June 11, 2014

Your Legal Guide to

Relationships Relationships can be complicated and have unintended legal consequences.

With the recent changes introduced by the Family Law Act, RDM Lawyers LLP has put together this guide to help you navigate the new laws with helpful tips on how to:

• Protect yourself and your loved ones as you enter into a new relationship • Consider the best options if you’re facing separation or divorce • Create the healthiest parenting structure for your children Visit our Family Law resource page for more information www.rdmlawyers.com/familylaw

RDM LAWYERS LLP || YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE rdmlawyers.com

33695 South Fraser Way || Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C1 604.853.0774

Cohabitation and Marriage Agreements Starting Your Relationship with Certainty

Many people are concerned about broaching the subject of a cohabitation or marriage agreement with their partner when making plans to move in together or entering marriage. But it can be a very healthy way to ask important questions you should be discussing anyway.

Marriage and cohabitation agreements provide answers and help alleviate the uncertainty of entering a serious relationship with legal consequences. The benefits of these legal arrangements include: • Dealing with the tough questions before you enter a formal relationship arrangement • Having the certainty of how things will be handled if the relationship changes • Planning for the future together • Providing peace of mind for parents, children or loved ones who may be affected

To find out how a cohabitation or marriage agreement could help you, call our Family Law team at RDM Lawyers. See our contact information below.

Visit our Family Law resource page.

Go to www.rdmlawyers.com/familylaw

RDM LAWYERS LLP || YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE rdmlawyers.com

33695 South Fraser Way || Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C1 604.853.0774

Separation and Divorce Protecting Your Well-being

Facing separation or divorce is one of the most difficult situations to deal with in life. Though there may be anger and hurt, it’s important to create the healthiest structure for you, your children and your family. This will allow healing for the family and establish an arrangement that everyone can agree to peaceably. Here are just some of the important considerations: • Dividing property attained before and after the relationship began • Apportioning family debt • Spousal and child support • Accessing community services

If you’re considering or facing a change in your relationship, we’re here to support you. Call us to discuss your options. See our contact information below.

Visit our Family Law resource page.

Go to www.rdmlawyers.com/familylaw RDM LAWYERS LLP || YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE rdmlawyers.com

33695 South Fraser Way || Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C1 604.853.0774

Parenting Arrangements Protecting Your Children

The Family Law Act leans toward assigning equal time and responsibility to both parents of a child in the event of separation and divorce. However, the mandate of the court and consulting lawyers is to ensure that decisions made regarding care and parenting are made with only the best interests of the child in mind. These decisions are based on the:

• Child’s physical and emotional health • Views of the older child • Past history of care of the child • Child’s need for stability • Ability of the child’s guardians to cooperate with each other To ensure that your responsibilities and the rights of your children are fully protected and in accordance with the law, consult a trusted legal professional who takes a holistic approach in dealing with those impacted by separation and divorce.

Our Family Law team at RDM Lawyers is here to answer your questions, see our contact information below.

Visit our Family Law resource page.

Go to www.rdmlawyers.com/familylaw

RDM LAWYERS LLP || YOUR LAWYERS FOR LIFE rdmlawyers.com

33695 South Fraser Way || Abbotsford, BC V2S 2C1 604.853.0774