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The Origins Of Pathway Legal, Our Vision And Goals
Back in the 20th Century...
Over her almost 30 years experience as a lawyer and a family law lawyer in BC, Val Hemminger, saw that families going through a separation were being unnecessarily dragged by their lawyers through the court system.
This was at great emotional and financial expense to families.
What unnecessary trauma it could be! And, as if going through a separation was not hard enough in the first place!
As a result, families undergoing a separation could be subjected to prolonged, painful public exposure of their private lives. If children were involved, the emotional toll could be even greater. All this heartache can have lasting consequences for years to come.
Sometimes, the lawyers involved were making (and still make) the situation even worse, not only for the opposing party, but for their own clients as well. Sometimes it even felt like the clients were being punished by making the process as difficult as possible to resolve.
Val says: "As I worked through the years in family law, I saw some devastating things happen to families who are in transition, many of these awful moments were perpetuated by the divorce industry itself. There are a lot of myths out there that provide toxic experiences. People are encouraged to find an aggressive lawyer and kick their ex’s butt down the street and sideways. I thought, what if we were to flip the perspective and approach the family still as a unit, but just a family that looks different than originally expected? Maybe a scorched earth policy isn’t the way to go."
The 21st Century Solution...
For Val Hemminger, founding Pathway Legal offered an alternative to the challenging and often costly approach to legal matters. It was also crucial that this alternative be not only effective but also financially sustainable, thus ensuring viability for the lawyers, support staff, and the business as a whole.
She says: "I realized over the years that, if parties and parents are educated about their rights, obligations, and resolution methods available to address their situation without dragging a family through the court system, they could save time, money, and stress.
They also save money. I realized that to affect real change, I couldn’t work one-on-one with everybody, but I could share important information packaged in a way to be delivered educationally. I could point out the myths that pervade family law and show conflict reduction, resolution, and management strategies that could serve each family."
Creating Pathway Legal meant that Val has a team of lawyers and support staff whose mission is to empower individuals with knowledge, guidance, and innovative resolution methods that prioritize cooperation over conflict.
It was also a business model that was both financially sustainable for lawyers and cost-effective for clients.
And yes – sometimes divorces are confrontational and do require the court. So, if that is what is needed, Pathway Legal will manage these kinds of matters too. But for everyone concerned, except in some special cases, this is unusual and unnecessary.
Our priority is to reduce the emotional and financial stress of divorce by offering compassionate and personalized support. We are committed to working collaboratively to find the best solutions for our clients and their families, helping them avoid the expense and emotional strain of litigation whenever possible.
Val says: "Clients often share how much they appreciate the professionalism and care we bring to their cases. They value our ability to handle complex family dynamics and guide them toward amicable resolutions. Whether it’s through initial consultations or ongoing representation, we work hard to move each case forward efficiently, ensuring that progress is made with every step." You can see some of our client experiences here and on Google.
At Pathway Legal, in the 21st century, we live and breathe our values with every client we represent. We explain it even further below...
More About How Pathway Legal's Core Values Guide All We Do
transparent billing
Our transparent billing practices ensure that clients receive clear, concise invoices with no hidden fees, allowing them to trust that they are fully informed and in control of their legal expenses every step of the way.
In certain instances we also offer Flat Fees so you know EXACTLY what you will be paying. More about our flat fees...
Process clarity
We are down-to-earth HUMANS and we ensure that our clients and lawyers work hand in hand throughout each step, fostering open communication and a shared understanding of the journey to your final legally binding agreement or court order.
Open communication
We value open communication, fostering an environment where clients and lawyers can engage freely, ask questions, and express concerns to ensure that every client’s voice is heard and understood throughout the legal process.
Compassionate client care
At Pathway Legal, our love-infused, compassionate client care, goes beyond just meeting legal needs. We fiercely support and empower our clients through the emotional rollercoaster of family law, ensuring they feel understood and valued every step of the way,
Positive Outcomes
In family law, distractions are everywhere (Squirrel!) but we zero in on what matters—getting the job done. With each and every meeting with your lawyer, you’ll move closer to your final agreement or court order.
Court as a Last Resort
We prioritize using innovative dispute resolution methodologies that empower our clients to achieve amicable solutions while minimizing conflict, expense and emotional stress. We mean it when we say court is a last resort.
