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.
Watson Goepel LLP is proud to celebrate an exciting and well‑earned milestone as Tiara Cunningham has officially been called to the Bar and joins the firm as an Associate in our Family Law group.
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.
In Canada there are three ways to resolve a dispute: litigation, mediation, or arbitration. Each pathway carries distinct trade offs in cost, speed, privacy, finality, and enforceability. Below is a concise guide to help you select the right process.
Watson Goepel LLP is proud to share an exciting milestone within our firm and community.On Friday, May 8, our Articling Student, Alida Malherbe, was officially called to the Bar in British Columbia, marking the beginning of her career as a lawyer in Canada.
From stronger consumer protection rules to evolving AI risks and construction payment reforms, businesses in Vancouver and across British Columbia are entering a new legal landscape that demands proactive attention—not reactive fixes.
In January 2024, British Columbia’s Intimate Images Protection Act (the “IIPA”) came into force, along with the Intimate Images Protection Regulation (the “IIPR”) to address the unauthorized distribution or threat of distribution of intimate images.
Power of Attorney misuse, also commonly referred to as Power of Attorney abuse, is a growing concern in British Columbia. It most often comes to light when money is identified as missing, family relationships break down, or a loved one becomes vulnerable due to age or illness.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) are actively exercising an expanded legal authority that allows officers to cancel Temporary Resident Visas (TRVs), ETAs, study permits, and work permit.
Regulatory amendments came into force on January 31, 2025.These cancellation powers are to ensure ongoing compliance throughout a person’s stay.
Vendor takeback financing (VTB), seller financing, and business purchase financing in Canada are increasingly common solutions when traditional lending falls short. Whether you are buying a business or preparing to sell one, understanding how these structures work, and how they are legally protected, can determine whether a deal succeeds or collapses.
