Experienced BC Divorce Lawyers in Vancouver & Surrey
Going through a divorce is one of the most emotionally and legally complex experiences a person can face. Whether your separation is amicable or contested, having a knowledgeable BC divorce lawyer in your corner makes all the difference. At Jiwa Law Corporation, our experienced team of divorce lawyers in Vancouver and Surrey provides compassionate, practical, and results-driven legal representation throughout every stage of the divorce process.
We serve clients across British Columbia from our offices in Vancouver and Surrey. Whether you need guidance on property division, child custody, spousal support, or the divorce application itself, our family law team is here to help you move forward with confidence.
Meet Our BC Divorce & Family Law Team
At Jiwa Law Corporation, our divorce and family law team brings together experienced lawyers and a dedicated paralegal team who are committed to guiding you through every stage of your matter with skill and care. All of our family law professionals offer a free 30-minute initial consultation.
Sandra Jennings — Family Law Lawyer
Sandra has been a family law lawyer for 30 years, with a focus on resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation, and collaborative law. Her goal is to find practical, cost-effective solutions for her clients, to enable them to navigate their post-separation journey with confidence and help them achieve the best possible outcomes for their children. Sandra is a qualified Collaborative Lawyer and is accredited by the Law Society of BC as a Family Law Mediator, a Parenting Coordinator, and a Family Law Arbitrator.
Shelly Butler — Family Law Lawyer (Associate Counsel)
Shelly is an associate counsel at Jiwa Law Corporation who previously articled and practiced at a boutique family law firm. She holds a law degree from the University of British Columbia. Shelly has represented clients at the Supreme and Provincial Court levels, negotiated settlements, and drafted marriage and separation agreements across a wide range of family law issues.
Meena Babin — Designated Family Law Paralegal
Meena has been working in the area of family law for over 30 years. She has wide-ranging experience in all aspects of family litigation support, including client communications, file management, preparation of pleadings and court applications, trial preparation, complex financial statements, and the documentation required to commence, facilitate, and finalize a divorce. Meena’s compassionate nature ensures clients feel at ease and well looked after from the beginning of their matter to the end. Meena offers free consultations and unbundled family law services.
Olivia Babin — Designated Family Law Paralegal
Olivia has been working in family law since 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology from Simon Fraser University and has acted as an agent in both the Supreme Court and Provincial Court of British Columbia. Her expertise includes legal research, document drafting, client communication, case management, and mediation support. Olivia also offers free consultations and unbundled services for family law matters.
To learn more about our full team, visit our Our Team page.
What Is a Divorce in BC?
A divorce is a legal order that formally terminates a valid marriage. In British Columbia, divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act, while related family law matters — such as property division, spousal support, and child custody — are also governed by BC’s Family Law Act.
To obtain a divorce in BC, at least one spouse must have been a resident of British Columbia for a minimum of one year before filing. The divorce application is made to the BC Supreme Court.
Grounds for divorce in BC include:
- Living separate and apart for at least one year (the most common ground)
- Adultery committed by a spouse
- Physical or mental cruelty that makes continued cohabitation impossible
In the vast majority of cases, spouses proceed on the basis of a one-year separation. The one-year period does not need to be continuous — brief attempts to reconcile do not automatically restart the clock.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce in BC
Understanding the difference between an uncontested and contested divorce helps set realistic expectations for your timeline and costs.
Uncontested Divorce
An uncontested divorce (sometimes called a “desk divorce”) occurs when both spouses agree on all relevant issues — including property division, child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support. Once an agreement is reached and the required separation period has passed, the divorce application can be filed with the BC Supreme Court. An uncontested divorce can often be completed within a few months of filing.
At Jiwa Law Corporation, our uncontested divorce fees are as follows:
- Uncontested Divorce (Without Children) — $1,900.00 (including fees, disbursements, and taxes)
- Uncontested Divorce (With Children) — $2,500.00 (including fees, disbursements, and taxes)
Contested Divorce
A contested divorce occurs when spouses cannot agree on one or more issues. Resolving contested matters can take several months to several years, depending on the complexity of the case and the pace of court proceedings. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators and experienced litigators who will work to reach a resolution as efficiently as possible — and are fully prepared to advocate for you at trial if necessary.
When Does a Divorce Become Final in BC?
A divorce order is granted by the BC Supreme Court. It becomes final 31 days after the order is issued, provided the order is not appealed by either party. Once the divorce is final, both parties are legally free to remarry.
Key Issues Addressed in a BC Divorce
A divorce order formally ends a marriage, but there are typically several related legal matters that must be resolved alongside or in connection with the divorce.
Property Division
Under BC’s Family Law Act, all family property and family debt acquired during the marriage is generally divided equally between spouses upon separation. However, there are important exceptions, and the Court may order an unequal division if equal division would be significantly unfair. Our lawyers provide clear, honest advice on what you are entitled to and will work to protect your property interests throughout the process. Learn more on our Property Division page.
Child Custody, Guardianship, and Parenting Time
If you and your spouse have children, determining parenting arrangements is often the most emotionally charged aspect of a divorce. In BC, the Family Law Act focuses on the best interests of the child as the primary consideration. Our lawyers help parents reach workable parenting plans that protect the well-being of their children while respecting both parents’ roles. Learn more on our Child Custody page and our Child Guardianship page.
