebecca and Mahshid talk pet custody in our latest video.

Kids

Back to School Stress

The summer days of leisure, camps and long, lazy afternoons are over. Time to head back to school, re-start those routines and schedule activities on the family calendar.

Kids

Video: Back-to-School Blues with Leisha and Alex

Co-parenting and back-to-school expenses: who pays for what? Find out in our latest video featuring lawyers Leisha Murphy and Alex Boland.

Separation

Video: How can I tell if my agreement is unfair?

It can be difficult for a non-lawyer to figure out whether a separation agreement is fair. In our latest video, lawyer Mahshid Hoseini reviews some “red flags” of an unfair agreement.

Collaborative Law

Video: Collaborative Law: Pros and Pitfalls

What exactly is a collaborative divorce and is it right for you? Lawyers Leisha Murphy and Rebecca Stanley share some pros and cons of the process in the following video.

Kids

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VII: Do Kids Have a Say about Parenting Schedules?

The wait is over. Episode VII of “What’s Up With That?” is now LIVE! Watch as Simon and Alex discuss whether children have a say about parenting schedules.

Team

We're Hiring! Vancouver Legal Assistant

Are you ready for a change? Do you crave interesting, meaningful work done in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment? Connect Family Law may be the place for you.

Money

Video: Do I have to Split my Personal Investments with my Ex?

Ever wondered what happens to your personal RRSPs and pensions when you split from your spouse? You’re not alone. In this week’s video, lawyer Mahshid Hoseini answers this frequently asked question.

Kids

Video: Parallel Parenting Plans

What is parallel parenting? And is it a possible solution to conflict during a divorce? Find out in our latest video featuring lawyer Jessica England.

Money

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VI: Child Support for Your 30-Year-Old

Child support for your 30-year old. Really? Sometimes. Watch Episode VI of “What’s Up With That?” with lawyers Alex Boland and Simon Kent and find out why.

Money

Video: Can My Ex Claim My Inheritance?

Does your ex have any rights to your inheritance when you split? In this week’s video, lawyers Louise Lam and Kaity Cooper explain how an inheritance is dealt with during a divorce.

Mediation

Video: Jointly Retaining a Mediator

Did you know that you and your ex can hire a mediator together to help with your family law matter?

Kids

Video: What's Up With That, Episode V: Mo' Money, Mo' Child Support

In their latest installment of “What’s Up With That?”, Alex and Simon discuss whether there’s a limit to how much child support you have to pay.

Kids

Video: What if my ex changes his or her religion?

What if your ex changes his/her religion after you separate? Lawyer and mediator Rebecca Stanley explores the implications for you and your family in this week’s video.

Kids

Video: Vaccination

What if your ex doesn't want your children to be vaccinated? Lawyers Jessica England and Mahshid Hoseini tackle this timely topic in this week's video.

Team

We're Expanding in Surrey!

Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Connect Family Law is seeking a lawyer for our Surrey offices.

Money

Things My Ex Told Me #1: Child Support

One phrase I hear regularly from clients is “My ex told me that…”. So, I thought it might be helpful to start blogging about some of the “ex misconceptions” that are circulating out there. In my first post, I tackle the topic of child support.

Marriage

Re-partnering and Marriage Agreements

It’s true that a major part of our work at Connect involves helping people who are at the end of a relationship. However, there’s more to family law than separation and divorce.

Kids

Video: Travelling with Kids Post-Separation

What is the Hague Convention and how does it affect you if you plan to travel with your kids post-separation? Lawyers Louise Lam and Mahshid Hoseini cover the basics in this week’s video.

Divorce

Video: Elderly Parents' Separation and Divorce

As an adult child of separation and divorce, it’s natural to want to help your parents through the process. In our latest video, lawyer and mediator Rebecca Stanley offers a few things you can do to provide support.

Money

What's Up With That? Episode IV: Risky Business

Alex Boland and Simon Kent are back at it with another installment of “What’s Up With That?”. In Episode IV, Alex and Simon discuss how to calculate child support if you’re a business owner. Take a look!

Separation

Think Before You Act

For someone who is experiencing separation or divorce, it can be difficult to see how the decisions you make now might affect you later on. With that in mind, Mahshid Hoseini shares some common family law situations and their possible consequences.

