In January, 2013, I took a two day course, Family Violence Screening for Dispute Resolution Professionals, to enhance my ability to recognize and deal with family violence in the context of family law cases. This course was beneficial for Kitsilano Family Law, especially in regards to British Columbia's new Family Law Act, which came into force in March, 2013. It has focused on the need for family law professionals to increase their awareness of this problem and develop skills and techniques for keeping family members safe, defusing and reducing tensions that could lead to violence in the family context, and bringing cases to a satisfactory resolution in spite of concerns about violence. The course, sponsored by the Continuing Legal Education Society, was designed to provide increased knowledge of the complex problem of family violence, and featured roleplays to assist the professionals in learning how to deal with the various situations in which family violence might be a factor.
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.