''My diverse background in general litigation and mediation, coupled with international experience, allows me to provide holistic support to my clients during challenging times. I believe effective representation involves not only understanding the law but also the unique dynamics and needs of each family.''
Phone:
604.609.3074
Fax:
604.688.8193
Reception Phone:
604.688.1301
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E-mail:
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Lauren is an Associate at Watson Goepel with a combined family law and wills & estates practice.
Her practice covers all areas of family law, where she assists her clients with marriage, cohabitation and separation agreements, divorce, children and parenting arrangements, child and spousal support and mediation.
In addition to her family law practice, Lauren also assists clients with estate planning and probate matters, along with applications for committeeship and uncontested estate applications.
With a deep-rooted passion for helping families navigate sensitive legal matters, a large component of Lauren’s practice deals with parenting matters and estate planning. As a dedicated advocate, she understands the complexities and emotional challenges that arise during these proceedings and is committed to providing compassionate guidance and unwavering support to her clients.
Lauren believes that effective legal representation goes beyond just navigating the intricacies of the law; it requires empathy, understanding, and a genuine commitment to helping families thrive amidst challenging circumstances. To this end she approaches each case with empathy and sensitivity, recognizing the unique dynamics and needs of every family.
Prior to joining Watson Goepel, Lauren obtained her legal degree in Pretoria, South Africa and was called to the Bar in South Arica in 2012. During her legal practice in South Africa, she worked as a senior associate in Cape Town where she specialized in general litigation. Her area of practice included insolvency law, commercial law, family law and property law.
While passionate about the law, her true passion lies with people. With her training in mediation through the ADR Institute of Canada and her international experience, Lauren can provide holistic support to her clients in their most challenging times.
During Lauren’s legal career both in Canada and abroad, she has dedicated her time to mentoring students, learning about different areas of the law and finding innovative solutions for her client’s unique challenges. She is currently a member at large of the Internationally Trained Lawyers subsection of the CBA.
Lauren completed her Certificate of Qualification, National Committee of Accreditation at the Federation of Law Societies of Canada in January 2022 and was called to the Bar of British Columbia in September 2022.
In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and exploring her beautiful new country which she now calls home.
Lauren is also fluent Afrikaans.
Family disputes over the estate of a loved one can add significant emotional and financial distress to what is already a challenging time. Often, these disputes arise because the deceased did not have a will or because the will was drafted without proper and clear language.
When it comes to family law in British Columbia, the distinction between being in a common-law relationship, commonly referred to as a marriage-like relationship, and simply cohabitating can have significant implications.
This article is part of a series of educational blog posts created by a team of Watson Goepel women lawyers in light of International Women’s Day 2023, to empower, celebrate, and encourage women in Canada.