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.
While every situation separation is different, understanding a few key legal principles early can help you avoid common mistakes and protect your rights. Below are five important legal facts to be aware of after separating in British Columbia.
Tony Des Lauriers is a Paralegal within the Personal Injury Group, assisting in all aspects of file and client management for the Personal Injury group.
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.
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?
Watson Goepel LLP is proud to sponsor the Fifth Annual Vancouver Greek Film Festival, taking place March 12–April 1, 2026 in Vancouver—a vibrant celebration of Greek cinema and the global Greek diaspora.
US tariffs are creating significant ripple effects for Canadian businesses, prompting companies to reassess profitability, supply chains, and cross‑border legal strategies. In a recent CTV Your Morning segment, Watson Goepel LLP’s Celso Boscariol and Miles Alperstein outline how evolving trade policies are reshaping the regulatory and economic landscape — and why staying informed is now a strategic necessity.
Probate in British Columbia is the legal process that confirms a deceased person’s will and authorizes the executor to administer the estate. While not every estate requires probate, it is often necessary when real estate or significant assets are involved. Understanding when probate is required in BC, how probate fees are calculated, and how the process works can help executors and beneficiaries avoid delays, reduce costs, and minimize disputes during estate administration.
Ottawa and the Musqueam Nation have finalized three historic agreements recognizing Musqueam’s Aboriginal rights and land title within their traditional territory—an important milestone highlighted by Anita Boscariol in a recent CityNews interview. The deals strengthen Musqueam’s role in stewardship, fisheries, and marine management, marking a significant step forward in reconciliation and nation‑to‑nation partnership.
Internet scams have evolved into sophisticated, cross-border operations costing victims billions each year. Agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre continue to report rising fraud losses driven by phishing, fake investment platforms, and cryptocurrency schemes. While fraud is a criminal offence, victims are not limited to relying on law enforcement — civil litigation can provide powerful tools to freeze accounts, trace stolen funds, compel disclosure from banks or exchanges, and pursue negligent institutions. In many cases, acting quickly can significantly improve the chances of recovery.
