Deer Lake Law Group - Burnaby

10/19/2026

Over three years as a couple, yet the court found they were never spouses under the Family Law Act! Why?

In Lister v. Bal, 2025 BCSC 1261, an unmarried couple lived together in a marriage-like relationship for about 18 months, split up for seven months, then reunited for another 22 and a half months.

That’s over three years as a couple, yet the court found they were never spouses under the Family Law Act. Their claims for support and a share of the property failed.

The key word is continuous. The two years must be one unbroken stretch, and separate periods can’t be added together. When this couple broke up, the clock reset.

If you’re living with someone or have recently separated, get advice early. A cohabitation agreement can save a lot of stress later, and unmarried spouses generally have only two years after separation to make a claim.

General information only, not legal advice.

Call now to connect with business.

10/12/2026

No wedding? BC law may still treat you as spouses. Since 2013, BC’s Family Law Act has required unmarried couples who lived together at least two years in a marriage-like relationship to divide property acquired during the relationship when they separate. That’s the same starting point as married couples. Many people only learn this when the relationship ends. Do you know where your two-year mark falls?

*general information/ not legal advice ⚖️

10/03/2026

Serve first. File later. BC Supreme Court chambers applications changed on October 1, 2026. The new order of operations:

1. Serve your unfiled Notice of Application and evidence

2. Respondent serves a response: 5 business days, or 21 for summary trial

3. Reply affidavit within 3 business days

4. File new Form 33.01 with your materials to set the hearing

The NOA only proposes a hearing date now. Form 33.01 fixes it.

Old Form 32 precedents? Time to retire them.

General info only, not legal advice.

09/26/2026

Travelling to the U.S.? Your phone may get a closer look than you’d expect!

On September 17, 2026, a U.S. federal appeals court ruled that border officers can manually search a traveller’s phone without a warrant and without any suspicion of wrongdoing. The court reasoned that a phone is property, much like a suitcase, and can be inspected the same way.

The decision (United States v. Alisigwe) is binding in New York, Connecticut, and Vermont. That includes JFK Airport and the land crossings many Atlantic Canadians use when driving south. Other parts of the U.S. follow different standards, so your rights can depend on where you enter.

The ruling deals with manual searches, meaning an officer unlocking and scrolling through your photos, messages, or apps.

Here at home, courts in Alberta (Canfield) and Ontario (Pike) have found that unrestricted phone searches by CBSA violate the Charter. However, Parliament has yet to pass a fix since Bill S-7 died in 2025. So the law in Canada is still unsettled.

Coming home? CBSA officers can still examine your device when you return to Canada, and there’s currently no clear legal threshold they must meet first.

Before you cross, think about what’s on your phone. Consider logging out of apps, turning off cloud syncing, or travelling with only what you need. Sensitive work, financial, or personal information deserves extra thought.

Questions about your rights at the border? Contact us!

This post is general information, not legal advice.

09/25/2026

A month after her passing, her estate got a temporary restraining order against her nephew and former head of security. A hearing is set for Oct. 7.

In BC, here’s how to help protect your family from estate conflict:

📝 Get a professionally prepared will
👨‍👩‍👧 Know who can challenge a will that doesn’t provide for them
✍️ Write down your reasons for any unequal gifts
📍 Register a wills notice with BC Vital Statistics
🤝 Put family business roles in writing
💬 Talk to your family now

08/24/2026

Job Posting: Bookkeeper / Real Estate Conveyancer / Legal Assistant

We are a law firm looking for an organized, detail-oriented professional to join our team in a multi-faceted role combining bookkeeping, real estate conveyancing, and legal assistant support.

Responsibilities:
- Manage firm bookkeeping, including accounts payable/receivable, trust accounting, and financial reporting using Unity
- Maintain trust accounting in compliance with Law Society of British Columbia (LSBC) rules
- Handle real estate conveyancing files from opening through closing
- Prepare, review, and submit documents through the LTSA (Land -Title and Survey Authority) portal
- Manage online filings and e-registrations accurately and on deadline
- Prepare closing documents, title searches, and statements of adjustments
- Provide general legal assistant support: drafting correspondence, managing files, scheduling, and client communication
- Liaise with clients, agents, lenders, and other parties involved in real estate transactions

Requirements:
- Proven experience in bookkeeping/accounting
- Experience with real estate conveyancing (required)
- Working knowledge of LSBC accounting rules and trust account compliance (required)
- Proficiency with Unity software preferred
- Experience with the LTSA portal and online filing systems (required)
- Prior legal assistant or law firm experience preferred
- Fluent in English (written and spoken)
- Conversational ability in Mandarin (speaking/understanding)
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Compensation:
$25–$35/hour, commensurate with experience

To Apply:
Send email with resume and cover letter (without AI assistance) to [email protected]

08/03/2026

Congratulations to Fatima Qamar for on her nomination for the Lexpert Rising Stars: Leading Lawyers 40 and Under award. This award recognizes outstanding young lawyers across Canada who have demonstrated exceptional legal ability and professional achievement early in their careers. We are very proud of Fatima!

07/03/2026

Buying or selling property in BC but can't attend a lawyer's office in person?

While most real estate transfer documents must be signed in person, there is a limited exception that may apply when this is genuinely not possible.

Learn when **Section 49 of the *Land Title Act*** may be available and what restrictions apply.

06/27/2026

Family members often help with a down payment or the purchase of a family home. But if the relationshi plater breaks down, that contribution may become an important issue in property division. Read our latest blog post here: https://deerlakelaw.ca/family-contribution-to-a-home-purchase-what-happens-in-a-bc-divorce/

06/24/2026

You signed the lease. But what happens if the building is sold?

Many commercial tenants invest significant time and money into their business locations, yet overlook one important form of protection: registering a Notice of Lease on title.

For long-term commercial leases, registration can help protect your lease rights, renewal options, and business stability if ownership changes.

Read our latest article to learn why this simple step can make a significant difference.