CLE BC - Interplay Between Aging, Death & Divorce

Written By Abby Pang

The CLEBC course “Interplay Between Aging, Death & Divorce 2024” provided legal professionals with an in-depth exploration of issues at the intersection of estate law, family law, and capacity matters. The program began with an introduction and land acknowledgement, followed by a session on guardianship for adults and children, covering capacity assessments, the process for obtaining guardianship, and evidentiary requirements.

This was followed by a discussion of the Land and Spouse Protection Act (LSPA), including its purpose, practical application, and relevance in today’s legal landscape. The course then addressed the role of the Public Guardian and Trustee (PGT) in matrimonial disputes, asset division, and recurring legal issues.

Midday sessions focused on estate planning strategies, including inter vivos gifts, testamentary gifting, trusts, probate planning, and tools to minimize litigation risks, with attention to powers of attorney and representation agreements.

Later, the program provided a medicolegal perspective on capacity, discussing medical and legal considerations with practical scenarios. The final session covered recent developments in trusts, taxation, family law implications of property transfers, and case law updates on the definition of a spouse. The course concluded with closing remarks summarizing the key insights for legal practice.

Abby Pang presents on Pitfalls and Estate Planning Strategies for the Modern Family.

CLEBC - Interplay Between Aging, Death & Divorce 2024

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: Jansson v. Malone, 2021; Binning v. Kandola, 2021; Bergeron v. Malloy, 2020; Urwin v. Hanson, 2019; Lally v. He, 2016; Kandola v. Mactavish, 2016; Kweon v. Roy, 2016; Chan v. Caer, 2014; Saadati v. Moorhead, 2015; Loft v. Nat, 2015. 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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