Divorce - Frequently Asked Questions!

Written By Abby Pang

Divorce – FAQ

1)      What should I do, if I’m thinking about leaving my spouse?

a.       If you are thinking about divorcing your spouse, we recommend that you attend individual and couples counselling to explore reconciliation, or individual therapy if there has been family violence. You may want to consider bringing your children to therapy as well.

b.       If there’s no chance of reconciliation and you want to move on with your divorce, reach out to your family law lawyer to find out the next steps, this could include advice on arrangements for children, potential support payments, and asset division.

2)      What is the procedure for a divorce?

a.       We recommend making arrangements for the children, exchanging financial information, negotiating and finalizing a separation agreement, and then filing your final desk order divorce.

b.       Often if negotiations fail, you should talk to your family law lawyer about mediation, or getting the help from a family counsellor. If necessary, your family law lawyer may need to attend court to obtain orders.

3)      How much will a divorce cost?

a.       This depends on how much conflict there is between the parties after the divorce. Our family law lawyers charge an hourly rate and work on limited or full retainers.

4)      Is my spouse entitled to half my property?

a.       Potentially, if the property is “family property” it may be subject to equal division.

5)      Will I have to pay child support?

a.       Potentially, this would depend on the income and number and age of the children.

6)      Will I have to pay spousal support?

a.       Potentially, this would depend on length of marriage and the difference in incomes.

7)      Will I have to split my pension?

a.       Potentially, you may need to split your pension from the time that you and your spouse were together.

8)      What happens to my corporation?

a.       If you own shares of a corporation, those shares may be considered “family property” which could be subject to equal division.  

9)      What happens to the family home?

a.       The family home can be considered “family property” and subject to equal division.

10)   What happens if my spouse hired a lawyer?

a.       We recommend talking to a family law lawyer right away. If you were served with court documents, there are certain deadlines to comply with.

11)   How do I choose my Vancouver divorce lawyer?

a.       Choose a divorce lawyer you trust and feel comfortable with. With any relationship, you must trust your lawyer and listen and take their advice, and know they are acting in your best interest. If you’ve lost confidence in your family law lawyer, you may want to consider reaching out to other lawyers to discuss your case.

  

Want to learn more? Please contact us for a consultation.

The material provided in this blog is for general information and education purposes only and does not contain, and should not be construed as containing, legal advice applicable to a particular set of facts. If you require legal advice, please contact us for a consultation with one of our experienced family law lawyers.

Abby Pang

Abby is a lawyer and loving mother of two children. She is an advocate for healthy families and children. She has turned her energy towards supporting families, by providing guidance and helping families navigate through the legal system, while empowering them to have a voice throughout the process.

Abby Pang’s journey began in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. Subsequently, her family moved to the east side of Vancouver, before moving to Richmond, where she spent most of her childhood. Her father was a refugee who came to Canada in 1970, and from him she learned the meaning of grit.

In her youth, Abby experienced a breakdown in her family unit which resulted in divorce. She understands that marital breakdowns and divorces can be complicated, but also devastating. She also understands there are alternative options and ways to mitigate the damaging effects of the process.

Abby earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of British Columbia, studying psychology and family studies. She earned a law degree from Manchester Metropolitan University, exchange program through the Hong Kong University. In 2008, she returned to British Columbia to work in a large law office while completing her National Certificate of Accreditation. She then completed her articles in a boutique law firm in Vancouver. She was called to the British Columbia bar in 2012.

Abby has appeared in Provincial Court, Supreme Court and Court of Appeal. She deals with personal injury claims, sexual assault (civil) claims, and family law matters: In addition to her court experience, Abby takes a “family first” approach and is resolution-focused. She is registered through the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.

As a lawyer, Abby Pang’s community involvement included volunteer work with the Federation of Asian Canadian Lawyers and the Canadian Bar Association Women Lawyers’ Forum. As well, she had the opportunity to assist at Rise Women’s Legal Center and Battered Women’s Support Services through volunteering with Amici Curiae Friends of Court.

Abby is the recipient of A Woman of Worth Leader of the Year Award 2023 for her outstanding achievements in strengthening her community/organization through innovative approaches to resolving challenges and inspiring meaningful change. She has been recognized nationally as a nominee of the YWCA Women of Distinction Awards 2023, which honours extraordinary women leaders and businesses.

In her personal time, Abby enjoys snowboarding, bike riding, and spending time with her family.

https://www.illumalaw.com/team
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