Go to content
Move forward with confidence. Contact Watson Goepel LLP today. Call 604.688.1301.
Family Appeals

Appeals

Our team helps clients review, challenge, or defend court decisions in the Court of Appeal, providing clear guidance and skilled legal representation throughout the process.

Strategic advocacy for family law appeals.

In family law matters, decisions made by the Supreme Court or Provincial Court can sometimes be appealed if there are legal errors, procedural mistakes, or questions about how the law was applied. The Court of Appeal of British Columbia is the highest appellate court in the province and reviews lower court decisions to ensure the law was correctly interpreted and applied. An appeal is not a new trial but a legal review of the original case.

Key considerations:

  • Appeals must generally be filed within strict time limits after the original decision
  • Only legal errors, misapplication of law, or procedural irregularities can form the basis of an appeal
  • The Court of Appeal reviews written submissions, transcripts, and legal arguments rather than re-examining evidence or witnesses
  • Outcomes may include upholding, varying, or overturning the lower court decision

How we can help:

  • Assessing whether your case has strong grounds for appeal
  • Preparing and filing the necessary appeal documents within British Columbia court deadlines
  • Drafting persuasive written arguments and legal submissions
  • Representing you in oral arguments before the Court of Appeal
  • Advising on potential outcomes and strategic options

Navigating the appeal process in family law requires specialized knowledge and careful preparation. Our team provides strategic guidance, clear advice, and skilled representation to help you challenge or defend court decisions effectively, protecting your legal rights and long-term interests.

Recent News

View All
  • Family Law

Jurisdiction and Property in Cross-Border Family Disputes: Lessons from Florescu v. Lodato, 2025 BCSC 1950

Danica Beck

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.

Read More
  • Family Law

CTV Interview: Grey Divorce in Canada: Why More Couples Are Separating Later in Life

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.

Read More
  • Family Law

Factors Indicating a Marriage-Like Relationship in British Columbia: “Are we considered spouses?”

Tiara Cunningham,Keita Szemok-Uto

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.

Read More

We can help you with your appeal.

Contact us for a confidential conversation.