Collaborative Law

Leisha Presents at Grey Divorce Conference (May 2019)

Join conference presenter Leisha May 24, 2019 at the Vancouver Rowing Club in Vancouver to learn about the unique needs and challenges of mature families in the context of re-partnering and marriage agreements.

Separation

How Long Should We Stay Separated?

Deciding how long your separation should last isn’t an easy task. In this post, Mahshid reviews the possible legal implications of extending your separation.

Property

The Family Home: Should You Delay Selling?

With the recent slowdown in Vancouver’s real estate market, many separating spouses are wanting to delay selling the family home. Leisha reviews the key things to consider if a delayed sale seems to makes sense for your family.

Money

Deducting Legal Fees

As we head into tax season, we thought it was a good time to share some information about when legal fees may be tax deductible.

Mediation

Attending Mediation with Lawyers Present

Mediation is an option that many separating couples are choosing these days. If you have agreed to mediate with lawyers present or have been served with a Notice to Mediate, here are some important things to know.

Mediation

The Benefits of Mediation

These days, more and more separating couples are realizing that they have options. Options that don’t involve wasting tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of stressful hours going through the court process when they separate.

Team

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

We are currently seeking a receptionist / administrative assistant to join our Vancouver team. This position carries with it the opportunity to perform high-quality work and to grow alongside Connect as our business continues to expand.

Money

Spousal Support Reviews

Whether a spousal support “review” is warranted depends on the nature of the existing agreement or court order dealing with spousal support.

Kids

Joint, Shared, Split – What’s the Difference?

Family law in Canada uses a number of different terms to describe ex-spouses’ parenting arrangements. What does it all mean? Kaity Cooper explains various types of custody and parenting and whether there is any real difference between them.

Kids

Family Violence: Getting Help

Family violence can occur in any family, regardless of social standing, economic level, race or creed. During the separation process, episodes of family violence can increase or even occur for the first time.

Property

Do Stepparents Have to Pay Child Support?

As a general rule, each biological parent of a child has a primary responsibility to provide support for the child. However, even if you are a stepparent, you may have an obligation to pay child support if you are separating from your spouse.

Property

Recap: Realtor Lunch and Learn 2018

Realtors and mortgage brokers often face family law-related issues in their business dealings. Connect recently hosted a lunch and learn for real estate professionals to debunk three common separation and divorce myths.

Divorce

Back to Work, Post-Divorce

The prospect of returning to work after being out of the paid workforce can be daunting at the best of times. Making this leap on the heels of separation or divorce can seem downright overwhelming, if not paralyzing.

Money

Child Support When Parenting is Shared: Who Pays What?

Shared parenting by separated spouses is becoming more and more common. Despite this increased prevalence, many ex-spouses are still confused about their child support obligations when parenting is shared.

Team

We're Expanding in Kelowna!

Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Connect Family Law is seeking a lawyer to complete our Kelowna team.

Kids

The Voices of Children

Sometimes, in an effort to spare their children from the stress of separation, parents may inadvertently keep them from having a voice in the process.

Kids

Pot and Parenting

Legal marijuana has the potential to impact most areas of a family law case, but the shadow of the pot leaf will lie most heavily on cases involving children.

Money

Imputing Income to the Payor Spouse

The first step in calculating how much child or spousal support one ex-spouse must pay the other is to determine the paying spouse’s income. The starting point for this is the amount reported on line 150 of the payor’s most recent tax return.

Marriage

Moving In Together? Consider a Cohab

With the cost of living constantly on the rise (particularly in BC’s Lower Mainland), more couples are moving in together, perhaps sooner than they anticipated, as a way to save money. If you’re in this position, consider a cohabitation agreement.

Team

Recap: #Retreat2018

Summer is (almost) here, so it must be time for the Second Annual Kent/Connect Team (+ Family and Pets) Retreat!

Collaborative Law

Modernizing the Divorce Act

Leisha weighs in on proposed changes to the Divorce Act, which will bring federal law in line with provincial legislation.

Team

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

Are you ready for a change? Do you crave interesting, meaningful work done in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment? We're hiring in Vancouver, and Connect Family Law may be just the firm for you.

