NEWS
Funeral & Burial Wishes in a Will: Are They Legally Binding in BC?
How End-of-Life Wishes Are Handled and Who Has the Final Say As a lawyer practising in British Columbia, I often speak with individuals who are planning their estates and want to ensure their funeral and burial wishes are respected. A common question I hear is: “If I put my funeral instructions or burial preferences in my will, are they legally binding in BC?” It’s a thoughtful and important part of planning, but it’s also an area where misunderstanding is common. In this post, we’ll explore what the law says about burial wishes in a will in BC, [...]
Psychological Injuries After an Accident: Can You Be Compensated?
Long after the bruises fade or the casts come off, many people continue to carry the emotional weight of a traumatic accident or assault. Whether it’s the fear that creeps in every time you get behind the wheel, the nightmares that disturb your sleep, or the persistent anxiety that makes it hard to return to daily life. Psychological injuries are real, and they can be just as life-altering as physical ones. In British Columbia, conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression are increasingly recognized in personal injury law. But despite this growing awareness, many people [...]
Family Violence and the Law in BC: Protection Orders & Parenting Disputes
As a family lawyer in British Columbia, one of the most difficult but vital aspects of my work is helping individuals and families affected by family violence. It’s a reality that many people face, and it’s important to know that the law in BC provides clear, supportive pathways to protect both adults and children through the Family Law Act. In this article, we’ll explore how the Family Law Act addresses family violence in BC, how to apply for a protection order in BC, and how such violence impacts parenting arrangements during separation or divorce. What Is [...]
Cyclist Accidents in BC: Legal Protections for Injured Riders
As a personal injury lawyer in British Columbia, I regularly meet cyclists who have been seriously hurt in collisions with vehicles. Many are surprised to learn how strong their legal protections are under BC law and that they often qualify for ICBC coverage, even if they do not own a vehicle or carry auto insurance. Although cycling is so popular, cyclists remain vulnerable on the road. Even a low speed collision can lead to long term injuries. This article explains your rights, the most common causes of bicycle accidents in BC, and what to expect when making [...]
ALG Lawyers Expands Services and Relocates to New Abbotsford Office, Welcoming BJG Team Members and Clients
ALG Lawyers is pleased to announce an exciting expansion as we welcome key team members and clients from Bronson Jones Gray & Company LLP (BJG), a highly respected firm that has served Abbotsford, the Fraser Valley, and surrounding regions since 1986. As founding partner Jason Bronson prepares for a well-deserved retirement, ALG Lawyers is honoured to continue serving BJG's valued clients and to carry forward the firm's legacy of trusted legal service in the community. Welcoming BJG Team Members ALG Lawyers is proud to welcome key members of the BJG team who have chosen to join our [...]
Slip and Fall Accidents on Rental Properties: Tenant vs Landlord Responsibility in BC
When someone is injured in a slip and fall on a rental property in British Columbia, one of the first legal questions that arises is: Who is responsible: the landlord or the tenant? The answer depends on the circumstances of the accident, the terms of the tenancy agreement, and the specific area of the property where the injury occurred. In this article, we’ll break down how liability works in slip and fall cases involving rental properties under BC law, particularly the Occupiers Liability Act, and what both landlords and tenants should know to protect themselves. Understanding the [...]
How Are Common-Law Couples Treated Under BC’s Family Law Act?
Understanding the rights and obligations of cohabiting partners in British Columbia The legal status of common-law couples in British Columbia is often misunderstood. While many cohabiting partners assume their rights mirror those of married spouses, the law draws specific distinctions - particularly when it comes to property division, spousal support, and estate entitlements. Under BC’s Family Law Act, cohabiting partners in a marriage-like relationship often have the same legal rights and responsibilities as married spouses. However, there are important distinctions, especially around inheritance law and the timing of when certain rights apply. In this post, we’ll clarify [...]
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in British Columbia: What You Need to Know
Each year, many British Columbians are injured by dog bites. They are often unexpected and in familiar neighbourhoods or parks. As lawyers serving clients across British Columbia, we regularly receive questions like: “Who’s responsible if a dog bites someone?” “Do I have to report a dog bite in BC?” “Can I sue for a dog bite injury?” If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, or if you're a dog owner concerned about your responsibilities, this post offers clear and practical information about your legal rights and obligations under BC law. The [...]
