Amelia HallHandling legal issues isn’t always easy, especially when it involves matters close to the heart. That’s why you need a skilled yet compassionate family lawyer by your side.
To help you navigate the complexities of family law, we reviewed the best family lawyers in Vancouver. From adoption, surrogacy, and custody, to property division, restraining orders, and agreements, they’ll make sure your family is taken care of.
| How much does a family lawyer cost in Vancouver? In Vancouver, a family lawyer’s starting fee, known as the initial retainer, varies from $3,000 to $30,000. Hourly rates hover between $225 to $500 on average, but some may charge as high as $1,000 depending on experience and reputation. |
How We Chose the Best Family Lawyers in Vancouver
1. MacLean Family Law
Business Address: 1021 W Hastings St #2900, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C3
Website: macleanfamilylaw.ca
Instagram: MacLean Law (@maclean_law)
Phone Number: (604) 602-9000
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
With 40 years of experience, MacLean Family Law has earned Canadian Lawyer Magazine’s 2023 Family Law Firm of The Year.
Fraser McLean, one of their family lawyers, is renowned for handling high-profile cases on national and international platforms. In fact, he’s been featured in the New York Post, USA Today, CBC News, and Vanity Fair.
His firm’s process begins with a conflict-of-interest check. Then, they schedule initial consultations to address key questions and establish a suitable retainer.
Beyond divorce and mediation, they handle child parenting time, guardianship, and fertility concerns.
They also specialize in catering to high-net-worth families by handling division of family trusts, businesses, properties, and “grey divorces.”
Notably, they’ve made a mark in pet custody cases, especially in light of BC becoming the first jurisdiction in Canada to treat pets differently in separation cases.
Additionally, their staff can converse with clients in Mandarin, Cantonese, Chinese, and Punjabi.
Pros
- 40 years of experience
- Canadian Lawyer Magazine’s 2023 Family Law Firm of The Year
- Has been featured in local and international media outlets
- Specializes in catering to high-net-worth families
- Known for their pet custody cases
- Multilingual staff
Cons
- Reports of non-response to queries
Hands down the best I have ever worked with
“I HIGHLY recommend MacLean Law. Fraser MacLean is a highly skilled lawyer who has done fantastic work on my file. Professional, efficient and caring – Fraser and his team instilled trust and confidence from the beginning of my file and they have been prepared every step of the way. The support staff working with Fraser have been very helpful and professional. This law firm is hands down the best I have ever worked with. Thank you Fraser and MacLean Law for all your hard work. I have had a first class experience dealing with this law firm.”
-Kyle Humchitt, Google Review
From my first initial consult, I knew I was in very capable hands
“I am so thankful I came across Maclean Law Firm. I was extremely nervous heading into the divorce process but from my first initial consult with Fraser and Jesse I knew I was in very capable hands. They have been nothing but exceptional with my case and have worked so hard to get the best outcome possible for me. Any fear or worries that came up were quickly put to ease. When I felt like giving up they always knew what to say and how to keep me going. They go above and beyond at all times for their clients and will fight to get you what you deserve. I will forever be grateful I chose them to be my lawyers, they are honest, fair and will put you first! They made going through an extremely tough time that much easier. Thank you Fraser, Jesse and your wonderful team I will be recommending you to anyone who needs any legal advice.”
-Jesen Ballard, Google Review
2. YLaw
Business Address: 1122 Mainland St #410, Vancouver, BC V6B 5L1
Website: ylaw.ca
Instagram: YLaw (@ylaw.firm)
Phone Number: (604) 974-9529
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
YLaw Group, the largest female-led law firm in Canada, was named the No. 139 company on The Globe and Mail’s Top 400 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada.
Their family and estate partner lawyer, Jasmine Mangat, has a track record of success in prominent BC courts. She also extends her expertise as a Legal Coach, aiding those navigating the legal battles while representing themselves.
Jasmeet actively contributes to the legal community, serving as a guest lecturer for the Law Courts Centre and participating in the South Asian Legal Clinic.
Beyond divorce and mediation, her firm specializes in fertility law. They guide individuals and couples through the intricate landscape of reproductive technologies, surrogacy, and adoption.
They also handle common law cases, involving mediation, arbitration, prenuptial agreements, and separation agreements.
YLaw’s impactful work has garnered media attention, being featured in Global News, The Vancouver Sun, Bar Talk, and The Lawyers Weekly.
Pros
- Largest female-led law firm in Canada
- One of the Top 400 Fastest Growing Companies in Canada
- Offers legal coaching
- Contributes to the legal community
- Handles divorce and mediation
- Specializes in fertility law
- Handles common law cases
- Garnered media attention
Cons
- Reports of overcharging
Best family lawyers in BC, hands down!
