Your Family Law Roadmap After Separation

Aug. 26

Step 1: Contact Illuma Family Law

If you have separated from your spouse, or you are thinking about separating from your spouse, reach out to one of our Vancouver divorce lawyers to schedule an initial consultation. Every case is different and based on each person’s individual needs.

Step 2: Conflicts Check

Illuma Family Law will then conduct a conflicts check to make sure our Vancouver divorce lawyers haven’t already given advice to the other party.

Step 3: Initial Consultation

At the initial consultation, we will identify the different issues that may be relevant in your case, give you some quick advice on how to deal with the issues and discuss the next steps.

Step 4: Client ID and Verification

The Law Society of BC requires that we complete a client ID and verification check which includes meeting you either in-person or virtually to match your face with government issued ID.

Step 5: Choose Between Limited Retainers and Full Retainers

You may choose to retain us on a limited basis which means that we give you advice and help you draft any documents or agreements on an as-needed basis. You would represent yourself in negotiations and in court.

You can also choose to retain us on a full retainer which means that we would represent you fully on your family law matter including, but not limited to, document disclosure, negotiations, drafting and finalizing agreements, attending mediation, and attending court.

Step 6: Financial Disclosure

Once you’ve decided the type of retainer, we would recommend obtaining and providing financial documentation in your claim. We would be able to review your financial information and prepare your Form F8 Financial Statement.

Step 7: Negotiation

Once all financial information has been disclosed, the next step would be to negotiate an agreement. We would give you our assessment on your entitlement and negotiate a settlement with the other party involved. If we can come to an agreement on all the issues, we could assist with drafting an agreement for all parties to sign.

Step 8: Mediation

If the parties cannot come to an agreement through negotiations by counsel, you may want to consider mediating with a neutral third party with your counsel present.

Step 9: Agreements

If the parties can agree on all the terms either through negotiation or mediation, the next step would be to document the terms into an agreement. Typically, this is done on a separation agreement and/or a parenting plan. These agreements can be filed with your desk order divorce.

Step 10: Litigation

If the parties cannot agree on the issues then the next step would be litigation. We would file your Notice of Family Claim to start your court action if one has not already entered with the Supreme Court Registry. Financial information will be exchanged as well as any further document discovery. If necessary, the parties may conduct an examination for discovery. If necessary, the parties may go to court to obtain interim orders. Negotiations may still continue while the litigation proceedings are ongoing, and ultimately, if the parties cannot agree, the matter can be set down for trial. A judge will then make a decision on behalf of the parties.

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.

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