How to Protect Yourself With a Family Law Agreement in BC: Prenups, Cohabitation, and Separation Agreements
In our work as family lawyers across British Columbia, we support people at every stage of their relationships, from moving in together to building a life as partners to navigating the difficult process of separation. One of the most effective ways to avoid future disputes is through the use of family law agreements. These agreements (prenuptial, cohabitation, and separation agreements) can define rights and responsibilities, safeguard property, and ensure clarity and fairness throughout all stages of a relationship. In this article, we’ll explain: What each type of domestic agreement is When to get one What they can [...]
Chronic Pain Claims After an Accident: What You Need to Know
When someone is living with chronic pain after an injury, the effects often reach far beyond the physical symptoms. Daily routines, employment, and even relationships can be disrupted. Unlike a broken bone that shows up clearly on an X-ray, chronic pain is often invisible and difficult to prove in a legal claim. At ALG Lawyers, we regularly work with clients across British Columbia who face these challenges. Through our experience, we know that documenting chronic pain effectively (and understanding how courts and insurers assess such claims) can make a meaningful difference in the outcome. What Is Chronic [...]
Can You Claim Compensation for Injuries from Laser Hair Removal or Cosmetic Procedures?
Pursuing compensation after an injury can be complex, particularly when the harm arises from a procedure that was expected to be safe, such as a cosmetic treatment. At ALG Lawyers, we have built a reputation across British Columbia for handling personal injury claims where the cause of harm is not always obvious at first glance. Our team has seen how procedures such as laser hair removal, chemical peels, and other non-invasive treatments can lead to burns, scarring, and long-term complications when providers fail to meet professional standards. By combining legal skill with practical knowledge of how insurers [...]
Going to Family Court in BC: What to Expect and How to Prepare
Whether you’re dealing with parenting issues, support, or property division, navigating family court in BC can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re already managing the emotional weight of a separation or family conflict. As family lawyers, we often meet clients who are unsure where to start or what to expect when turning to the court system for help. This guide walks you through the BC family court process, from filing to resolution, and explains alternatives like mediation that may help you avoid court altogether. 💡 Throughout, we’ll point out which steps people sometimes do themselves and when it’s better [...]
Parenting After Separation in BC: Understanding Parenting Time & Decision-Making Responsibility
When parents separate, one of the most important—and often emotional—considerations is how to care for their children moving forward. As family lawyers in BC, we regularly assist separated parents in understanding how parenting arrangements are structured under the law. Two terms often cause confusion: parenting time and decision-making responsibility. Knowing the difference—and how courts apply the best interests of the child standard—can help you create a parenting arrangement that supports your child’s well-being and stability. What Is Parenting Time? Parenting time is the period when a child is in the care of a parent or guardian. It [...]
How Much Child Support Do I Owe? A Practical Guide for BC Parents
Child support is one of the most common and most misunderstood areas of family law in British Columbia. Whether you are newly separated, revisiting an old agreement, or trying to navigate support for shared parenting arrangements, understanding your obligations is essential. As a family lawyer practising in BC, I often guide clients through the process of calculating child support. While online calculators are a helpful tool, it’s important to understand how the numbers are determined and what additional expenses may apply. This guide outlines the key steps to determine child support obligations in British Columbia, including basic [...]
How to Minimize Probate Fees in BC Without Complicating Your Estate
As a lawyer working with families across British Columbia, I often help clients navigate the sensitive balance between reducing probate fees and maintaining a clear, manageable estate plan. Understandably, many people are surprised to learn that BC imposes probate fees (technically called probate taxes) based on the value of the estate. While the fees aren't necessarily exorbitant, they can add up quickly (especially for those with substantial assets). So, is there a way to reduce probate costs without creating legal complications for your loved ones? The answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Let's explore the [...]
Spousal and Child Support in BC: How Courts Determine Financial Obligations
Navigating the end of a relationship is never easy—especially when children or financial dependency are involved. One of the most common concerns for separating spouses in British Columbia is understanding who owes what when it comes to spousal and child support. As a law firm specializing in BC family law, we often work with clients who are unsure how support is determined, how long it lasts, and what to do if their financial situation changes. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences between spousal and child support, how each is calculated, and what happens when [...]
Why Hire a Lawyer for Probate and Estate Administration?