Related Pages
What is it about Pathway Legal that makes us special and unique?
If there is one clear way to get an inside look into a business you are going to deal with, it's to look at their Vision and Purpose. Not many businesses have one so we wanted to show you ours! That way, we can support you to get to know Pathway Legal as your prospective divorce lawyers.
This isn't just a document. This is our combined vision for transforming family law in British Columbia.
- It is our bold commitment to shake up family law and showing you the Pathway Legal BETTER method for getting divorced!
- We’re all about transparency, compassion, and empowering families when facing the divorce process. By sharing this vision, we’re doing so in the spirit of collaboration, making clear our mission to transform families for the BETTER. Let’s lead the way together.
We are sharing it because we're pumped to unveil...
🎉 Pathway Legal's Vision towards 2028 🎉
Thanks to Pathway Legal’s influence, it has become embarrassing to go to court for many divorce lawyers. The old, expensive, and outdated method of dragging our clients through the courtroom process seems absolutely silly and ridiculous when we can get our clients’ matters resolved using all kinds of dispute-resolution methods.
Mediation/Arbitration with powerful med/arbiters is our “go to.”
How you will see Pathway Legal’s Vision and Roadmap in action every day 🍁
With a focus on clear communication, transparent billing, and compassionate client care, we work alongside you to navigate the emotional complexities of family law. Our innovative approach prioritizes positive outcomes and aims to resolve matters amicably, reserving court as a last resort, so you can move forward with confidence and clarity.
This Is What Getting a Better Divorce Means at Pathway Legal
- At Pathway Legal, our vision is clear. We are transforming the landscape of family law in British Columbia by embodying a compassionate, client-centered approach that prioritizes the well-being of families and individuals navigating the complexities of divorce and separation.
- As the leading family law firm in the region, we believe that a great lawyer is more than just a legal expert. A great lawyer is also a supportive ally who brings hope, integrity, and love into a challenging process.
- Our dedicated team is committed to nurturing not only our clients but also each other, fostering a culture of care, accountability, and collaboration.
- By integrating innovative dispute resolution methods, we empower our clients to work hand-in-hand with our lawyers, ensuring that every voice is heard and every concern is addressed as we strive for amicable solutions.
- As we look ahead to 2028, Pathway Legal is poised to become the go-to hub for families seeking conflict-free resolution to their legal matters.
- We embrace a dynamic, engaging work environment that celebrates human connection, both within our team and with the families we serve.
- Our unique approach to service, innovative flat-fee pricing model, and commitment to ongoing education ensure that our clients feel cherished and supported throughout their journey. Together, we are not just redefining what it means to be a family lawyer; we are leading the charge towards a brighter, more hopeful future for families across British Columbia.
- Gone is the stuck-up and distant “objective” image of a lawyer as the flagship of good lawyering, and replaced with a new definition of what it means to be a great lawyer. Being a great lawyer means having compassion, love,care, understanding, and keeping kids out of conflict
About Pathway Legal's Outstanding Services!
- Personalized one-on-one client work with skilled divorce lawyers throughout British Columbia
- Flat fee legal services for transparency and predictability (our clients love this!)
- Divorce and separation agreements
- Marriage and cohabitation agreements
- Court applications and trials (when necessary and unavoidable)
- Mediation and arbitration services
- Educational resources, including "How to Avoid Making Your Divorce Lawyer Rich" (coming soon! 3rd Draft is done!)
- Legal coaching for self-represented clients
About The Pathway Legal Difference
At Pathway Legal, we take pride in our unique approach.
As we genuinely work with you through the process, this is how you get divorced in a BETTER way:
- We prioritize collaboration, involving you in key discussions and decisions for increased efficiency.
- We do most of our work with you present, either in our office, on Zoom, or on the phone.
- We proactively schedule your next appointment, ensuring continuous progress toward a resolution.
- Our use of checklists enhances our efficiency and helps keep costs down for our clients.
- Our unwavering focus remains on achieving your final agreement or court order, guiding you every step of the way toward a successful outcome. We avoid distractions.
