Watson Goepel is thrilled to announce that six of our lawyers have been recognized in Best Lawyers in Canada™ 2026 and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch™ in 2026 for their remarkable success and excellence in their area of expertise.
Jurisdiction plays a critical role in cross-border family disputes, particularly when property division spans multiple countries. In this case,the Supreme Court of British Columbia demonstrates how and when it may decline jurisdiction in favour of a more appropriate forum. This case highlights the importance of early jurisdictional strategy to avoid parallel proceedings, reduce costs, and ensure disputes are resolved where they are most closely connected.
Blended families are increasingly common in British Columbia, and they bring unique estate planning challenges. Second marriages, children from previous relationships, and step‑family dynamics can all complicate decisions about who should inherit and how loved ones should be supported after death. Questions like “Who inherits my estate?” or “Do stepchildren have inheritance rights in Canada?” become critically important.
Grey divorce—separation later in life—is a growing trend that brings unique legal and financial challenges. In this CTV Your Morning interview, Laurence Klass and Shashika Stanislaus provide expert legal advice on navigating divorce after 50, including how to protect retirement savings, divide assets, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re planning ahead or currently facing a late-life separation, understanding your legal rights and financial options is essential for long-term stability.
It is prudent for commercial If your building suffers a total loss, like fire, flood, or another catastrophic event, you might assume your insurance will fully cover rebuilding. But a lesser-known provision called the “same site clause” can significantly limit your payout. Understanding how this clause works—and how a same site deletion endorsement can protect you—is essential for property owners, landlords, and commercial tenants alike.
Watson Goepel LLP is proud to celebrate an exciting and well‑earned milestone as Tiara Cunningham has officially been called to the Bar and joins the firm as an Associate in our Family Law group.
It’s one of the most common questions in British Columbia family law.
In BC, a relationship does not need a wedding, registry, or even the label “common law” to attract legal rights and obligations. When a couple separates, courts may find that they were in a marriage-like relationship, triggering potential claims for property division, spousal support, and other rights under the Family Law Act.
In Canada there are three ways to resolve a dispute: litigation, mediation, or arbitration. Each pathway carries distinct trade offs in cost, speed, privacy, finality, and enforceability. Below is a concise guide to help you select the right process.
Watson Goepel LLP is proud to share an exciting milestone within our firm and community.On Friday, May 8, our Articling Student, Alida Malherbe, was officially called to the Bar in British Columbia, marking the beginning of her career as a lawyer in Canada.
From stronger consumer protection rules to evolving AI risks and construction payment reforms, businesses in Vancouver and across British Columbia are entering a new legal landscape that demands proactive attention—not reactive fixes.