When someone passes away, their loved ones are often left to navigate not only grief but also the practical and legal steps required to settle the deceased’s affairs. One of the most common questions people in British Columbia face during this time is: “Do I need a lawyer for probate?” While it’s not always legally required, working with a lawyer can make a world of difference, especially for the executor named in the will. As an Abbotsford based law firm specializing in family law, we regularly support executors and family members through the probate and estate administration [...]
Common Probate Mistakes in BC and How to Avoid Them
As a probate lawyer in British Columbia, I regularly meet clients who are overwhelmed by the process of administering an estate. While it’s a role filled with responsibility and meaning, it can also be fraught with pitfalls. Probate in BC involves detailed legal and financial steps, and even small errors can cause costly delays—or lead to personal liability. In this article, we’ll walk through some of the most common mistakes people make during the probate process in BC and how to avoid them. 1. Filing Errors and Missing Documents Probate is a court process, and the [...]
The Role of an Executor in BC: Duties, Responsibilities, and Risks
As a BC Law firm that specializes in Probate law, we often come across clients who have been tasked with estate administration and are asking "What exactly does an executor do?". Whether you’ve been named an executor in someone’s will or are considering appointing one in your own estate plan, it’s vital to understand the legal duties, risks, and responsibilities that come with the role. What is an Executor? An executor is the person (or people) appointed in a will to carry out the instructions of the deceased. In BC, their role is governed primarily by the Wills, Estates and Succession [...]
Dividing Property After Separation: How BC’s Family Law Act Affects Your Assets
Going through a separation or divorce is never easy — and one of the biggest questions people face is: What happens to our property now? At ALG Lawyers, we’ve supported many families across British Columbia through the difficult process of dividing assets and moving forward after a relationship ends. We know it can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions and finances are closely tied together. This post is designed to give you a clear overview of how property division works under BC’s Family Law Act, including what counts as “family property” versus “excluded property,” how debts are handled, [...]
Do All Wills Need to Go Through Probate in BC?
One of the first questions people often ask after a loved one passes away is: “Does the will have to go through probate?” It’s a fair question — especially when you're trying to settle an estate during a difficult time. In British Columbia, not all wills need to be probated, but many do. Whether or not probate is required depends on the types of assets involved, how they were owned, and whether there are named beneficiaries. In this post, we’ll walk through common situations where probate is required, where it may be avoided, and what that looks [...]
Probate Fees in British Columbia: What You Need to Know
As an experienced probate lawyer in British Columbia, I understand that dealing with a loved one’s estate can be overwhelming. One common concern is the cost of probate, including probate fees. Understanding these fees, how they're calculated, and strategies to minimize them can help ensure a smoother estate administration process. What Are Probate Fees in BC? In British Columbia, probate fees are charges imposed by the provincial government when an estate goes through probate. Probate is the legal process of validating a will and granting authority to the executor to administer the estate. These fees are payable [...]
Who Gets Custody? Understanding Parenting Arrangements in BC
When parents separate or divorce in British Columbia, one of the most pressing concerns is determining parenting arrangements for their children. Many people are familiar with the term "custody," but BC family law now uses terms like "guardianship," "parenting time," and "parenting responsibilities" instead. Understanding these terms and the legal framework around parenting arrangements is crucial for ensuring the best outcome for children and families. Custody vs. Guardianship vs. Parenting Time: What’s the Difference? Under BC’s Family Law Act (FLA), the concept of “custody” has been replaced with more precise terms: Guardianship: A guardian is responsible for [...]
How Long Does Probate Take in BC? Timelines & What to Expect
When a loved one passes on, understanding and learning to navigate the legal process of an Estate can be daunting and overwhelming. Knowing what to expect can help. One of the most common questions we receive as lawyers practicing in Probate and Estate Law in British Columbia is: "How long does probate take?" While every estate is different, this guide provides an overview of typical probate timelines, factors that can cause delays, and tips to streamline the process. Average Probate Timelines in BC In British Columbia, probate can take anywhere from a few months to [...]
What Is Probate in British Columbia? A Beginner’s Guide
Losing a loved one is never easy, and the legal matters that follow can often feel overwhelming. As a practicing Lawyer, I often encounter questions about probate—a process that many find confusing and daunting. This guide is designed to help you understand the basics of probate, why it's necessary, and when it might not be required. What Is Probate? Probate is the legal process through which a will is validated by the court. It confirms the executor’s authority to manage the deceased person's estate, including gathering assets, paying debts, and distributing the remaining property to beneficiaries. [...]