Family property, parenting responsibilities and child support
Decision: 2026 BCSC 72 Court: Supreme Court of British Columbia Date: January 16, 2026 Read the full decision on CanLII ↗
Counsel’s Comments
“Our client owned significant assets. The biological father of her children struggled with addiction issues and held no assets throughout their relationship. Upon the breakdown of their relationship he sought a court order for 50% of her wealth. Though our client allowed the children’s father to reside in one of her homes with her and the children when he was not residing in recovery and treatment centres, the court held that this arrangement did not constitute a “marriage-like” relationship, and therefore they were not “spouses” pursuant to the Family Law Act. Given he was not deemed a “spouse” the children’s father was not entitled to any of our client’s assets, and he was ordered to pay her costs at the conclusion of the trial.”
— Matthew Brandon
Legal issue
Whether the parties were spouses under the Family Law Act and whether the claimant had a property claim against our client.
Key provisions: Family Law Act provisions concerning spouses, family property and debt, parenting arrangements and child support.
Judicial outcome
The reasons resolve the property, parenting and support issues advanced in the proceeding.
Why the decision matters
The reasons are a useful example of the fact-specific evidence considered in a family-law dispute where property, parenting and support questions overlap.