Services

At City Law Group, we are proud to offer family law services, led by our experienced and accredited lawyers. We assist clients across Surrey, Vancouver, and throughout British Columbia, helping them navigate family disputes with a focus on resolution and efficiency.  We firmly believe that...

Under the BC Family Law Act, common-law couples are granted many of the same legal rights as married spouses. This means that couples who have been in a marriage-like relationship—regardless of gender—are entitled to protections concerning property division, spousal support, child support, and parental responsibilities. ...

There is often confusion about what qualifies as a common-law or marriage-like relationship under the BC Family Law Act. According to the law, you are considered a common-law spouse if:  ✔ You have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for at least two years; OR ✔...

Simply put, when all negotiations and/or alternate dispute resolution methods to address the issues of your family matter fail, that is when court intervention becomes necessary.  The issues revolving around divorce may include any or all of the following:  Division of Property;  Division of Debt; ...

If you and your partner are going through a separation, the BC Family Law Act and the Divorce Act may impact your case. While both laws address family law matters, the one that applies to you depends on whether you were legally married or in...

Plainly speaking, spousal support are payments made by one spouse with higher income to the other spouse with a lower income. There are a number of factors that determine the amount of spousal support payable by one spouse to the other. These factors generally include: ...

If you’re living with a partner or planning to move in together, understanding your legal rights and obligations is crucial. Many people assume that simply living together does not create financial or legal ties, but in British Columbia, common-law relationships can lead to significant legal...

If you and your spouse have resolved all matrimonial issues without the intervention of the court, you are eligible to apply for a divorce. Such a divorce is uncontested, meaning it is not opposed by your spouse. In the Province of British Columbia, only a...

At City Law Group, we understand that child custody disputes are among the most complex and emotionally charged areas of family law in British Columbia. Resolving these matters requires legal expertise, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of family dynamics.  Our team of child custody...

Dividing family property often includes navigating strong emotions and making complex financial decisions. While usually the property is equally divided amongst the parties it is not always the case. There are times, depending on the circumstances of your case, that the family property may not...

If the combined net worth of you and your spouse is over one million, then you will generally fall under the high-net worth divorce category. The same rules apply to you as any other individual in a contested or an uncontested divorce setting.  A high-net...

One of the most complex, emotionally draining, and costly aspects of family law involves divorce and child custody matters. At City Law Group, we understand the challenges parents face when making these difficult decisions.  Many parents remain in unhealthy relationships for the sake of their...

Separating from a common-law partner in Vancouver can be a challenging and emotionally charged experience. Unlike traditional marriages, common-law relationships do not involve a formal marriage contract, which can make the legal process more complex.  At City Law, we recognize the unique challenges that come...

Canada is globally recognized for its robust refugee protection system and commitment to human rights. The country ensures that individuals fleeing persecution, violence, or life-threatening conditions have access to a fair and structured process to seek safety. This guide covers everything you need to know...

Canada, with its breathtaking natural landscapes, vibrant cities, and welcoming people, is a top destination for travelers worldwide. If you plan to visit this beautiful country, you will need a Canadian visitor visa unless you are from a visa-exempt country. This guide covers everything you...

Canada’s Express Entry is a highly popular immigration program designed to attract skilled workers who can contribute to the country’s economy. Introduced in 2015, it uses a merit-based system to streamline the application process for skilled immigrants seeking permanent residency (PR). This comprehensive guide will...

Judicial review is a crucial legal mechanism in Canada that ensures the fairness, legality, and transparency of decisions made by government and administrative bodies. If you believe a decision has wronged you, filing a judicial review application with the Federal Court of Canada provides an...

As a formal authorization that permits foreign nationals to lawfully work in Canada for a predetermined amount of time, a work permit is extremely significant. For those seeking to establish a career in Canada. obtaining a work permit is the first step. The work permit...

Canadian citizens and permanent residents have the opportunity to reunite with their loved ones through the Family Sponsorship program, which aims to foster family unity and build a shared future in Canada. Eligible sponsors can apply for permanent residency for their spouses, common-law partners, dependent...

A Canada Student Visa allows international students to study at Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) in Canada. It is a combination of a visitor visa (or Electronic Travel Authorization – eTA) and a study permit. The study permit lets students stay in Canada until their program...

Navigating Canada’s immigration system can be challenging, especially for individuals in unique or difficult situations. If you face specific obstacles that prevent you from immigrating through standard channels, a Humanitarian and Compassionate (H&C) application may be your pathway to permanent residence in Canada. Designed for...

The refugee system in Canada can be challenging to navigate. The refugee hearing, where officials evaluate requests for protection is an essential part.   A refugee hearing is a formal process in which the applicants in Canada make their case for their protection. The Immigration and...

For many immigrants, becoming a citizen of Canada is a major accomplishment. It provides a host of advantages such as the opportunity to run for public office, obtain a Canadian passport and exercise ones right to vote. The necessary procedures and prerequisites for obtaining Canadian...

The main document that expresses your wishes for the management of your estate and the allocation of your possessions following your passing is your will. Many laws and regulations must be followed for a will to be considered valid. CityLaw assists clients in drafting a...

In British Columbia, disagreements over the abuse of power of attorney are a common theme in estate litigation cases. To manage funds property or personal matters on their behalf while the will-maker is still living a power of attorney is frequently appointed by the will-maker....

Executor disputes are disagreements that take place over how the executor of a will is handling their responsibilities. A deceased persons appoint executors to oversee their estate following their death. When trustees or executors neglect their fiduciary responsibilities regarding the estates distribution disputes frequently result. ...

Trust litigation refers to legal disputes when a trust is not managed interpreted, or distributed properly. You can designate a third party to manage assets in trust for you particular individuals or other objectives by creating a trust. This allows you to ensure that your...

Estate disputes are more common than many people realize and can arise for various reasons, such as disagreements over the terms of a will, questions about its validity, or conflicts between beneficiaries. These issues can be emotionally charged and legally complex.  At CityLaw, our experienced...

Estate litigation happens when there is a dispute over someone’s estate after they pass away. It involves appearing to a court to resolve issues related to a will, trust, or the distribution of assets.   It can be emotionally taxing, upsetting and overwhelming to deal with...

Contract Litigation is the legal process of settling disagreements resulting from contracts, whether they are brought about by a party claiming that the other party has broken the terms of the agreement or by a challenge to those terms. Demonstrating the terms of the contract,...

Property or real estate-related disputes can be settled through court proceedings or settlements, a process which is known as real estate litigation. These conflicts usually occur when buyers, sellers, landlords, tenants, or developers cannot solve their differences through negotiation or mediation. These conflicts may involve...

You will provide your account of what happened When you testify, you will provide your version of events and an explanation of the case’s facts. You will be asked to confirm that you will tell the truth by the IAD Member before you proceed. Keep...

Construction litigation is the use of legal procedures to settle disagreements that occur prior to, during or following a construction project. Poor craftsmanship, contract violations, project delays, payment disputes, or disagreements over modifications to the original scope of work are some of the causes of these...