The British Columbia Law Institute is examining how economic abuse manifests in family law litigation, particularly through family businesses. Small businesses make up 98% of all businesses in British Columbia, with many being family-run. These businesses serve as both family assets and sources of income for one or both spouses. When a family breaks down, the business often becomes a central issue in litigation. A family business can be exploited to carry out economic abuse. However, economic abuse can be missed as a component of family violence.

This project will look at some potential issues such as defining and understanding economic abuse, alongside examining current challenges in B.C. This can include challenges in valuing a business for division purposes, income of the parties, disposition or hiding of assets and incurring liabilities through the business. BCLI looks forward to releasing a study paper that will address family violence in the legal system. It will:

• Examine the impact of various laws on economic abuse in family law cases;
• Investigate approaches from other jurisdictions;
• Offer practical resources with insights from key informants;
• Highlight best practices and red flags for professionals.

If you are interested in learning more of this project, visit the BCLI website.