#410-688 West Hastings St. Vancouver, BC V6B 1P1
Services
Collaborative Divorce
Collaborative Divorce is an effective alternative to the traditional, adversarial litigation approach to family separation. The separated parties work together with their lawyers and team of professionals to come to a resolution that works for their unique situation. For more information on the Collaborative Divorce process, click here.
Family Mediator
In mediation, a mediator will host and facilitate a discussion between two or more people to assist them in coming to a resolution. The mediation process takes place outside of court, and can provide a safe, confidential environment for each person to speak freely. Mediators are unbiased professionals that will not make decisions for you. For more information about mediation, click here.
Family Agreements
Most family matters can be resolved by way of a comprehensive agreement. I have extensive experience in drafting all manner of Agreements including, but not limited to:
- Cohabitation/Marriage/Prenuptial Agreements
- Separation Agreements
- Parenting Plans/Spousal support and child support Agreements
- Assisted Reproduction and Donor Agreements
For more information on Family Agreements, click here.
Family Litigation
Sometimes it is impossible to avoid going to court, particularly in cases of child protection, alienation, and spousal/child support. Preparing for court can be a daunting process, but I am here to lead you through the process in an organized way. For more information on family litigation, click here.
Applications for Adoption
Let me assist you in growing your family through adoption. For more information, click here.
Divorce Orders
Let me assist you in obtaining your uncontested divorce. For more information, click here.
Collaborative Divorce
What is Collaborative Divorce?
When separated parties agree to resolve their family dispute within the Collaborative Process, the parties are agreeing that:
- They will not go to court, or threaten to go to court
- They will communicate with honesty and respect
- They will make a sincere effort to understand the other person's needs and concerns
- They will disclose all relevant documents and information
- They will work together to craft an agreement that is in everyone's best interests.
When separated parties enter into the Collaborative Process they sign a Participation Agreement, confirming that they agree to these terms, and that if they are unable to come to a resolution they will obtain new lawyers to assist them through more conventional legal means.One of the greatest assets of the Collaborative Process is the involvement of all parties, and their lawyers, in four-way meetings. Often, lawyers will also invite parenting coaches and financial experts to participate in these meetings so that everyone can ask questions in a communal environment. This focus on collaborative resolution often leads to better emotional and financial outcomes for the parties involved, as it provides each person with an opportunity to voice their specific needs and concerns and a structured, forward-focus environment. I am a certified Collaborative Divorce practitioner, a member of Collaborative Divorce Vancouver, and a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Practitioners. For more information on the Collaborative Process, click here
Mediation
What is Mediation?
Mediators are trained to establish and maintain a safe, confidential, communicative process, and to help participants reach an agreement on their own. A mediator assists the participants in understanding the particular interests and concerns of the other parties, and to explore potential resolutions. They are not there to make decisions. The process is informal and private, making mediation much less stressful than court proceedings.
Generally, mediation is highly successful, cost-effective, and faster than the trial process. The entire process is considered "without prejudice" to any litigation, meaning that any statements made during mediation can not be raised in court. This allows each participant to discuss a variety of settlement options without fear that a concession in mediation could upset their litigation position.
If the participants come to a resolution or all or part of their dispute, I am able to draft their agreement into a separation agreement or court order. I have worked with participants who are represented by lawyers, and with unrepresented participants. At present, I am able to facilitate mediations in person and via Zoom.
I will also take Legal Aid (LSS) mediation referrals. To find out if you qualify for Legal Aid funding, please click here.
I am accredited as a Family Law Mediator by the Law Society of British Columbia.
Family Agreements
What are Family Agreements?
Put simply, Family Agreements are contracts signed by the parties. These contracts are drafted by a lawyer, and can provide rights and obligations to the parties that can be enforced in court. There are many types of Family Agreements.
A Cohabitation/Marriage/Prenuptial Agreement can set out a property ownership regime in the event a couple separates. Additionally, these Agreements can set out restrictions and expectations for spousal support, pension division, real property ownership, etc. These Agreements are highly flexible and can be tailored to the particular needs of the couple.
Separation Agreements are drafted to crystallize the property division, spousal/child support, parenting time, etc. between spouses at the end of their relationships.
Parenting Plans are comprehensive Agreements governing how the parents will share time with their children, how they will educate them, what religious exposure they may have, along with how to manage holidays, birthdays, school events and extracurricular activities. These Agreements can provide structure for a multitude of co-parenting arrangements.
Assisted Reproduction and Donor Agreements are prepared for those individuals or couple seeking to expand their family by way of a pregnancy utilizing donated eggs or sperm. These Agreements outline the expectations, rights, and obligations of the participants who are either donating eggs or sperm, and those receiving the donated eggs or sperm. These Agreements make clear who the legal parents and guardians are of any child born by way of Assisted Reproduction, the clinical standards involved in this process and who is paying for the process, as well as any financial obligations that could flow from this process.
No matter what brings you to my office, my goal is to provide you with a comprehensive Agreement that reflects your position, and to ensure that you are comfortable and confident with any Agreement you sign.
Family Litigation
Child Protection Orders
I have represented clients in both the Provincial and Supreme Courts in obtaining protection orders to safeguard their children against abuse. I have worked alongside the Ministry of Family and Social Development to ensure that my clients and their children can live their lives feeling safe and protected.
Property Division
I have experience working with financial experts, business valuators, actuaries, and pension valuators to determine the value of family assets and excluded property. This streamlines the court process.
Child and Spousal Support
I have brought a number of applications in both the Provincial and Supreme Courts seeking child and spousal support on behalf of my clients. I have experience in imputing income, or assessing income from multiple sources. I have experience in obtaining orders relating to adult, disabled dependants, as well as reductions in child support arrears.
Parental Alienation
Parental alienation is a distressing situation. I have brought applications seeking declarations of alienation. I have worked with expert, child psychologists to obtain reports. I have succeeding in having my clients and their families enrol in parental reunification programs. These are complex cases, and I am here to help navigate you through the process.
Relocation
I have assisted clients on both sides of this issue: both defending a right to relocate; and, opposing a proposed relocation. I will work with you to ensure that the best interests of your child is the focus of the issue.
Adoption Applications
Types of Adoptions
The most common types of adoptions are:
- Agency/International Adoptions
- Adult Adoptions
- Relative and Step-child Adoptions
Let me help you in expanding your unique family by working with your adoption agency to ensure a smooth process.
Divorce Orders
Uncontested Divorces
I am happy to assist you in obtaining an order of divorce. At present, I offer the following flat rate fees:
- Without Children: $1,600 + court fees and taxes
- With Children $1,900 + court fees and taxes
About Me
Background
I grew up in Vancouver, BC, and obtained my undergraduate degree in Classical Studies from UBC. I attended Osgoode Hall Law School, where I obtained my juris doctorate in 2013.
Since 2013, I have practiced predominantly in the field of Family Law. I have represented clients in the provincial, supreme, and appeal courts of British Columbia.
After working extensively in litigation, I turned my focus towards mediation and Collaborative Practice, finding that these alternative dispute resolution methods provided better outcomes for my clients and their families.
I obtained my certification in family mediation in 2020, as well as my Collaborative Divorce qualification. Since then, I have been a zealous advocate for family-focused settlement.
When not working, I am often skiing, cycling, or playing with my dog, Pepper.