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

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

Let's chat about your case.

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