“Best family lawyers in BC, hands down! I am getting married and they made the stressful process of a prenup seamless and tension-free! They are organized, timely and really care about their clients – and it shows! Thank you YLaw!”
–Mariana Venegas, Google Review
Jasmeet was able to help us get exactly what we hoped for
“This Review is for Jasmeet Mangat. Our situation was a particularly complicated Family Law case, it would have almost seemed impossible if it wasn’t for the expertise of Jasmeet. Without getting into too much personal details of the case, I want to communicate how complex things were and how Jasmeet was able to help us get exactly what we hoped for against such compounding odds. There were 3 parties involved, and after a grueling 2 year process due to the events and involvement from other parties, Jasmeet was able to help us get the exact court orders we wanted, without needing to go to trial. There were times where we felt so lost and hopeless, but after conversing with Jasmeet, getting her council, being thorough and sticking to the well thought out plan, I can soundly say that our decision to have Jasmeet in our corner was single handedly the best decision we made in this process. We would not have had the success we got without her. Not only was Jasmeet communicative, transparent, and available, but she was also caring, compassionate and most importantly, she was truly invested in us and our case. We feel so lucky that we stumbled upon Jasmeet’s profile and made that initial phone call. Jasmeet does not leave things up to chance, and will work hard to support her clients in a professional and timely matter. Please, if a situation truly matters to you, a lawyer is a necessary expense, and Jasmeet is absolutely worth it. Thank you YLAW Group!”
-Rolan Mendoza, Google Review
3. Nasser Allan LLP
Business Address: 815 W Hastings St #701, Vancouver, BC V6C 3N2
Website: nasserallan.ca
Instagram: Nasser Allan LLP (@nasserallan_llp)
Phone Number: (604) 620-8682
Business Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 6:30 PM
Nasser Allan LLP’s co-founder, Nassim Nasser, brings a bold approach to high-conflict family law and divorce cases. She aims to alleviate emotional trauma by providing a results-based plan for separation, divorce, custody, and support.
Clients benefit from her expertise in complex property and corporate transactions, especially those involving foreign assets and properties. She also prefers crafting cost-effective, solution-based strategies.
Having appeared before all levels of court in British Columbia, Nassim’s appellate-level cases are routinely published in Top 5 magazine.
Beyond divorce and child custody, her firm handles appeals, guardianship, spousal support, and debt and property division.
Nasser Allan LLP also specializes in cases involving child relocation, emphasizing the importance of seeking legal assistance due to the complex nature of relocation law.
Pros
- Uses a results-based plan
- Handles complex family property and corporate transactions
- Prioritizes cost-effective, solution-based strategies
- Appellate-level cases are routinely published
- Divorce, child custody, and spousal support
- Specializes in cases involving child relocation
- Also handles appeals, guardianship, and asset division
Cons
- Reports of poor communication
Exceptionally competent counsel for family court!
“Ms. Nassim Nasser has been our attorney in a high conflict family matter for well over a year. We have found her to extremely intelligent and well prepared for our court dates. She has repeatedly taken a great deal of her personal time to research and prepare with us. She really listens to what we have been through and has fought extremely hard for us. Ms. Nasser is kind, compassionate and understanding, and after our previous experiences with other family lawyers she’s been a gem. Nasser and Allan are well worth the money spent in family matters and I would highly recommend this firm to anyone seeking exceptionally competent counsel for family court!”
-blondeey, Google Review
Nassim changed my view of lawyers
“After trying three layers, I thought lawyers were the same, not taking any actions and no communications. Nassim changed my view of lawyers. She tried to get a picture of the case. After she got the picture, she had a strategy and she knows what to do step by steps. She was also working for my interests , convincing me to accept an agreement instead of paying high fee for the trial. She is a real lawyer for her client.”
-Connie Kuang, Google Review
4. RWE Family Law
Business Address: 808 Nelson St #1700, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2H2
Website: rwelaw.ca
Instagram: RWE Law (@rwe_law)
Phone Number: (778) 654-7554
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
RWE Family Law, serving BC since 2012, is led by partner Kevin Quong, a UBC alum exclusively dedicated to family law and child protection. He specializes in high-conflict parenting disputes, intricate family asset division, and child and spousal support.
His proficiency extends to cases involving the Ministry of Children and Family Development, helping parents understand their rights during these challenging times.
His law firm also handles appeals, stressing the necessity of seeking a legal opinion before commencing an appeal due to strict timelines.
RWE Family Law’s other services include prenup agreements and probate matters such as wills, estates, and trusts.
With hourly rates ranging from $250-$450, they offer competitive pricing, adjusted based on work complexity, time sensitivity, and client circumstances.
