Common Law Lawyers

Our experienced family lawyers are here to help you with major decisions during your common law separation to help you negotiate an agreement. While the major decisions should be yours to make, we will give you our professional opinions along with the reasons behind them. We want to help you make the best decisions for you and your family while delivering efficient and effective resolutions to your legal issues.

At Thomas and Associates, we provide quality, thoughtful, comprehensive legal services. We are energetic and enthusiastic about assisting our clients, regardless of the issue. We start with a conversation to understand your situation, what you wish to accomplish and to identify any concerns that you may have.

We will explain your rights and obligations and discuss possible options that are appropriate during your common law separation. We are compassionate, friendly and approachable. Our clients appreciate our strong work ethic and dedication to achieving their goals in an efficient and cost-effective manner.

Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you with your common law situation.

 

What is Common Law?

A common law relationship exists when two people live together in a committed “marriage-like” relationship. You are generally considered to be in a common law relationship after two years of living together.

 

Property Division for Common Law Separation:

Our family law team at Thomas and Associates, has the experience necessary to assist individuals with their common law separation. Our family lawyers can help individuals with a common law separation to understand their rights and entitlements when they separate.

People are unsure about how to split up their assets in a common law separation. In British Columbia, the law related to dividing family property is the same for married couples and couples in a “marriage-like” relationship for over two years.

 

Guardianship:

With respect to guardianship, parenting, child support, and spousal support, there are also many similarities in the rules relating to married couples and unmarried couples.  In relation to children, as always, the guiding principle is the “best interests of the child”. Courts resolve issues of decision making and parenting schedules using the same legal principles that apply to married couples.  Child support is governed by the BC Child Support Guidelines, which are virtually identical to the Federal Child Support Guidelines.

 

Cohabitation “Cohab” Agreements:

A cohabitation agreement is a legal contract between a couple that is living together but not getting married. Like a “pre-nup”, a cohabitation agreement typically governs ownership rights, how property is to be divided in the event of a separation, and how property is to be distributed in the event of one party’s death (in conjunction with a Will). A cohabitation agreement can address the same issues as a pre-nup (jointly owned and separately owned property, what property is to be kept separate and what property is to be shared, how to address increase in value, division of debt and support).

Contact us today to arrange a meeting to discuss the cohabitation agreement!

 

Why Choose Thomas and Associates?

Our team at Thomas and Associates is full of compassionate, leading and skillful family lawyers that will help you achieve your desired outcome in your common law separation. Our years of practice in the ever-changing field of family law have exposed us to a variety of cases and circumstances. We always employ creativity, dedication, and proficiency to your matter.

We approach each situation with a fresh perspective. Every family matter is different, and every case is distinctive. Each matter requires its own individual solution. We believe in working together, directly with you, to find solutions that will respect your family’s needs, your time and your budget.

We will help you understand your legal rights through this stressful situation. We will keep you informed at each step along the way. As a client, you are always a vital part of the process.

Contact us today to set up your first consultation!