Family Law

Family Law Lawyers in British Columbia

Whether you are navigating separation, divorce, parenting disputes, support obligations, or the division of property and debt, the decisions you make can have lasting impacts on your financial security and your family’s future. At Alder Law, we provide clear, practical guidance to help you understand your rights, protect your interests, and move forward with confidence during times of significant change.

Alder Law’s Family Law Services

At Alder Law, we offer a wide range of family legal services, including:

• Divorce: We are  here to guide you through each step of your divorce with clarity, compassion, and a focus on helping you move forward with confidence. When disputes arise, we are prepared to advance your position through negotiation or litigation, always with an eye towards reaching a fair and lasting resolution. 
• Child & Spousal Support: These issues often arise when parents or former spouses need clarity around financial responsibilities following separation or divorce. These matters can significantly affect long-term financial stability. Our team provides clear legal guidance and practical support through negotiation and, where necessary, court proceedings to establish, enforce, or adjust support arrangements in accordance with legal guidelines and changing circumstances.
• Parenting Arrangements / Parenting Plans: Disputes about parenting arrangements are some of the most emotionally charged issues in family law, often involving far more than just schedules. When parents cannot agree on decision-making responsibilities, parenting time, or issues affecting a child’s safety, schooling, or well-being, these conflicts can quickly escalate and shape your relationship with your child for years to come. We assist with negotiating and resolving parenting arrangements in a child-focused manner. 
• Parenting Litigation: Litigation in this area, often referred to as “child custody” disputes, arises when separated parents are unable to resolve disagreements about a child’s care, decision-making, and living arrangements. These disputes can have a lasting effect on a child’s well-being and family relationships, and may require court involvement to establish clear and workable parenting arrangements.We provide strategic representation focused on protecting your parenting role and the best interests of the children. 
• Relocation Matters: Relocation cases arise when one parent seeks to move with a child to another city, province, or country and the other parent objects. These cases can significantly impact a child’s relationship with each parent and often require urgent court intervention. We provide clear legal advice and effective advocacy to help protect your parenting rights and your child’s best interests.
• Division of Family Property & Debt: The division of family property and debt is often one of the most complex aspects of a divorce or separation. Our lawyers will help you understand your legal rights and ensure that your assets and debts are fairly distributed.
• Cohabitation & Marriage Agreements: A well-drafted cohabitation or marriage agreement provides clear, legally enforceable terms that protect both parties in the event of separation or divorce. We draft and advise on cohabitation and marriage agreements that clearly define property rights, financial responsibilities, and support obligations, helping couples plan for clarity and security.
• Common Law Issues: The end of a common law relationship can be just as complex and emotionally challenging as a divorce., Under the British Columbia Family Law Act, a “marriage-like relationship” may give rise to legal rights and obligations similar to those of married spouses, including property division and support entitlements. Determining whether a relationship meets this legal threshold is often a key issue in common law disputes. We provide strategic legal advice and representation in common law matters, including determining whether a marriage-like relationship exists under the British Columbia  Family Law Act, and resolving resulting claims through negotiation or court proceedings where necessary.
• Separation Agreements: Separating from a partner is  a major life transition that brings emotional, financial, and legal changes which can be challenging to manage. Having a clear, legally sound Separation Agreement can help you manage the details with greater clarity and less stress. Our team will help you draft and finalize an agreement that supports a more stable resolution.

When is Litigation Needed in Family Law Matters?

While many family law matters can be resolved through negotiation or mediation, litigation is sometimes necessary to achieve a fair and lasting outcome. Disputes involving parenting arrangements, relocation, support, property division, and enforcement of court orders can quickly become complex and high-conflict. Our firm represents clients in contested family law proceedings, advancing strong evidence and strategic legal arguments to protect your rights and your family’s best interests at every stage of the court process.

Contact Alder Law’s Family Law Team in Port Coquitlam

Whether you are facing separation, support issues, or a parenting dispute, our family law team is here to help. We offer clear, practical advice and thoughtful representation to guide you through each stage of the process and work toward a resolution that protects your interests and your future. We serve clients throughout Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Abbotsford, Langley, and across BC. Please call 604 936 9600, email [email protected] or complete the contact form.

British Columbia Family Law Resources

• Divorce and Separation
• The Justice Education Society of British Columbia (JES)
• BC Family Law Act
• BC Court Family Law Forms & Resources
• Family Justice Registry