Kids

“A Child of the Marriage”: Child Support Obligations and Post-Secondary Education

Most people who come to me for advice believe that their obligation to pay child support ends when their child reaches the age of 19. In fact, this is not always the case.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon Recap

Our February Divorce Salon in Kelowna was led by Therapist, Child Specialist and Divorce Coach Sharla Schofield, RCC, RCSW. Conceptualizing divorce as a “journey”, Sharla helped Salon participants prepare for their travels and beyond.

Money

Early Retirement, Interrupted (by Divorce)

Retirement. Long golden days stretching late into the evening. Time to focus on golf, painting, crossword puzzles and connecting with friends and family. Unfortunately, divorce can derail these plans, particularly when it comes to spousal support.

Collaborative Law

Fixed Fee Collaborative Model

Connect is excited to introduce its latest initiative designed to offer families a choice in how they resolve their family law matters: the Fixed Fee Collaborative Model (Pilot Project).

Money

Family Law Fraud: The Truth Will Out

Last week, CBC Web Writer Bethany Lindsay highlighted a real-life example of how the "truth will out" in family law disputes.

Team

Year in Review: Kelowna 2017

The recent snowfall here in Kelowna inspired an early start to this season of reflection. Before we say goodbye to 2017, we wanted to share some highlights from our first year as a member of this vibrant Okanagan community.

Divorce

Divorce: The Big Five

Inspired by a recent CBC interview with an Ontario family lawyer about the most common questions she hears from a couple who’ve decided to split, Crystal shares her own Big 5 (questions) with those of you living - and separating - in BC.

Kids

The Holidays: Plan Ahead, Reduce Stress

The holiday season and the expectations that come with it can be stressful for any family. Separated and divorced families face an additional set of challenges during this time. To help you to reduce your holiday stress, Jessica offers some tips.

Money

Distributing Family Assets to Pay for Litigation

Inspired by a recent Financial Post article about the court’s ability to require one spouse to pay the other’s legal expenses, Louise discusses another way that BC family law levels the playing field between spouses to increase access to justice.

Kids

Child Support: No Excuses

In this post, Rebecca shares the most commonly heard excuses for failing to pay child support and the Court's typical response.

Divorce Salons

Living on the Edge: An Evening with Dr. Gail Howell-Jones PhD

At our September Vancouver Divorce Salon in Vancouver, Dr. Gail Howell-Jones, PhD spoke about the challenges involved in life transitions ("edges") such as separation and divorce ) and offered coping strategies. Alex Boland recaps the evening here.

Separation

Can I Change the Locks?

Just because you can do something, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you may. Read Crystal's latest post, in which she considers the question "can I change the locks?"

Separation

Out-of-Court Options: Part 2

The conclusion to Rebecca's two-part post on the dispute resolution options available to separating spouses who are willing and able to avoid going to court.

Separation

Out-of-Court Options: Part 1

While separation and divorce inevitably involve some degree of pain, the process of separation need not be “a fight to the bitter end.” In fact, other than in exceptional circumstances, going to court ought to be a last resort.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon: DIY Divorce

Crystal Hansen led our Salon participants in a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from their personal experiences of separation to their perspective on how our legal system is evolving.

Money

Spousal Support: Three Common Misassumptions

Last month, my colleague F. Scott Murray debunked four myths about divorce. Continuing that theme, this month I clear up some confusion surrounding spousal support.

Kids

Back-to-School: Easing the Transition

After weeks of breathing smoked-filled air that made the city feel like the inside of a cigar-store closet, the breeze has turned and the evening wind brings with it a familiar bite. It all means one thing: Winter is coming.

Divorce

Divorce: Four Myths Debunked

Knowledge is power. When it comes to separation and divorce, the more you know about the process and what to expect, the better equipped you’ll be to handle this significant life transition.

Separation

Settlements: When Your Ex Reneges

You and your former spouse were able to settle your family law issues without having to resort to litigation and you signed a written agreement that contains your settlement terms. But your ex is refusing to follow the agreement. Now what?

Divorce Salons

Vancouver Salon Recap: Staying Together

Our June Divorce Salon in Vancouver, led by Relationship Coaches and Mentors Jack and Soorya Resels, involved a rich dialogue with our participants about how to rejuvenate their relationships and thrive.

