Business Details
Trusted Family Law and Mediation Services in Victoria, BC
At West Coast Family Law, we specialize in providing comprehensive legal solutions for families navigating complex life transitions. With decades of combined experience, our team offers tailored guidance in family law, mediation, fertility law, and estate planning. We prioritize collaborative approaches to minimize conflict, focusing on practical resolutions that protect clients' interests while avoiding litigation. Our expertise extends to surrogacy agreements, adoption processes, and cohabitation agreements, supported by a deep understanding of British Columbia's legal frameworks.We maintain active memberships in professional organizations like the Law Society of BC and International Academy of Collaborative Professionals, ensuring our practice remains at the forefront of evolving legal standards. Through personalized service and a commitment to client education, we empower families to make informed decisions during challenging times.
Services
Family Law
Mediation Services
Fertility Law
Adoptions
Wills and Estates
Collaborative Practice
Parental Declarations
Committeeship Applications
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of combined experience in family law and collaborative practice
- Our team includes Law Society of BC accredited family law mediators
- Specialized expertise in fertility law and international surrogacy agreements
- Proven track record in collaborative family law dispute resolution
- Active involvement in legal professional organizations and policy development
Services
Family Law Mediation
Our certified mediators facilitate constructive negotiations for separation agreements, parenting arrangements, and property division. We create safe environments for cooperative decision-making while maintaining legal neutrality. This process helps clients avoid court proceedings through structured, respectful dialogue that prioritizes long-term family relationships.
Fertility Law Services
We specialize in surrogacy agreements, donor contracts, and parental declarations for intended parents. Our legal expertise ensures compliance with Canadian regulations while protecting all parties' rights. We provide comprehensive representation for domestic and international clients navigating assisted reproduction technologies and third-party arrangements.
Collaborative Family Practice
This structured dispute resolution model involves joint problem-solving with legal and financial professionals. We help families create customized solutions while maintaining control over outcomes. The process emphasizes open communication and child-centered decision-making through a multidisciplinary team approach.
Adoption Legal Services
We handle domestic, international, and step-parent adoptions with expertise in complex legal requirements. Our services include home study coordination, court documentation, and post-adoption support. We guide clients through every stage of the adoption process while ensuring compliance with provincial and international regulations.
Estate Planning
We create comprehensive estate plans including wills, powers of attorney, and representation agreements. Our services address tax minimization strategies, guardianship arrangements, and trust structures. We help clients ensure their assets are distributed according to their wishes while preparing for potential incapacity.
People
Elise Schopper-Brigel
Lawyer and Family Law Mediator
Practicing since 1995, Elise specializes in family law mediation and fertility law. She co-founded Victoria Collaborative Family Law Group and contributes to international collaborative law development. Fluent in German, she brings cross-cultural perspective to her practice.
Karen Henry
Lawyer and Mediator
With 25+ years experience, Karen focuses on family law, adoptions, and estate planning. She has served on multiple legal committees and brings international humanitarian experience from working with orphanages abroad. Her practice emphasizes practical, client-centered solutions.
Questions
What areas of law does West Coast Family Law specialize in?
We specialize in family law, mediation, fertility law, adoption processes, estate planning, and collaborative dispute resolution.
Do you handle international surrogacy and adoption cases?
Yes, we represent intended parents in international surrogacy arrangements and handle both domestic and international adoption legalities.
What is collaborative family law practice?
Collaborative practice is a structured dispute resolution method where parties work cooperatively with professionals to create child-focused, mutually beneficial agreements.
Can you help with prenuptial and cohabitation agreements?
Yes, we draft and review marriage and cohabitation agreements that establish clear guidelines for property division and support arrangements.
What estate planning services do you offer?
We prepare wills, powers of attorney, representation agreements, and provide guidance on minimizing estate taxes and succession planning.
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