This year's conference was very special as it marked the 50th anniversary of the founding of this wonderful organization, an interdisciplinary group of lawyers, judges, psychologists, counsellors, mediators, parenting coordinators and others which has since its inception promoted the resolution of family law disputes by agreement. The AFCC has been in the forefront of positive change in family dispute resolution as it has promoted and educated family dispute resolution professionals in cutting-edge techniques such as mediation, collaborative law and parenting coordination. The 50th anniversary conference was memorable in that it took place in LA where AFCC was originally founded, and in its seminars and plenary sessions it looked back at family dispute resolution as it was fifty years ago and also looked ahead to where it might be fifty years hence, and in so doing it highlighted the progress that has been made in the last fifty years as well as the problems which still remain to be resolved. As usual it was an enlightening and educational experience.
Queer Separation in British ColumbiaUnder British Columbia’s Family Law Act (“FLA”) (and the Divorce Act), Queer couples enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. This means that the processes for separation, including obtaining orders or agreements on parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, property division, and divorce, are the same for all families in British Columbia.
Pets under the Family Law ActOn January 24, 2024, amendments (changes) were made to the Family Law Act (FLA) to reflect the long-held sentiment that pets are members of the family. It is no wonder why animals can become part of the dispute during a separation; the prospect of a person being separated from their pet can cause fear and distress for individuals.
Red Dress DayOn May 5, 2024, BC observed Red Dress Day in honour of the Murdered Missing Indigenous Women (“MMIW”) also referred to by many as “Stolen Sisters”. For many, this day of observance can be painful for loved ones of a Stolen Sister as many of these cases (reported and unreported) are left without answers.