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Family Lawyer & Property Division in Prince George
When a marriage or common-law relationship ends, it can be difficult and stressful. It may require the services of a qualified family lawyer in Prince George. At Dick Byl Law Corporation, our family lawyers handle all aspects of family law, including property division, parenting arrangements and more. We represent our clients to ensure they receive a fair outcome.
Areas We Cover
The following are some of the issues we help with:
Property division
Property division can be a contentious issue in a divorce or separation, as couples may not agree on a fair and equitable division of assets. Variables, such as the length of a relationship and whether it is a common-law relationship versus a married couple, can influence how property is divided. While some aspects of property division may be easy for couples to agree upon, other assets and properties can be complex to understand the equalization process.
Parenting arrangements
Parenting arrangements are very important because they involve caring for your children after separation or divorce. Important child-raising decisions such as education, health care, activities, and so on are sorted out through a parenting arrangement.
Child support
In British Columbia, parents are legally obligated to provide child support. This obligation applies to married or unmarried parents. Several factors, including custody division and income, determine the exact amount of child support. Under current legislation, child support obligations are in place until the child turns 19 and can remain longer if the child remains financially dependent on the parent.
Spousal support
Spousal support is money paid by one spouse to another following a divorce or separation. If one spouse earns significantly more than the other, in many cases, the lower-earning spouse is entitled to support payments. The exact amount and length of time spousal support applies depends on many factors, such as the length of the relationship, how many children there are, and your role in the marriage.
Factors to Consider When Separating Property
If you plan to separate from your partner, please consider the following factors to protect your rights during property division in Prince George.
Division of property and debts: Learning about property and debt is handy to get a clear idea of what you are expected to share with your partner in case you have to seek divorce or separation.
Division of pensions and other benefits: Property division also includes certain types of income like CPP, pension, OAS, RRSPs, etc.
Sorting out debts: The loan or debt taken by you and your partner together before separation has to be split between both of you after separation. It is important to know the rules related to debts when filing for separation.
Protecting yourself financially after separation: Financial security becomes important after you decide to separate from your spouse. Thus, being aware of the legal ways to protect yourself financially post-separation is crucial.
Why Hire a Family Lawyer in Prince George?
When you're facing a difficult family-law-related scenario, it is essential to have the right kind of support by your side. Doing so protects your rights and encourages decisions that assist the well-being of your children if the situation requires it. There are numerous reasons to hire a family lawyer, such as:
Knowledge: A seasoned family lawyer has the knowledge and experience to support you. They have all the relevant information regarding legal codes, protocols, etc. They will clarify the legal process for you, enabling you to make informed decisions.
Objectivity: Family law issues can be incredibly emotional, clouding judgment. A lawyer will always provide you with an objective point of view, which helps you make the best choices required by the situation.
Legal procedures: As a layperson, you will most likely not be aware of the specifics of legal procedures. A lawyer will handle all the paperwork and ensure it is correct and filed on time. This will help you avoid any errors.
Mediation: Often, family law matters can be handled outside of court. A family lawyer will have the experience to negotiate on your behalf, leading to more efficient, fair settlements.
Your rights: One of the main benefits of having a lawyer on your side in any legal scenario is the protection of your rights. Their presence increases the chances of you being treated fairly. This is especially crucial for sensitive issues such as child support and custody.
Stress: Dealing with family law issues on your own is incredibly challenging. A lawyer will share your burden and reduce your stress. They will help you navigate your legalities and make sense of your situation.
Outcome: A lawyer will focus on achieving your best possible outcome. They fight for a resolution that is the best for you, whether it involves negotiating their way to a fair settlement or representing you in court.
Family law matters can be incredibly complicated. You don't have to handle them alone. Our family lawyer in Prince George is always available to support you. Besides this, we can also help you with divorce law.
Contact Us Today
If you have any questions and want to learn more about your options, please contact our office to arrange an initial consultation with our family lawyer in Prince George. During your consultation, Mr. Byl will gain an understanding of the issues you are facing and help formulate a strategy to fit your needs.
