my legal helper
Family Law
Are you are a self-rep that needs family legal help? I may be able to assist you. I offer unbundled services so you can get as much or as little help as you require without the stress of high lawyer retainer fees and flat rate only services. You decide how much help you need!
Below, you’ll find links to family law resources that may be helpful to your legal questions, issues, or case related to family law in BC. They are not all-encompassing and I encourage you to take a look around once you get to the pages.
Once you have explored these resources, you may find that you require more help. At this point, if you feel you may need additional help, please contact me and we can have a conversation (this is where the consultation fee is applicable) about the best options for you based on your case and what you may have learned from the resources below.
Federal Acts & Resources
BC Acts & Resources
Parenting After Separation Course
Parenting After Separation for Indigenous Families
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer?
It depends! Many people represent themselves in family law matters without issue. Sometimes they just need help with the paperwork and processes which is where I come in! I help explain the process and assist with completing important family related documents and then provide coaching for any hearings you may need to attend.
Where do I start?
The best place to start is with the resources above. They can provide a wealth of information so you at least have some basic knowledge of what the family legal process involves. If you’d rather just have a consultation with me, head over to the consultation page so you can get more info and book a consultation.
What are your fees?
Fees vary depending on the services you require and the amount of time and effort you are prepared and able to provide to your family law matter. Some clients have more time than others with some not as comfortable as other’s working with legal issues. Clients receive a contract and invoice outlining the services to be provided and fees.
Parenting Course?
The Parenting After Separation course is required by parties that have children and have a family matter before the courts. You can find the link above in resources to the online course and my suggestion is that you take it as soon as you can. You will be provided with certificate that you will need to file with the court. It is done every 2 years.
Will you go to court?
I am not a lawyer and as such cannot attend court on your behalf. Family matters are closed to the public and except in rare cases, only parties to the matter are generally allowed in. I will help prepare you for any hearings to ensure you are confident and ready when the day comes if you are required to attend a hearing.
How much do you do?
Each family case is unique with some common themes and the assistance each client requires will be different. This will also vary depending on a clients comfort level with the family legal processes. Some clients prefer not to do any paperwork while other’s dive right in and just need a little direction and some coaching!
Can you help me and my ex?
No, I cannot. Our working relationship is much like a lawyer-client relationship. It would be a conflict of interest to work with you and any other person that may be a party to, or involved in the same matter. If you and your ex would like to jointly file for divorce then you should start here.
Supreme or Provincial Court?
It depends! If you were legally married and you are seeking a divorce then you must apply in the BC Supreme Court. If you are common-law or in any other family context, then you can file in Provincial but property division must go to Supreme Court. Each court has specific rules.