About Pathway Legal's CULTURE
- We foster a vibrant and forward-thinking culture that blends professionalism with an enthusiastic vibe, making Pathway Legal a dynamic and exciting place to work. We remain deeply committed to supporting our clients through their challenging times with genuine care and compassion.
- We also embrace a fun, approachable atmosphere that reflects our humanity. By cultivating a positive environment, we can better serve our clients! Our real human clients appreciate that about us. it's not bad for a place where a bunch of lawyers work!
About The Pathway Legal TEAM
At Pathway Legal, everyone wins...
- We believe that everyone wins as we cultivate a collaborative team culture where lawyers and support staff work seamlessly together, driving positive change for families across British Columbia.
- United in our mission, we encourage each team member to pursue their career, financial, and personal goals while enjoying the benefits of competitive compensation.
- Our monthly team social events are a highlight, fostering camaraderie and connection among our team.
- With a foundation built on integrity and accountability, we support one another in creating a rewarding and dynamic work environment.
About The Pathway Legal SUPPORT STAFF
- Our support staff play a crucial role in aiding our lawyers to focus on what truly matters—assisting lawyers and clients "getting the ball across the plate" of final resolution.
- With meticulous behind the scenes preparation and dedicated client communication, our team ensures that every detail is handled with care, creating a more seamless and positive experience through your legal process.
Your Path to Resolving Your Family Law Matter at Pathway Legal
If you are thinking about Pathway Legal as your preferred lawyers in BC for a family law matter, it is important to know that we prioritize transparency through our clearly defined client journey, known as the Pathway Legal Client Journey.
This is a roadmap that is clearly explained to our clients and team members.
This way everyone knows not only where they are in terms of the process, and what to expect next!
To enhance the experience, we provide an updated customer journey map (see image) along with printed copies during the onboarding process. In our experience, this empowers clients to navigate their path with confidence.
About Pathway Legal's Office Location
Pathway Legal serves families throughout the province of British Columbia. The physical hub of Pathway Legal is situated in Victoria, British Columbia at 310 Wale Road (right beside the Costa Canna store).
Customer reviews on Google
Rebekah Veilleux
If you need a reliable and effective Divorce and Family Law firm that excels in mediation and strives for positive outcomes, I can confidently say that Pathway Legal is the best choice. They truly care about their clients' well-being and deliver exceptional service, providing a peaceful resolution for families in need. Thank you, Pathway Legal, for guiding me through this difficult time and securing a brighter future for me and my children.
Lana Morris
I had the pleasure of having both Katie Sutherland and Val Hemminger as my lawyers! They both have a passion for family law and it showed in each and evening time I met with them. Not only were they both professional but they truly care about their clients… with both of them I could cry, express my frustrations and even though this was a hard year… we even had a lot of laughs together. Val and Katie always put my children first and encouraged me to seek counselling for myself! It was never only about the law to either of them, it was first and foremost about family.
Nick Accarion
I highly recommend this firm because they were able to understand our family dynamics even though we were coming from a place of desperation and it was complicated. They were able to navigate our needs in a courteous professional affordable way, and make our separation amicable. I hope to never go through an experience like this again but knowing there's a firm like this made it much easier for me and my loved ones. Highly recommend.
Make an appointment
Val Hemminger, divorce lawyer and owner of Pathway Legal, and her team serve families all over BC, including Vancouver, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Abbotsford, Kamloops, Nanaimo, Victoria, Langley, Kelowna, and Maple Ridge.
If you are not completely pleased with your lawyer at your first initial consultation, you can have your money back
Office Hours
Mon to Thurs: 9:00 am - 4:30 pm
Fri: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
FAX: 833-250-7771
West Vancouver:
Park Royal South, Unit 200-100
West Vancouver, B.C. V7T 1A2
Available for
video conference meetings
Abbotsford:
Available for in-person appointments
Victoria office:
206-310 Wale Rd
Victoria, B.C. V9B 0J8
Available for in-person meetings or
video conference meetings
North Vancouver:
901-3rd Street West #100-1
North Vancouver, B.C. V7P 3P9
Available for video conference meetings
Pathway Legal Law Corporation, Val Hemminger, Be the Best Divorce Lawyer. All rights reserved.
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It is with our honour and gratitude that we live, work, and play on the traditional territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl̓ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations.