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Jurisdictional

Jurisdictional

We provide strategic advice and representation to manage jurisdictional disputes, prevent conflicting orders, and protect your family’s legal and practical interests.

Resolving family disputes across jurisdictions.

Family law disputes can become complex when multiple jurisdictions are involved—for example, when parents, children, or assets are located in different provinces or countries. In these situations, a jurisdictional application determines which court has the legal authority to hear and decide the family matter. Properly handling jurisdiction is essential to ensure your case is heard in the appropriate forum and to avoid delays or conflicting orders.

Key considerations:

  • Determining which province or country has jurisdiction under the Family Law Act and applicable federal laws
  • Resolving competing applications from other courts to prevent overlapping or contradictory decisions
  • Considering the child’s best interests, including stability, safety, and access to support
  • Addressing complex cross-border issues such as relocation, custody, support, and property division

How we can help:

  • Advising on jurisdictional rights and strategic options for filing or responding to applications
  • Preparing and filing jurisdictional applications in British Columbia Courts
  • Representing clients in negotiations, hearings, or emergency applications
  • Coordinating with legal counsel in other jurisdictions when cross-border issues arise
  • Ensuring compliance with court orders and international or interprovincial enforcement rules

We provide strategic guidance and strong advocacy in jurisdictional matters to protect your rights and your child’s best interests. Our team helps clients navigate these complex scenarios efficiently, minimizing conflict and ensuring decisions are made in the most appropriate forum.

Recent News

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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  • 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.

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Helping clients resolve family law jurisdiction issues across provinces or countries in British Columbia.