September 11, 2024

Designated Paralegal/Legal Coach services for Self-Represented Litigants

Navigating and understanding a family law case with full representation can be daunting; now imagine doing this on your own. This is what approximately 40% of British Columbian’s are currently having to do in their own family law case.

At Kitsilano Family Law, we understand the unique challenges self-represented litigants face and have created affordable alternative services to help bridge that gap. Our designated paralegal/legal coach Jennifer Buckley is here to provide invaluable support every step of the way.  Here are some ways she can assist you:

1. Understanding the Legal Process

- Explaining procedures: explaining things such as court procedures, deadlines, and important evidence in a simplified way.

- Providing guidance: keeping clients on track and focused throughout their family law case. This helps clients keep focused on    the “end goal”, whether it’s by getting court orders or settlement agreements.

2. Document Preparation

- Drafting documents: helping clients in drafting a variety of written documents, including emails, letters, and court documents;    making sure communications are professional, accurate, and effective.

- Reviewing documents: acting as a second pair of eyes on written documents drafted by clients or received by the other party    or their lawyer.

3. Support Inside and Outside of the Courtroom:

- Preparing for negotiations: helping clients develop and understand negotiation strategies, including identifying goals,    understanding both parties’ interests, and preparing for potential compromises.

- Preparing for court: assisting clients in preparing for hearings or trials this can include preparing arguments for court,    organizing evidence or explain the layout of a courtroom and how to address a judge.

- Mediation and courtroom support: on top of the above points, our designated paralegal/legal coach can provide hands-on    support in the courtroom and at mediations, either in person or over the phone.

4. Providing Emotional Support

- Offering empathy: providing emotional support and understanding during a stressful and emotionally challenging time.

- Providing coping strategies: helping clients manage stress and anxiety related to the legal process, including offering    practical advice and support.

We recognize the emotional toll that legal proceedings can take. Offering empathy and practical coping strategies, our designated paralegal/legal coach is committed to supporting your well-being throughout the process. By empowering you with the right tools and knowledge, she aims to reduce your stress and help you navigate your case with confidence and peace of mind.

Find legal support that best fits your needs:

- Unbundled Services (minimal support): I can handle my case on my own but need legal support from time to time.

- Coaching Subscription (medium support): I can handle most of my case on my own but would like to have legal support on a    regular basis.

- Innovation Sandbox Support (full-ish support): I need(or prefer) to have someone help me every step of the way throughout    my case. This includes hands-on support in the courtroom or at mediation.

Remember, you don't have to go through this alone. Let us provide the guidance and support you need to face your family law case head-on. To learn more about our designated paralegal/coaching services, contact the Kitsilano Family Law Group to book a consultation today.

*Designated paralegals and other non-lawyers cannot provide legal advice or discuss success rates on cases.

THE BRIEF

Read more from Kitsilano Family Law’s blog — The Brief.

Kitsilano Family Law: Reflections as a Summer Student
August 16, 2024

My name is Isa Nafissi, and I am a second-year law student at the Peter Allard School of Law at UBC. This past summer, I had the opportunity to work as a summer student at Kitsilano Family Law, where I gained hands-on experience by supporting the lawyers on various cases.

Queer Separation in British Columbia
June 26, 2024

Under British Columbia’s Family Law Act (“FLA”) (and the Divorce Act), Queer couples enjoy the same legal rights as heterosexual couples. This means that the processes for separation, including obtaining orders or agreements on parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, property division, and divorce, are the same for all families in British Columbia. 

Pets under the Family Law Act
June 12, 2024

On January 24, 2024, amendments (changes) were made to the Family Law Act (FLA) to reflect the long-held sentiment that pets are members of the family. It is no wonder why animals can become part of the dispute during a separation; the prospect of a person being separated from their pet can cause fear and distress for individuals.

Hear for you
At Kitsilano Family Law, our approach is informed by listening. We can provide guidance on your family law situation during an initial consultation. For new family law matters, we offer an initial 1-hour consultation at 200 cad plus taxes (or 100 cad plus taxes for half an hour). For ongoing family law matters and independent legal advice, consultations are charged at lawyers' hourly rates. Contact us to learn about your options.
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