The Law Blog Posts

How Valid Is a Verbal Agreement? Jamie Nay

If you’ve ever shaken hands on a deal and later wondered whether that handshake would hold up in court, you’re not alone. I get asked about verbal agreements all the time – usually after a relationship has gone sideways. A text-message blowup. A former business partner who’s suddenly forgetful. A family member who insists they “never agreed to that.” Here’s how verbal agreements actually work under BC law, and where people tend to get into trouble.

Separation vs. Divorce in British Columbia: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters Jamie Nay

“Are we separated or divorced?” It sounds like a simple question, but in British Columbia, the answer matters more than many people realize. A lot of separating couples use the terms separation and divorce interchangeably. In reality, they’re legally distinct concepts. Confusing them can lead to serious misunderstandings about rights, obligations, and timing – particularly around property division, support, and future relationships.

Understanding the Rights of Minority Shareholders in British Columbia John Becker

In British Columbia (B.C.), corporate law aims to strike a balance between protecting the interests of majority shareholders who control a company and ensuring that minority shareholders are not  unfairly treated or marginalized. While owning a minority stake in a company often means limited influence over major decisions, the Business Corporations Act (BCA) of B.C. provides several rights and protections to safeguard minority shareholders’ interests.

A Will is one of the most important documents you’ll ever sign. If you made a Will years ago, or if your family circumstances have shifted, it may already be out of date. Below are the most common situations where you should strongly consider redoing your Will.

What Happens to the Family Home in a Divorce? Jamie Nay

For most couples, the family home is more than an asset. It’s a place full of memories, stability, and emotion. It’s also, in most cases, the most valuable property in the relationship. So, what actually happens to the home when you separate or divorce in British Columbia? Who gets to stay, who gets paid out, and what if you can’t agree? Here’s how it works under BC’s Family Law Act, and what to expect when one person wants to keep the home while the other wants to sell.

Divorcing Dangerously: The Risks of Drafting Your Own Separation Agreement Jamie Nay

When a relationship ends, there’s a lot to figure out. Parenting time, support, division of property, pensions, debts – these are just some of the issues common in a family law dispute. And, if you and your ex are amicable, it can be tempting to sit down, hammer out an agreement, and type something up yourselves to “save money on lawyers”. But, while these DIY separation agreements are, unfortunately, common, they’re also one of the most frequent sources of expensive legal disputes down the road. A separation agreement is not just a piece of paper. It’s a legally binding contract with serious long-term consequences. Here are four significant risks of drafting your own separation agreement.