'The Voice' Crowns Its Winner
Mitch Kellaway: Father's Day as a Transgender Man
British Columbia to Divorcing Parents: Play Nice ... or Else
Filed under: Divorce & Custody, In The News
British Columbia wants divorcing parents to cool it. Credit: Getty Images
Government officials in the Canadian province are fed up with divorcing couples bickering over property and child custody issues, and they're writing a new Family Law Act that requires people be nice to one another. The new law -- replacing the existing law -- should be in place next year.
The Vancouver Sun reports the act will keep couples out of court over property or custody disputes -- unless the parties can first prove they have tried mediation and other less formal means of resolving their disputes.
The law also would make unmarried couples living together divide their assets fairly and evenly. The Sun reports there's no such requirement under current law.
British Columbia's Family Relations Act is 32 years old. The province's Attorney General Mike de Jong tells the Sun it's basically the rules of boxing for divorce bouts.
"Family law is built around a very adversarial mode," de Jong tells the paper. "And we think there is a better way, when a family changes or a relationship comes apart ... to resolve some of those issues than rushing off to court immediately."
The proposed changes come after four years of reviewing the old law. De Jong tells the paper the changes are "a big deal."
Georgialee Lang, a Vancouver family lawyer who sat on the working group that advised the government on changes, tells the Sun the law changes everything for unmarried couples living together.
In other words, if you and your live-in partner are headed for Splitsville, you might want to hide your Elvis plates from the Franklin Mint.
"Being a common-law spouse now, if these recommendations are enacted, is no longer protection against your property," Lang tells the Sun.
According to the paper, failed relationships account for a quarter of all litigation in the province. Mediation and out-of-court resolution could ease the strain on the legal system, de Jong tells the Sun.
"I've never seen such radical recommendations," Lang adds.
"I think it's part of the whole family law milieu right through North America that people are realizing more than ever that court doesn't work for family situations," she tells the paper. "It's just too adversarial, it's too emotional and probably most importantly, it's way too expensive. It has gotten beyond the reach of the average income earner."
Related: Argentina Legalizes Gay Marriage in Historic Vote
Your<span>Voice</span>
Ask Us Anything About Parenting
TheTalkies:RelatedVideos
-
How Family Relationships Change With Age - Fabian Pfortmüller
In Chapter 4 of 15 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, community builder and entrepreneur Fabian Pfortmüller reflects how he sees the relationship with his parents entering a short window of opportunity to enjoy life together. Pfortmüller is co-founder of the young leader accelerator, Sandbox Network, and HOLSTEE, an apparel and design firm that sells meaningful products to mindful shoppers. Pfortmüller graduated from Columbia University and its school of General Studies.
-
Kris Humphries' Parents Divorcing
Kris Humphries parents are now also headed to divorce court. TMZ is reporting Kris' mother, Debra has filed for divorce from his father, Will for unknown reasons. Debra filed the divorce papers in Minnesota earlier this month. Kris has cited his religious beliefs for wanting to annul his marriage to Kim rather than divorce her, but perhaps he should take a lesson from his Mom who seems ready to move on with her life.
-
Jessica Simpson's Parents Divorcing Over THIS?!
Jessica Simpsons perfect family image has already been tarnished by her dad Joes DUI, but now this. The new claims seem pretty unbelievable but hey, its Hollywood. Her parents just filed for divorce, reportedly over his sexuality.
-
How To Cope With Your Parents' Divorce
Everyone benefits from positive coping strategies when dealing with divorce – learn how.
SitesWeLove
- Site Map
- |
- Staff
- |
- Terms of Service
- |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Trademarks
- |
- Advertise With Us
- |
- About Our Ads
- |
- AOL Downloads
- |
- Contact Us
- |
© Copyright 2012 AOL Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Aol Family
ReaderComments (Page 1 of 1)
8-22-2010 @ 10:49AM
William Gagliardi said...I live in Pennsylvania in the United states. I have had NO issues with my kids until after divorce. It was all fine for one year then my ex and her family pulled a fast one. My kids stopped talking to me , the courts have been no help, they even placed a court order (without a hearing) to keep me out of my kids'church. My ex wife's brother is the "pastor"....he is also a lawyer. What do you think? ..do you know someone who can help?..been 5 years now..This is Luzerne County the land of the Jailed Judges and corrupt lawyers. Write me I will tell you my story! Next Year I am writing a book.
Reply