Wills & Estates

Enduring Powers of Attorney

The third post in a 3-part blog series on estate planning services that lawyer Scott Murray offers our Okanagan clients.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon Recap: Parenting After Separation

This month, we share three key takeaways from an evening with our wider Connect community, so that those who weren’t able to join us can benefit from the discussion.

Team

Kelowna Team Retreat 2017: Recap

Now that our Okanagan office is (already!) six months old, we thought it high time for the Vancouver gang to take a field trip to check out the new digs.

Kids

Are You My Mother?

The law often has difficulty keeping pace with changes in our social landscape. Examples of this disconnect are readily found, but one of particular interest to families is the challenge lawmakers face when it comes to defining a “parent”.

Wills & Estates

Representation Agreements: Creating Certainty

The second post in a 3-part blog series on estate planning services that lawyer Scott Murray offers our Okanagan clients.

Team

Kelowna Office Launch

We were delighted to have a reason to play host to the Okanagan community last month at the official opening of our Kelowna office!

Divorce

Infertility and Divorce

One challenge in divorce that is all too common but rarely discussed is infertility which, even if overcome, can lead to separation or divorce.

Appeals

Considering an Appeal? Read our Top 3 Tips

Unfortunately, even when litigation is the right choice, the experience can feel like a waste of time and money if the judge does not rule in your favour. To avoid that feeling, unsuccessful litigants tend to think: We should appeal!

Wills & Estates

Wills: Protecting Your Interests

For Okanagan clients wanting support with long-term financial planning, Scott Murray in our Kelowna office is available to assist on a wide variety of estates issues.

Separation

Moving Provinces Post-Separation: What Are the Implications?

Where separated spouses live in different provinces, this can impact how their family law issues relating to property, support and divorce are resolved.

Litigation

Going to Court: When Litigation Makes Sense

While any aspect of litigation can be both emotionally exhausting and expensive, there are reasons why it may still be worth considering.

Property

Pet Disputes are “Ruff”

Many pet parents are horrified to learn that, when it comes to dividing a pet post-separation, there is no requirement to consider the “best interests of the pet”. Learn what happens to a pet on separation in our latest blog post.

Divorce Salons

Children, Anxiety and Divorce - Alyson Jones Presentation

In November 2016, we were fortunate to have Child and Family Therapist Alyson Jones lead our Divorce Salon on the topic of children, anxiety and divorce. Here, we share Alyson's presentation from that evening with our wider Connect community.

Divorce Salons

Divorce Salon Recap: Co-Parenting Challenges

Our January Divorce Salon, led by parenting expert and child specialist Alyson Jones MA RCC, involved a rich dialogue with our participants about co-parenting issues that can arise on separation and divorce.

Divorce

The Family Home: Three Facts You Should Know When Separating From Your Spouse

In Vancouver, making decisions about whether (or when) to sell your house can be overwhelming at the best of times. Contemplating those decisions in the context of a family law dispute can cause that overwhelm to tip into panic.

Team

Year in Review

December is a natural time to look back on the challenges and achievements of the previous year. For us, it’s a particularly fitting time for reflection, since it marks Connect’s one year anniversary.

Team

Join Us: Family Law Lawyer

We are currently seeking an experienced family law lawyer to join our creative and dynamic team, someone who shares our passion for legal advocacy and is energized by the idea of “doing things differently”.

Kids

Is it legal to spank or use physical discipline on my child?

In this post, we look at how spanking and physical discipline are treated under both criminal and family law in Canada, and encourage parents to use healthy alternatives when parenting your children.

Litigation

Connect Responds to Judges' Call for New Approach

Some of the top judges in Canada are beginning to speak out about a problem that many family law clients have been concerned about for years: access to legal services.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Jack R. Cartmel

As a follow up to our recent blog post Divorcing DINKs (Double Income, No Kids), we asked Jack Cartmel to share his perspective on being a “DINK”. Here’s what he had to say...

Kids

Two Homes for the Holidays

Holidays and special occasions can be a particularly charged example of how (nearly) everything changes post-divorce.

Kids

Children and Anxiety: What’s Your Role?

