Family Law

Child Custody Lawyers in BC

Child custody and parenting arrangements are among the most sensitive aspects of family law in British Columbia. This page lists family law providers across BC who work on custody, parenting time, and guardianship matters, for general reference only. BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

For general information only. BCLegalServices.ca is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice.

What Family Law Providers Can Help With

Parenting arrangements and parenting time schedules
Guardianship applications and disputes
Relocation applications involving children
Child support calculation and variation
Enforcement of parenting orders
Parenting coordination services
International child abduction and Hague Convention matters
Protection orders involving children

Family Law Providers in BC

law firm

YLaw Group

Vancouver — 580-1122 Mainland Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1

A family, estate, and immigration law firm in Vancouver offering personalized legal solutions across multiple practice areas.

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Duplessis Law

Vancouver — Suite 520, 1090 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC

A Vancouver family and immigration law firm dedicated to providing personalized legal solutions for individuals and families.

legal aidLegal Aid

Legal Aid BC

Vancouver — 400 – 510 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 3A8

Provincial legal aid organization providing free or subsidized legal services to eligible low-income individuals across BC.

law firm

Fleetwood Family Law

Surrey — 15957 84 Ave Suite #306, Surrey, BC V4N 0W7

A Surrey family law firm providing legal assistance for divorce, custody, and separation matters.

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MacLean Law — Surrey

Surrey — 9850 King George Blvd #300, Surrey, BC V3T 4Y3

A Surrey family law office providing comprehensive family law and divorce services, with multilingual staff.

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KSW Lawyers

Surrey — 7565 132 St #220, Surrey, BC V3W 1K5

A Surrey law firm providing legal services in real estate, employment law, and other areas to clients throughout the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley.

law firm

Wilson Rasmussen LLP

Surrey — Suite 300, 15127 100 Ave., Surrey, BC V3R 0N9

A Surrey law firm and notary service providing legal services across real estate, family law, wills and estates, and other areas.

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Hawthorne Piggott & Company

Burnaby — 310 – 4279 Dawson Street, Burnaby, BC V5C 0N5

A Burnaby law firm providing experienced family law representation since 1973, including separation, divorce, and child support matters.

Browse all providers

Questions to Ask Before Hiring

1
How does BC law determine what is in the best interests of a child?
2
What is the difference between guardianship and parenting time in BC?
3
How are parenting schedules typically structured for school-age children?
4
What happens if one parent wants to relocate with the children?
5
How can I enforce a parenting order if the other parent is not complying?
6
Is there a way to resolve parenting disputes without going to court?

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between custody and guardianship in BC?

BC's Family Law Act uses the term 'guardianship' rather than custody. Guardians have parental responsibilities and parenting time with a child. Both parents are generally guardians unless a court orders otherwise. The term 'custody' is used in the federal Divorce Act for married couples.

How does a BC court decide parenting arrangements?

BC courts determine parenting arrangements based on the best interests of the child, considering factors such as the child's relationship with each parent, the child's views and preferences (depending on age), each parent's ability to care for the child, and the need for stability.

Can children choose which parent to live with in BC?

There is no fixed age at which a child can choose their living arrangements. However, a child's views and preferences are one factor courts consider, and greater weight is given as the child matures. A judge will assess whether the child's views are genuinely their own.

What is a parenting plan in BC?

A parenting plan is a written agreement between guardians that sets out how parenting responsibilities and time will be shared. It can be informal or incorporated into a court order. A detailed parenting plan can reduce future conflict by addressing schedules, holidays, and decision-making.

What is a section 211 report in BC family law?

A section 211 report (under BC's Family Law Act) is an assessment ordered by a court to help determine parenting arrangements. A qualified professional interviews the parents and children and provides recommendations to the court. These reports are typically ordered in contested cases.

Disclaimer: This page is for general informational purposes only. BCLegalServices.ca is an independent directory and is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, and nothing on this page creates a lawyer-client relationship. Provider listings are compiled from publicly available sources and may not be current. Always verify provider information directly and consult a qualified BC lawyer for your specific situation. Read our full disclaimer.