Divorce and Family Law Lawyers in B.C.

Navigating A High Conflict Divorce in BC

Sometimes, no matter how calm, co-operative, or reasonable you are, a divorce situation can remain highly volatile—especially when the other party actively complicates every step.

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Is a Friendly Divorce in BC Possible?

Divorce doesn’t have to be a battle. In British Columbia, a “friendly divorce”— also called an amicable divorce, IS possible. It often results in less stress, lower costs, and a quicker path to resolution. So, if you're facing separation, this might feel out of reach, but with the right approach and support, it can happen.

A friendly divorce avoids the courtroom. Instead, it uses methods like mediation, negotiation, or collaborative law to settle things respectfully and privately. This process helps you maintain control over outcomes while protecting your well-being and your children’s.

Avoiding conflict matters. Court battles can be expensive, emotionally draining, and damaging to your relationships, especially if children are involved. A high-conflict divorce can drag on for years, while a cooperative approach may be resolved in weeks and months.

The key? Choose a professional lawyer committed to resolution. Communicate respectfully, and stay focused on your future and not your past. Even if things feel hard now, it’s possible to move forward with compassion and clarity.

If you're hoping to avoid unnecessary stress, preserve relationships, and protect your children, this article written by Pathway Legal's Principal Divorce Lawyer, Val Hemminger will outline why a friendly divorce may be your best option.

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Getting Custody of a Child in BC

Is child custody an issue for you in a family law matter?

It is an issue for many divorcing couples and there are many important distinctions for you to be aware of.

The first thing to know is that BC law no longer uses the word “custody.” Instead, it focuses on guardianship, parenting time, and parenting responsibilities. These are all based on your child’s best interests.

Your path forward will depend on your family’s circumstances.

That might mean a negotiated agreement, mediation, or going to court. Either way, understanding your rights—and your child’s rights—is essential.

Our article focusing on resolving custody of a child in BC is written by Pathway Legal's Principal Divorce Lawyer, Val Hemminger. You can start by learning what options are available, what “custody” really means in BC, and how to build the strongest case for your child’s wellbeing.

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Divorcing with Kids in BC

Divorcing with kids in BC can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone.

Whether you are trying to keep things amicable or anticipating a tough road ahead, knowing your rights and planning carefully will make a big difference to your confidence as you navigate the new family arrangement.

In BC, the law puts your child’s best interests first, encouraging shared parenting responsibilities instead of the old idea of “custody.”

So, if you are exploring how to protect your children, what parenting time will look like, or how to deal with conflict or parental alienation, you can explore these topics on the updated page that covers divorces with children in BC. It is written by Pathway Legal's Principal Divorce Lawyer, Val Hemminger.

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How To Financially Prepare For Divorce in BC

If you're preparing for a divorce, ideally, you are already doing one of the most important things: getting informed before things unravel.

When separation hits, emotions run high, but clarity and preparation can protect you — legally, emotionally, and financially.

At Pathway Legal (Based in Victoria BC), we have worked with many intelligent, capable people who still felt completely lost when it came to the organization of their finances with their soon-to-be ex.

They often didn’t know what they had, what they were entitled to, or even where to begin. That lack of clarity can also leave you exposed and cost you thousands.

You don’t have to have it all figured out. But a few small steps — like opening your own bank account, gathering key documents, and protecting your credit — can make a huge difference.

Whether or not you hire a lawyer, this kind of groundwork will make the entire process easier and more empowering. And if you think your spouse would never do anything vindictive, remember: even good people can act out of fear or pain.

The provided checklist on this page written by Pathway Legal's Principal Divorce Lawyer, Val Hemminger, will help you get started with confidence and protect what matters most — your future. Check it out...

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Choosing A High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer

If you're separating in the Vancouver area, and either have significant assets, own a business, or need to protect your financial future, having a divorce lawyer who understands the intricacies of business as well as family law will make all the difference.

Whether you're married or in a long-term spousal relationship, the law usually requires an equal split of assets and debts acquired during the relationship. But “equal” doesn’t always mean “simple” or “fair” without context.

Maybe you earned most of the income. Maybe you stayed home and raised the kids while a financial empire was built. Maybe you’re feeling blindsided. These are all common scenarios and the law takes them into account.

Written by Pathway Legal's Principal Divorce Lawyer, Val Hemminger, her article "Choosing A High Net Worth Divorce Lawyer" will help you understand what’s “yours,” what’s “theirs,” and what’s “ours” when there is a lot of money and/or assets at stake.

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Where To Start With Divorce in British Columbia

If you're preparing for divorce around the Victoria area in BC, this page from Pathway Legal Family Law offers a clear and supportive starting point.

Whether you're initiating the process, responding to it, or working through it collaboratively, you’ll find helpful, practical guidance for every stage.

The page outlines seven essential steps designed to help you navigate divorce with greater confidence and clarity. It emphasizes respectful communication, understanding your legal rights, exploring peaceful resolution methods, and prioritizing your emotional and financial well-being throughout the process.

Key topics include preparing for your first conversation about separation, how to speak with your children, and why early legal advice matters—even if you don’t retain a lawyer right away. There’s also a strong focus on amicable divorce strategies, emotional healing, and avoiding costly mistakes through careful planning and documentation.

Here are the key points:

• Start with a solid foundation: Set the tone early with a respectful, clear conversation about separation.
• Seek legal advice: Even if you don’t hire a lawyer right away, get an understanding of your legal position and responsibilities.
• Communicate with your children: Approach the conversation with care and focus on future co-parenting.
• Explore dispute resolution: Learn about amicable divorce options like mediation and collaborative law.
• Take care of your health: Emotional support and healing practices are key to moving forward.
• Prepare your legal framework: Choose a resolution process and work toward a final separation agreement.
• Stay organized: Don’t overlook important documents or make big decisions without legal input.

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What Is Parental Alienation in BC? Know the signs, laws & options

Discover what parental alienation is, its impact on your children, how BC family law addresses it and how to recognize and prevent alienation in custody cases.

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Legal Support For Domestic Violence in BC

Domestic Violence in BC requires legal support if you wish to seperate or divorce. This page will help you identify coercive control and the steps you can take

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