Go to content
Move forward with confidence. Contact Watson Goepel LLP today. Call 604.688.1301.
Excluded Property

Excluded Property

From tracing pre-relationship assets to resolving contested claims, we ensure excluded property is properly recognized and safeguarded.

Your assets, your rights, preserved.

Not all property is subject to equal division after separation. Under the Family Law Act , certain assets qualify as excluded property,  meaning it generally remains with the original owner rather than being divided between spouses.

Common types of excluded property include:

  • Assets owned before the relationship
  • Gifts or inheritances received during the relationship
  • Court awards or personal injury settlements
  • Property held in trust for a third party

While the original value of excluded property is protected, any increase in its value during the relationship may be treated as family property and subject to division. This makes property tracing essential, particularly when assets have been mixed with joint property or used for shared purposes.

How we can help:

  • Identifying and protecting excluded property
  • Using tracing methods to separate excluded from family property
  • Resolving disputes involving gifts, inheritances, or pre-relationship assets
  • Defending against or pursuing claims of unfairness and reapportionment of property

Dividing property fairly requires a careful understanding of both the law and your unique financial situation. We provide strategic advice and skilled representation to protect your rights and ensure that your excluded property is recognized and preserved.

Recent News

View All
  • Family Law

A Practical Introduction to Canada’s Immigration System: Porta Aperta Launches Its First Newcomer Session With Watson Goepel LLP

We were honoured to take part in the launch of Porta Aperta, a new in‑person conversation series hosted at the Il Centro Italian Cultural Centre, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy in Vancouver and the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Canada – West. This initiative is designed to help newcomers navigate key aspects of life in Canada through practical, community‑focused discussions.

Read More
  • Family Law

Can a Court Force the Sale of the  Family Home Post-Separation in BC?

Keita Szemok-Uto

For many separating couples in BC, the family home is the largest shared asset. Whether to keep or sell the family home can also be one of the most emotionally difficult issues to resolve after separation. One spouse may want to sell the home, divide the equity, move forward financially and purchase a new property, while the other may want to remain in their same neighbourhood, close to friends, family, and their child’s school. What happens if the parties cannot agree?

Read More

Let's chat about your case.

Feel confident addressing your family law matters with a team that tailors its approach to your unique needs.