We’re here to provide legal advice and we’re accepting new clients.
As we listen to the advice of the Provincial and Federal governments respecting social distancing and safety recommendations, our office locations are physically closed to the public. Thankfully, Duncan Allen Law LLP has always employed modern technologies that allow us to work seamlessly at our various office locations, and now when necessary, from home offices. We continue to offer consultations by phone or Zoom.
Initially, the Covid-19 pandemic felt like it brought the world to a halt. However, family law issues cannot be put on hold indefinitely. Now that everyone has had some time to adjust to the new realities (school and daycare closures, working from home, social distancing), we understand you may be looking to move forward with your divorce, separation, or family matter. We can help with that.
We continue to offer an initial consultation in which we discuss your particular situation, each party’s rights and responsibilities under the Divorce Act and B.C.’s Family Law Act, and options for resolution. We also provide practical advice on steps to take to protect yourself, your children, and your assets.
Some common questions we are receiving right now, are:
- I’m scared to send my kids to their mother’s/father’s home, do I have to?
- Should I make adjustments to an existing parenting schedule, order, or agreement, in light of Covid-19?
- My income has decreased as a result of Covid-19 and I can’t pay support, what do I do?
- My trial or hearing was cancelled/adjourned, what are my options now?
- My ex just backed out of our final settlement, what can I do now?
- I think my concerns are urgent, will the court hear me and how do I apply?
If you’re asking these or other Covid-19 related questions, we encourage you to contact us for a telephone or video consultation. After taking steps to verify your identity as required by the Law Society, we’ll spend some time learning about your situation, court order, or informal arrangements. We can then provide you with legal advice and options to handle your family law issues during this difficult time.
We will be honest; family law looks a bit different right now. The courts, both Supreme and Provincial, are largely closed. Only urgent or emergency applications are being processed at this time. However, this does not mean that family law issues don’t exist or that there is nothing that can be done. At Duncan Allen Law LLP, we always encourage alternate dispute resolution processes that don’t involve the court system. During our consultation we can review what the current legal options are available to parties at this time. Some of the options, include:
- Negotiation, including on your own behalf or assisted by a lawyer;
- Mediation via video conferencing technology;
- Arbitration via video conferencing technology;
- Consent orders filed electronically or agreements;
- Court applications on urgent matters.
We work with a roster of mediators and arbitrators who are currently offering their services remotely. We also have an in-house mediator, Laura Allen, available. Read more about mediation with Laura here.
We continue to work with clients to negotiate interim agreements to provide some stability, reduce conflict, and lower tension as we wait out the Covid-19 pandemic. Please reach out so we can help you during this time. Give us a call at (250) 591-1055 or email at info@duncanallenlaw.com to arrange for an appointment. Our lawyers are currently offering appointments outside of standard business hours, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate individuals unable to “meet” during standard business hours in light of Covid-19 impacts on childcare and employment.
COVID-19 NOTICE: WE ARE OPEN DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC TO ASSIST YOU WITH ALL YOUR FAMILY LAW ISSUES. WE ALSO OFFER MEDIATION SERVICES. PLEASE NOTE OUR OFFICE HOURS HAVE BEEN REDUCED TO 9:00 A.M. TO 3:00 P.M., MONDAY TO FRIDAY. PLEASE CALL IN ADVANCE IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE OFFICE FOR ANY REASON. PLEASE CALL OUR OFFICE TO BOOK A CONSULTATION OR SEE OUR BLOG FOR FURTHER INFORMATION.