Pros
- Over a decade of experience
- Specializes in high-conflict parenting disputes
- Also handles asset division, and child and spousal support
- Ministry of Children and Family Development cases
- Handles appeals and probate matters
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Does not handle adoption or surrogacy matters
Amazing, professional, and so supportive
“My husband and I hired Kevin to handle our case with my mother regarding visitation as well as issues with our protection order. He was amazing, professional and so supportive. I have nothing but wonderful things to say about our experience with him. I would recommend using him/this law firm any time you need a lawyer.”
-Leigh-Anne Lightbown Copan, Google Review
More than happy with his service, his support, and the results
“In looking to wrap up an ongoing child support issue, Kevin Quong was recommended as good legal council. He was outstanding. He never overpromised results (family law can unpredictable), always provided updates, and guided every step of the way. Despite the challenging situation, Kevin was able to put together a concise and strong presentation which allowed for succeed in getting to the desired outcome. We are more than happy with his service, his support and the results. I would not hesitate to recommend Kevin to family and friends.”
-Heather Yuzik, Google Review
5. Crossroads Law
Business Address: 1055 W Georgia St Suite 2100, Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3
Website: crossroadslaw.ca
Instagram: Crossroads Law (@crossroadslaw)
Phone Number: +1 800-466-1838
Business Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Crossroads Law was honored with the 2023 LEAP’s Family Law Firm of the Year and Business in Vancouver’s Top 100 Fastest Growing Companies. They offer services in Hindi, Farsi, Swedish, Hebrew, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, and Urdu.
One of its family lawyers, Tanya Thakur, specializes in collaborative law and litigation. She also has training in family violence, collaborative practice, trauma-informed legal practice, and mediation.
Her firm provides assistance in separation and divorce through legal coaching or unbundled family law services. This unique approach supports those representing themselves in family court.
Plus, they actively volunteer at charities like the Calgary Food Bank, Access Pro Bono BC, and Rise Women’s Legal Centre.
Esteemed media outlets such as CBC, Global News, The Globe and Mail, and Real Talk have featured Crossroads Law.
Pros
- Has won numerous awards
- Multilingual staff
- Specializes in collaborative law
- Trained in family violence and trauma-informed practice
- Offers legal coaching
- Supports charities
- Featured in media outlets
Cons
- Reports of filing errors
Tanya was honest and knowledgeable
“Tanya was honest and knowledgeable right from the start. From the initial phone call she laid it all out and went over the pros and cons of each possible outcome. She was confident, attentively listened to our concerns and provided honest feedback. She explained what she can do to help us legally and worked collaboratively with us. She pursued our provincial family matter and then switched tracks and proceeded to successfully finalize an adoption for us- a first for her! She diligently worked to ensure we had a successful outcome and worked alongside us every step of the way. It was a long process and Tanya remained positive and secure in her position. Our family thanks you Tanya and we are so thankful!”
-T. B., Google Review
Tanya Thakur made the process so simplified and easy
“I am currently going through divorce and as everyone knows the legal aspects of it can be quite overwhelming. However Crossroads Law and especially my lawyer, Tanya Thakur made the process so simplified and easy that it took away a lot of stress that this process entails. She has been extremely professional, helpful, and prompt in her responses and follow up. Her approachable manner and understanding of her clients situation has made the divorce process less intimidating and confusing. I would highly recommend her for anyone in my situation since having a good and understanding lawyer goes a long way in dealing with an already difficult life situation. 1.”
-Ankita Agrawal, Google Review
6. ACE Legal
Business Address: 610 – 1125 Howe St. Vancouver, B.C. V6Z 2K8
Website: https://acelegal.ca/
Instagram:
Phone Number: 604-564-7077
Business Hours: Contact for more information
ACE Legal, founded by Andrea Petersen, offers effective and affordable family law services in the Greater Vancouver, BC area.
What we like is how the firm emphasizes clear, caring, and friendly legal representation, ensuring clients feel supported through complex family law matters.
ACE Legal offers competitive hourly rates and unbundled services, making quality legal assistance accessible to more people.
Andrea Petersen is noted for her direct, down-to-earth, and caring demeanor, which helps clients feel comfortable and supported during stressful times. This is what we like about her.
We appreciate Andrea’s ability to explain complex legal issues in a clear and concise manner, facilitating better understanding and decision-making.
We’re also very impressed with Andrea’s efficiency in managing legal processes, such as handling international divorces smoothly and saving clients from unnecessary worries.
Beyond legal representation, Andrea provides additional support, such as emotional reassurance and practical assistance, which can be invaluable during family law disputes.
Pros
- Affordable Legal Solutions
- Personalized and Caring Approach
- Clear and Effective Communication
- Efficiency in Handling Cases
- Comprehensive Support
Cons
- Initial consultation is not free
