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What is Parenting After Separation?

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On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Divorce Mediation on Friday, May 13, 2016.

Divorce mediation can be an excellent option for parties who want to end their relationships but without all of the fightings. The mediation process can be especially helpful and beneficial for divorces or separations involving children. The less strife and contention surrounding the divorce, the easier it may be for the children to transition.

However, what happens when the divorce settlement is almost ready to be signed? How can you keep that atmosphere of teamwork and looking out for the best interests of the children as you move into your new lives? One of the things that the family courts believe can help with this is taking the Parenting After Separation session, which is required for most divorces with children.

Most people are required to take the Parenting After Separation session early on in the divorce process. However, there are some exceptions. If you are filing a consent order or have applied for a protection order you may be automatically exempted. Other situations that may result in an exemption include an immediate risk to you or your child’s safety, the presence of a serious health problem or you have taken the session already within the past two years.

The Parenting After Separation session will help you learn how to extend the respect and civility of the mediation process to your new family dynamic after the papers are signed and everything is finalized. It may also help you and your ex-understand the importance of working as a team to successfully co-parent your children. If you have questions about the Parenting After Separation session or the divorce mediation process, we can help.

Source: B.C. Government, “Do I have to take Parenting After Separation?” accessed May 13, 2016

Lawyers Coquitlam BC

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370

How separating couples divide debt in British Columbia

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On behalf of Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators posted in Division of Property on Thursday, April 23, 2015.

Whether or not you want to, the fact of any ending relationship is that if you have debt, you need to deal with it. Not taking the time to review shared debts or whose name is in debt can lead to bills not getting paid, and this can ruin your credit rating.

If you’ve been living together with your significant other in a marriage-like situation, then you are going to be held to the same standards for debts after you separate as married people would be during a divorce.

In British Columbia, the law treats those who have lived together for two years or longer exactly the same as someone who is married. Your debts are going to be shared equally, no matter whose name they’re in. The family property also is shared equally, so if you had a home together, be prepared to split up your assets.

When you’re living together, you can make an agreement that will allow you to divide your debts unequally. This agreement works similarly to a prenuptial or post-nuptial agreement, which prevents you from taking on certain debts that are created during your relationship or those brought into your relationship.

People who you owe money to, like your creditors, can normally only collect debts from the person who signed for the debt, so in cases where you have private credit cards or loans, you’ll need to pay those back. However, if you signed a lease for an apartment with both of your names, then you can be held jointly responsible and will need to sort out the debt one way or the other.

Source: Legal Services Society, “Dealing with debts after separation (for married and common-law couples),” accessed April. 23, 2015

Real Estate Lawyers Coquitlam BC

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370
www.laughlinlaw.ca