We often see lawyers only consider financial abuse when dealing with property division; however, financial abuse can impact every aspect of a family law file, including impacting the client’s ability to give instructions. Just as a lawyer would consider physical abuse in all aspects of a file, for example, how it may impact parenting arrangements, or the client’s safety when attending court or mediation; lawyers should do the same when there has been financial abuse. Without the right tools, it can be hard to identify when financial abuse has occurred, or to know what to do next.

In British Columbia (BC), the Law Society of BC mandates that practicing lawyers must complete at least 12 hours of accredited continuing professional development (CPD) each calendar year. Of those 12 hours, at least 2 must be on professional ethics and/or practice management.

The Law Society of BC’s program aims to be flexible to help lawyers meet requirements in ways that match their own professional goals and learning preferences.