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Divorce & separation

Issues in play on family breakup, from who will move out to (for married couples) getting a divorce.

Couple holding wedding rings with certificate of divorce on the table
Changes to the Divorce Act

Changes to the Divorce Act

The federal Divorce Act changed on March 1, 2021. If you’re in the process of getting a divorce, or are married and thinking about getting a divorce, the new rules apply to you. They apply even if your case started before the changes to the Divorce Act. Learn about some of the important changes to Canada’s divorce law.

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Two parents sitting and playing with their two sons
Introduction to family law

Introduction to family law

Family law deals with the legal issues that come up when family relationships begin and end. Marriage, separation, divorce, parenting, support, dividing property, adoption, and family violence — all fall within this area of law. Learn the basics of family law.

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Couple having a disagreement, in kitchen of home
Separation and separation agreements

Separation and separation agreements

The end of a relationship is very difficult. There are many issues to work through and decisions to make. But this practical step can help: preparing an agreement about the family law issues you and your spouse agree on. Learn about separation agreements.

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Young woman looking upset, sitting on couch, a man on other end of couch
Requirements for divorce and annulment

Requirements for divorce and annulment

A divorce is the legal process that ends a valid marriage. It’s different from an annulment, which is a court order declaring a marriage invalid. An order for a divorce or an annulment is granted only if certain requirements are met. Learn about the requirements to get a divorce or annulment.

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Man, wearing tie, working on laptop and clipboard
Responding to divorce proceedings

Responding to divorce proceedings

If a divorce proceeding has been started against you, you have two choices: do nothing or respond. Learn what’s involved in responding to divorce proceedings in BC.

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Woman at table signing paperwork attached to a clipboard
Changing your name

Changing your name

If you’re getting married or divorced, you may be thinking about changing your legal name. Or maybe you just feel like changing your name. Learn what’s involved in a name change.

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We are grateful to work on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations, whose Peoples continue to live on and care for these lands.