Vancouver and Edmonton Family Law Blog

Divorce can be especially difficult on children. Under British Columbia family law, the best interests of children are always at the forefront. Children with special needs -- like those with autism -- may need more help to cope with their parents' divorce. Finding a mental health professional who has experience with children and autism may be helpful to the child, his or her parents and other family members.

Experts says how the parents behave around their children during the divorce process has a significant impact on the children, especially those who may have a harder time processing what is actually happening -- like children impacted by autism. Allowing the child to express his or her emotions and to ask questions that are answered with care and concern may help the situation. The needs of children with autism may be heightened during times of stress and anxiety, so it is important to be in touch with a child's needs during this time.

Owning a home may be the dream of many in British Columbia. For couples in love, a home is a place they can make their own. They may plan for their home to be the place where they raise their families, welcome grandchildren and grow old together. These may have been your dreams, too. However, if your relationship is in trouble, the home where you live together may be another heavy task to deal with.

Whether you are married or living in a common-law relationship, you have many things to consider when that relationship ends. Among those is what to do with the house. While the solution may seem simple, it is important to understand all the financial and legal ramifications of any choice you make.

Stepparents may have a number of issues that comes with parenting children that are not biologically their own. Stepparents have been given a negative stereotype in the past, but most wish to become positive role models for their stepchildren and British Columbia family law gives them the tools with which to do so. It is incumbent upon a parent and a stepparent to always do what is in the best interests of a child -- even when a stepparent separates from or divorces the biological parent of a child.

It may be difficult at first for children to adapt to being a part of a blended family. But when a couple parents the children as a team, the kids may find it easier to adapt to their new lives. Even in the best of circumstances, some children may have difficulty adjusting no matter what their ages are and can be critical of a stepparent. Not taking that criticism personally will go a long way to helping children adjust.