Child Support
Child support is a right of the child and is calculated using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which are based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children. Our team ensures that child support is calculated correctly and that your children’s financial needs are fully addressed.
Spousal Support
After a divorce or separation, one spouse may have an entitlement to spousal support. Entitlement, amount, and duration depend on factors including the length of the marriage, the roles each spouse played during the relationship, and each party’s financial circumstances. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights and obligations and negotiate an outcome that is fair and appropriate. Learn more on our Spousal Support page.
Separation
Separation is the point at which spouses begin living apart with the intention of ending the relationship. If you have questions about your rights and obligations upon separation, visit our Separation page.
Legal Agreements
Many couples benefit from entering into a comprehensive separation agreement before the divorce is finalized. A well-drafted separation agreement reduces conflict, saves time and money, and provides certainty for both parties. Our lawyers can also assist with marriage agreements, cohabitation agreements, and pre-nuptial agreements. Visit our Legal Agreements page for more information, or our Independent Legal Advice page if you’ve been asked to review an agreement.
How Our BC Divorce Lawyers Can Help You
Every divorce is different. At Jiwa Law Corporation, we take the time to understand your unique circumstances and goals before recommending a course of action. Depending on your situation, our divorce lawyers can:
- Provide honest, straightforward legal advice on your rights and options
- Prepare and file your divorce application with the BC Supreme Court
- Draft or review a separation agreement
- Represent you in negotiations, mediation, or collaborative family law proceedings
- Advocate for your interests in court if your divorce is contested
- Help you obtain interim orders for support or parenting arrangements while your matter is ongoing
We are committed to resolving your family law matters in the most efficient and cost-effective way possible, while never losing sight of what matters most to you.
Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation and Collaborative Divorce
Litigation is not always necessary — or in your best interests. Jiwa Law Corporation offers a range of alternative dispute resolution options designed to help you reach a fair resolution without the stress and expense of a courtroom battle.
Mediation
In mediation, a neutral third-party mediator helps both spouses reach an agreement on outstanding issues. Our lawyers can represent you throughout the mediation process to ensure your legal rights are protected and any agreement reflects your best interests. Learn more on our Mediation page.
Collaborative Divorce
In the collaborative divorce process, both spouses and their respective lawyers sign a Participation Agreement committing to resolve all issues outside of court. Our collaborative family law lawyers facilitate structured meetings where both parties can speak openly and work toward mutually beneficial solutions. Learn more on our Collaborative Family Law page.
Why Choose Jiwa Law Corporation as Your BC Divorce Lawyer?
Jiwa Law Corporation has been serving British Columbians since 2008. Our family law team brings decades of combined experience in divorce, separation, and all related family law matters. Here is what sets us apart:
Accessible — We offer consultations by phone, video, or in-person, and serve clients throughout BC from our Vancouver and Surrey offices.
Experienced and knowledgeable — Our lawyers have successfully represented clients in the Provincial Court and BC Supreme Court in a wide range of family law matters.
Compassionate and client-focused — We understand that divorce is a deeply personal process. Our team provides supportive, attentive service tailored to your needs and goals.
Results-oriented — We pursue practical, cost-effective outcomes and are not afraid to advocate forcefully for our clients when the situation calls for it.
Frequently Asked Questions
An uncontested divorce can typically be completed within 3 to 4 months of filing with the court, assuming all required documents are in order. Contested divorces that require court hearings can take significantly longer — sometimes a year or more, depending on the issues involved.
You are not legally required to hire a lawyer to get divorced in BC, but having legal representation is strongly recommended. Even in uncontested cases, a lawyer can ensure your rights are protected and that any agreement you reach is fair and legally enforceable. If any issues are disputed, professional legal representation is essential.
Separation refers to the point when spouses stop living together in a marriage-like relationship. Divorce is the legal termination of the marriage. You are considered legally separated as soon as you and your spouse begin living apart with the intention of ending the relationship — no court order is required for separation.
For common-law spouses, the common-law relationship ends when the spouses separate. There is no need for a divorce order.
Yes. A spouse cannot prevent a divorce from being granted in BC. If your spouse does not cooperate or respond to the divorce proceedings, the court can still grant the divorce in their absence. However, resolving related issues such as property division and support may require additional legal steps.
You can still apply for a divorce even if property division, support, and parenting matters have not been fully resolved. In some cases, it may be preferable to resolve these issues first through a separation agreement. Our lawyers can advise you on the best approach given your circumstances.
Contact Our BC Divorce Lawyers Today
If you are considering a divorce or have already separated, the team at Jiwa Law Corporation is here to help. We offer free initial consultations by phone, video, or in-person — so you can get the answers you need from a trusted BC divorce lawyer without delay.
Call us at 604-568-9444 or toll-free at 1-855-422-2529 from anywhere in BC.
You can also reach us through our online contact form to book a consultation at a time that works for you. Let our experienced divorce lawyers guide you through this process so you can focus on what matters most — your future and your family.