Since divorce is a major life transition involving many unknowns, it can bring with it a significant amount of anxiety. Questions like “Where will I live?”, “Who will I live with?”, and “What will happen to me?” can be overwhelming for a child.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Kim Hall

Kim Hall, Founder/Owner of Physio2U, was a speaker at our recent Divorce Salon "Women Rebooting their Career after Divorce.” We chatted with her after the event.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Michelle Schepel

We spoke with Michelle Schepel, Manager of Partnerships and Programs at the Boston Pizza Foundation, after a relaxed and compelling Divorce Salon gathering.

Money

Divorcing Dinks (Double Income, No Kids)

"The Lifestyle to Which You’ve Become Accustomed" No matter their age or how long they’ve been married, all Canadians who decide to divorce are subject to the same laws regarding spousal and child support.

Money

Back to School: Who Pays for What?

For parents of school-aged children, September can herald a (sometimes welcome) return to routine. However, fall can also bring with it added financial and logistical stresses, as parents adjust to new money and time demands.

Property

When is Equal "Significantly Unfair"?

Kids

Parenting After Divorce Easier With Flexible Scheduling

This Toronto Star article describes the potential advantages to creating a parenting plan that grows with your children. While some ex-spouses may benefit from such an approach, flexibility can also lead to uncertainty in terms.

BLOG

All Posts

Can I contract out of my child support obligation?

Video: Should there be a presumption for 50-50 parenting post separation?

Discover Your “Zone of Possible Agreement” and Be the Author of Your Own Future

Video: Who gets to live in the family home ?

Part 1: Whose property is it anyway?

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VIII: Who Pays for University?

Video: Dealing with a difficult co-parent

Uncoupling

Video: Pets and Divorce

Back to School Stress

Video: Back-to-School Blues with Leisha and Alex

Video: How can I tell if my agreement is unfair?

Video: Collaborative Law: Pros and Pitfalls

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VII: Do Kids Have a Say about Parenting Schedules?

We're Hiring! Vancouver Legal Assistant

Video: Do I have to Split my Personal Investments with my Ex?

Video: Parallel Parenting Plans

Video: What’s Up With That? Episode VI: Child Support for Your 30-Year-Old

Video: Can My Ex Claim My Inheritance?

Video: Jointly Retaining a Mediator

Video: What's Up With That, Episode V: Mo' Money, Mo' Child Support

Video: What if my ex changes his or her religion?

Video: Vaccination

We're Expanding in Surrey!

Things My Ex Told Me #1: Child Support

Re-partnering and Marriage Agreements

Video: Travelling with Kids Post-Separation

Video: Elderly Parents' Separation and Divorce

What's Up With That? Episode IV: Risky Business

Think Before You Act

Leisha Presents at Grey Divorce Conference (May 2019)

How Long Should We Stay Separated?

The Family Home: Should You Delay Selling?

Deducting Legal Fees

Attending Mediation with Lawyers Present

The Benefits of Mediation

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

Spousal Support Reviews

Joint, Shared, Split – What’s the Difference?

Family Violence: Getting Help

Do Stepparents Have to Pay Child Support?

Recap: Realtor Lunch and Learn 2018

Back to Work, Post-Divorce

Child Support When Parenting is Shared: Who Pays What?

We're Expanding in Kelowna!

The Voices of Children

Pot and Parenting

Imputing Income to the Payor Spouse

Moving In Together? Consider a Cohab

Recap: #Retreat2018

Modernizing the Divorce Act

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

“A Child of the Marriage”: Child Support Obligations and Post-Secondary Education

Kelowna Salon Recap

Early Retirement, Interrupted (by Divorce)

Fixed Fee Collaborative Model

Family Law Fraud: The Truth Will Out

Year in Review: Kelowna 2017

Divorce: The Big Five

The Holidays: Plan Ahead, Reduce Stress

Distributing Family Assets to Pay for Litigation

Child Support: No Excuses

Living on the Edge: An Evening with Dr. Gail Howell-Jones PhD

Can I Change the Locks?

Out-of-Court Options: Part 2

Out-of-Court Options: Part 1

Kelowna Salon: DIY Divorce

Spousal Support: Three Common Misassumptions

Back-to-School: Easing the Transition

Divorce: Four Myths Debunked

Settlements: When Your Ex Reneges

Vancouver Salon Recap: Staying Together

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Kelowna Salon Recap: Parenting After Separation

Kelowna Team Retreat 2017: Recap

Are You My Mother?

Representation Agreements: Creating Certainty

Kelowna Office Launch