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Property Division

Property division is one of the biggest concerns during a separation or divorce. In British Columbia, the law follows an equal division rule for property acquired during the marriage, meaning both spouses typically get an equal share of assets and debts. But dividing property isn’t always as straightforward as it seems.

If you’re facing property division, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities and protect your financial future.

Common Questions About Property Division in BC

  • Basically, anything of value you and your ex own—together or separately—including:

    • Homes & real estate

    • Bank accounts & investments

    • Pensions & retirement savings

    • Businesses & assets

    • Vehicles & personal belongings

    • Debts (yes, those get divided too!)

    If it was acquired during the relationship, it’s usually shared property—even if only one person’s name is on it.

  • B.C. law follows a 50/50 rule: each spouse is entitled to half of all shared assets and debts acquired during the relationship. But there are exceptions, and not everything is split evenly.

  • Some things are considered excluded property, meaning they stay with the original owner. This includes:

    • Property owned before the relationship

    • Gifts or inheritances received during the relationship

    • Personal injury settlements

    • Certain trust interests

    However, any increase in value of excluded property during the relationship may still be shared.

  • If you or your ex own your home, it’s considered shared property—whether it is in joint names or owned by one person alone. This means:

    • It may need to be sold, with profits split

    • One partner may buy out the other

    • Special rules may apply if kids are involved

    We help you fight for a fair outcome—so you don’t lose more than you should.

  • Debt is treated like any other asset—it gets split. If it was taken on during the relationship, it’s usually shared, regardless of whose name is on it. That includes:

    • Mortgages

    • Credit cards

    • Loans

    However, if one partner racked up debt recklessly or secretly, you may be able to argue that it shouldn’t be shared.

  • Yes! If you and your ex can reach an agreement, we can draft a Separation Agreement that lays out how property, assets, and debts will be split. If you can’t agree, the courts may decide for you.

  • Once property division is finalized, it’s usually set in stone. The courts rarely allow changes unless there was:

    • Fraud or dishonesty (one partner hid assets)

    • A major legal mistake in the original agreement

    • A huge financial change that makes the original division unfair

    This is why getting it right the first time is so important—we help make sure you don’t get stuck with a bad deal.

  • Whether you’re negotiating property division or need to fight for your fair share, we’ve got your back. Mahogany Law Group connects you with the right in-house lawyer for your situation, so you get expert guidance from day one.

    Reach out today to get started.

  • Always Taking the Time to Listen

    I highly recommend Alexandra Ghihor as a lawyer. She provided me with effective information and solutions for my case, always taking the time to listen to all my concerns and doubts. Alexandra was always punctual and took enough time to clarify all my questions thoroughly. Her professionalism, patience, and dedication made a challenging situation much easier to handle. I truly appreciate her guidance and support throughout the process. If you’re looking for a lawyer who genuinely cares and delivers results, Alexandra is the one to trust!

    ★★★★★
    Aura (Google Review)

  • Above and Beyond

    I have worked with Puneet Mann for a couple years now. She is an amazing lawyer. She has gone above and beyond for me and my family. It's nice to have a lawyer who believes in you and has your back. I'm glad to have her in my corner. Thankful for everything they have done so far.

    ★★★★★
    RC (Google Review)

  • Absolutely Fantastic!

    Francis Lepp was absolutely fantastic when helping me get my divorce. This is never a pleasant experience, but she made it so easy and provided a safe and welcoming atmosphere while I was navigating through this tough time. She answered all my questions, in which I had many. Communicated effectively, and explained things to me in ways that were simple and easy to understand. Everything went smoothly, all paperwork done quickly. I highly recommend her!

    ★★★★★
    CF (Google Review)

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Our Reliable 5-Step Process

Not every lawyer is the right fit for every case—and that’s where we stand out. We’re all about matching you with the lawyer who’s best-equipped to handle your unique situation.

It’s not a guessing game; it’s a thoughtful, deliberate approach that ensures you get the expertise and strategy you need from day one.

  • We’ll gather your basic info—like your name and the names of everyone involved—to check for conflicts and confirm we can take your case. If there’s an issue, we’ll let you know right away.

    If you're ready to reach out, head to our Contact page now.

  • Next, you’ll meet with one of our lawyers to share your story and any key documents. They’ll answer your questions, offer initial insights, and help decide if moving forward makes sense.

    Our lawyers’ hourly rates are usually $300 or more, but for a limited time, the initial consult is only $150. And if you decide to retain, the $150 is refunded to you, making the consult complete free of charge.

  • Here’s where we shine. After reviewing your case as a firm, we’ll recommend the lawyer we think is the best fit for you. While the final choice is yours, we’ve found the best results come from trusting our match.

  • Once you’re ready to move forward, we’ll open your file. A retainer is required to get the ball rolling—standard practice for any law firm.

  • This is where the real work begins. We’ll dig into your file, keep you in the loop, and work with you every step of the way to get the best outcome possible.

    And if we ever feel that a different lawyer at our firm will be a better fit, then we're always ready to make a switch. Because we're a small firm, it doesn't take a lot to get another lawyer up to speed on your case.

Our Property Division Lawyers