B.C. family laws face sweeping change

B.C.'sattorney generalintroduced a bill Monday that would create a new Family Law Act to replace the 1978 Family Relations Act, and better serve the interests of children.

Shirley Bondtold the B.C. Legislaturethat theprimary goal of the proposed act is toensure the safety and well-being of children during and after the process of separation or divorce.

"The best interests of the child must be the only consideration," Bond said.

Bill 16's recommendations follow from a discussion paper and draft legislation issued in July2010. The white paper suggested, among other things, toning down the language in the law by removing terms such as "custody."

The billtries to reduce conflict by steering couples away form courts and towards mediation.

The proposed new law, if passed,would alsocurb family violence by replacing restraining orders issued by civil court with protection orders issued by criminal court.

Another reform proposed for the Family Law Act wouldextend property rights to common-law couples, rights which presently do not formally exist in B.C.

If the bill passes, there will be a 50/50 split of the couple's assets, with the exception of inherited assets and those acquired before the relationship began.