Can a Family Law Agreement Be Enforced in Court?

FAQs

Can a Family Law Agreement Be Enforced in Court?

Yes, a family law agreement can be enforced in court in British Columbia, provided it complies with the Family Law Act (FLA) and other legal requirements. If one party fails to uphold their obligations under the agreement, the other party can apply to the court to enforce it. Agreements related to property division, spousal support, child support, and parenting arrangements can all be enforced through legal proceedings.


Requirements for Enforceable Family Law Agreements

Written and Signed

  • The agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties.
  • Witnesses are required for certain agreements, such as those involving spousal support.

Full Financial Disclosure

  • Both parties must provide complete and accurate disclosure of their financial situation.
  • Agreements made without full disclosure may be challenged in court.

Independent Legal Advice

  • Although not mandatory, independent legal advice strengthens the enforceability of an agreement by demonstrating that both parties understood their rights and obligations.

Fairness

  • The agreement must not be significantly unfair at the time of signing or enforcement.
  • Courts will assess fairness based on the circumstances when the agreement was made and any material changes since then.

Types of Family Law Agreements That Can Be Enforced

Property Division Agreements

  • Agreements specifying how family property and debts will be divided are enforceable under the FLA.
  • If one party refuses to transfer property or pay an agreed amount, the court can enforce compliance.

Spousal and Child Support Agreements

  • Support agreements can be filed with the court and enforced as if they were court orders.
  • The Family Maintenance Enforcement Program (FMEP) can assist with collecting unpaid support.

Parenting Arrangements

  • Agreements about parenting time and parental responsibilities can be enforced if they prioritize the child’s best interests.
  • If a parent violates the agreement, the court can issue orders to ensure compliance or modify the arrangements.

How Courts Enforce Family Law Agreements

Filing the Agreement with the Court

  • Agreements about support or parenting can be filed in the BC Provincial Court or BC Supreme Court, making them enforceable as court orders.

Enforcement Actions

The court can:

  • Order property transfers or payment of arrears.
  • Impose penalties for non-compliance, such as wage garnishment or liens on property.
  • Modify existing orders if necessary to ensure fairness or compliance.

Challenging the Agreement

  • If one party believes the agreement is unfair or invalid, they can apply to the court to have it set aside or varied.

Example in a Vancouver Context

A couple in Vancouver signs a separation agreement dividing their real estate and specifying spousal support. When one party refuses to transfer their share of a jointly owned rental property, the other party applies to the BC Supreme Court. The court enforces the property transfer and orders the non-compliant party to pay legal costs.


Steps to Ensure Your Agreement Is Enforceable

Step Description
Seek Legal Advice
  • Consult a lawyer to draft or review the agreement.
Ensure Full Disclosure
  • Provide accurate financial information to avoid challenges.
File the Agreement
  • File agreements with the court to streamline enforcement if disputes arise.

Seek Legal Assistance

If you need to enforce a family law agreement or ensure your agreement is legally binding, contact Mills Family Law, experienced Vancouver family lawyers, for guidance. We can help you navigate court proceedings and protect your rights. Call us at 778-945-3003 or fill out our web form to get started today.


Related FAQs

For more information, visit the BC Family Law Act.