Meridian Law Group

06/04/2026

Lawyer Spotlight: Mia L. Bottos, Family Law Lawyer

We are delighted to welcome Mia L. Bottos to the team at Meridian Law Group. Mia joins our firm as a dedicated family law lawyer, bringing a wealth of experience in handling a broad range of high-conflict and complex family matters.

Mia practices exclusively in family law, representing clients in separation and divorce, complex property division, support structures, parenting arrangements, and pet custody disputes. Prior to joining our firm, she honed her skills at a well-regarded boutique family law firm in downtown Vancouver and within the family group of a regional firm. Known for her empathetic and practical approach, Mia prioritizes resolving disputes through mediation whenever possible, while remaining a diligent and confident advocate in the Provincial and Supreme Courts of British Columbia.

Originally from Edmonton, Mia is a lifelong fan of the Edmonton Oilers and a firm believer in good winter tires. Outside of the office, she enjoys exploring the outdoors and managing her ever-growing hold list at the public library.

We are thrilled to have her compassionate advocacy and trusted counsel on our team!

06/01/2026

A recent Supreme Court of British Columbia ruling highlights a critical legal distinction: an individual can lack the capacity to manage daily financial affairs while still retaining the legal capacity to make a valid will.

In Marshall Estate, the Court evaluated two wills made by an elderly Vancouver woman with Alzheimer’s disease. Despite a multimillion-dollar estate dispute involving allegations of diminished capacity and undue influence, the Court upheld the later wills. The decision confirms that the legal threshold for testamentary capacity is distinct from day-to-day financial management.

Our latest blog post breaks down this ruling and provides essential guidance for families and executors navigating estate planning during cognitive decline.

https://ow.ly/Epm650Z5GtL

B.C. Supreme Court upholds disputed wills despite dementia allegations and claims of undue influence in a Vancouver estate case.

05/29/2026

Lawyer Spotlight: Bahij Mirzad, Civil and Commercial Litigation Lawyer

We are pleased to welcome Bahij and the diverse skill set he brings to our team. Bahij joined Meridian Law Group in May 2026 and maintains a versatile practice spanning commercial litigation, construction litigation, civil litigation, estate litigation, and family law. He has successfully represented clients before both the Provincial Court and the Supreme Court of British Columbia.

Bahij obtained his Juris Doctor from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2025, following a Bachelor of Arts with distinction from Simon Fraser University. Having immigrated to Canada at a young age and grown up in the Lower Mainland, he possesses a personal appreciation for the challenges individuals face when navigating complex systems. This background informs his empathetic, client-centred approach. Fluent in Farsi and Dari, he brings a deep understanding of multicultural perspectives to his practice, prioritizing efficient, results-oriented solutions while balancing strategic out-of-court resolutions with decisive courtroom advocacy.

Outside of the office, Bahij maintains an active lifestyle. You can often find him lifting weights at dawn, swimming, hiking new trails, or snowboarding. We are proud to have his strong work ethic and dedication to client care at our firm.

05/27/2026

Vancouver's real estate market adds intense complexity to property division during a separation. While many couples assume assets are simply split down the middle, British Columbia’s Family Law Act draws a sharp line between original asset value and market growth.

Under provincial law, the value of a property brought into a relationship is generally excluded from division. However, any increase in that property's value during the relationship is considered family property and is split equally. Pinpointing the exact value gained and factoring in how family funds paid down the mortgage can shift the financial outcome by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Our latest blog post breaks down how the law treats real estate appreciation during a breakup.

https://ow.ly/h2tO50Z4jWo

Did your Vancouver condo jump in value? Find out how BC family law divides property gains after separation.

05/25/2026

When your family is going through a separation, your children's stability is what matters most. BC's Family Law Act puts their best interests at the centre of every parenting arrangement - from how time is shared to who makes important decisions about their lives.

At Meridian Law Group, we help parents in British Columbia build parenting plans that work in the real world: clear, practical, and focused on what your children need to thrive. Whether you're starting from scratch or revisiting an existing arrangement, our team will guide you through every step.

Call us at 604-687-2277 or visit meridianlawgroup.ca to speak with a family lawyer today.

05/20/2026

The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized a new common law tort of intimate partner violence, a landmark development that will reshape how civil claims arising from coercive and controlling conduct are pleaded and compensated across the country.

The decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia has significant implications for family law proceedings in British Columbia and beyond.

Our latest blog breaks down what the ruling means in practice: https://ow.ly/7uC650Z1U68

Learn how the SCC’s Ahluwalia decision created a new tort for intimate partner violence and coercive control in Canada.

05/15/2026

Wishing our clients and colleagues a happy Victoria Day long weekend! 🍁 We hope you get to spend it doing exactly what you love, surrounded by the people who matter most.

05/12/2026

What started as a routine property subdivision in the small BC community of Chase escalated into claims of trespass, nuisance, and fence encroachments that ultimately required the BC Court of Appeal to weigh in on how easements should be interpreted in residential construction.

The decision in Cook v. Massey is a compelling reminder of how quickly neighbour disputes can become serious legal matters.

Our latest blog breaks down the key takeaways: https://ow.ly/EHBo50YYkLu

The BC Court of Appeal upheld a broad easement interpretation in Cook v. Massey. Learn what this ruling means for your property rights.

05/10/2026

We recognize that family journeys are deeply personal and that today may feel different for everyone. Whether you are celebrating, reflecting, or navigating change, we honour your strength and the commitment you show to your family's future. We wish you a day of peace and steady progress. Happy Mother's Day.

05/05/2026

When one spouse is self-employed, determining true income for the purposes of support and property division can become one of the most contested issues in a separation or divorce.

Our latest blog explores how courts approach income disclosure for self-employed individuals and what to do when you suspect underreporting.

Read more: https://ow.ly/uLkL50YV2PE

Hidden income can impact support in BC divorces. Learn how courts assess self-employed income and what to do if your ex underreports.