An expert and experienced divorce lawyer in Surrey can help you understand your legal rights, protect your interests, and make the right decisions throughout the process. CityLaw Group has more than 17+ years of experience helping uncountable clients in British Columbia (BC). This exceptional guide will help you understand the divorce process in BC and what you should look for when hiring a divorce lawyer.
What Surrey Families Often Need from a Divorce Lawyer?
Every family requires solutions according to their situation, but there are certain issues that are common in Surrey divorce cases.
- Family home: For many couples, the house is considered to be the most important asset. Dividing it fairly means looking at mortgages, joint title, contributions from parents, and the tax impact of selling.
- Family businesses: Thousands of couple own businesses together, such as trucking companies, construction firms, restaurants or shops etc. A lawyer may be required to find the real valuation of the business and how much income it generates. This detail is necessary for fair division.
- Property outside Canada: Assets outside Canada may also be considered family property in BC. These assets must be properly disclosed and valued so that the division can be done fairly.
- Family financial support: Parents and in-laws may contribute money towards a home or other expenses. It is important to understand whether this money was a gift or a loan.
- Language and communication: Some clients feel more comfortable discussing personal matters in their mother tongue, such as Punjabi, Urdu, or Hindi. A lawyer can fill the gap and act as a bridge for clear communication.
- Immigration matters: Separation can affect spousal sponsorship, work permits, and permanent residency applications. Legal advice may be needed on both family and immigration matters.
6 Qualities to Look for in a Divorce Lawyer
- The lawyer should have local experience, as knowledge of Surrey courts and local family law cases strengthens their ability to handle your case effectively.
- The lawyer must understand your language and background clearly without any misunderstanding.
- Lawyers must be expert and skilled in managing property division.
- Experience with parenting disputes.
- A lawyer must have the ability to negotiate settlements and represent you in court.
- Knowledge of immigration issues.
How Divorce Works in British Columbia?
Knowing the basics helps you ask better questions and avoid costly mistakes.
Who can file?
Divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act and filed in the Supreme Court of British Columbia. At least one spouse must have lived in BC for at least 1 year before filing.
Grounds for divorce
The only legal reason for divorce is the breakdown of marriage. This can be shown in three ways:
- living separate and apart for at least 1 year (the most common route)
- adultery
- physical or mental cruelty
You can be separated while still living under the same roof, as long as you are living separate lives.
Uncontested vs. Contested Divorce
In an uncontested divorce, spouses agree on the key issues and the court can often grant the divorce on paper without a hearing. In a contested divorce, one or more issues are in dispute and may go through negotiation, mediation, a judicial case conference, or trial.
Property and Debt Division
Under BC’s Family Law Act, family property and family debt are generally divided equally. Some property can be excluded, such as assets owned before the relationship, gifts and inheritances, but any increase in their value during the relationship is usually shared. Learn more about property division in BC.
Child and Spousal Support
Child support is calculated under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based mainly on income and the number of children. Spousal support depends on factors like the length of the relationship, each person’s role, and income differences.
Meet the Best family Law Team in Surrey
A professional lawyer is recognized for exceptional work and experience. CityLaw Group has the best lawyers in BC who are dedicated to helping clients.
Puneet Khaira – Founder and Trial Lawyer, CityLaw Group (Surrey, BC)
Puneet Khaira founded CityLaw Group in 2017, after 9 years of experience at a respected mid-sized BC firm. She has more than 17 years of litigation experience at the BC Provincial Court, the Supreme Court of BC and the Federal Court of Canada.
Puneet handles complex and high-conflict family law matters, including parenting disputes, property division, and child and spousal support claims. She is known for her thorough preparation and clear, honest advice. She takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and builds a strategy around their goals and their children’s best interests.
Puneet also practises immigration law. She represents clients in removal order matters, detention reviews, judicial reviews before the Federal Court, and immigration appeals. Her experience in both areas is particularly valuable for clients whose immigration status may be affected by separation or divorce. She can address both issues together, so nothing is overlooked. Clients value Puneet’s calm, steady approach during difficult times. She advocates firmly on their behalf, whether through negotiation, mediation or in court.
- Languages: English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu
- Called to the BC Bar: 2009
- Education: JD, University of Toronto; Bachelor of Technology, PTU
- Memberships: Canadian Bar Association, South Asian Bar Association of BC, Trial Lawyers Association of BC
Gurbinder Khosa – Barrister and Solicitor, Associate Lawyer, CityLaw Group (Surrey, BC)
Gurbinder brings 3 years of experience in family law – divorce, property division, parenting time and parenting issues, child and spousal support, protection orders, alternate dispute resolution methods, mediations, separation agreements, prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, property agreements.
Known for a calm, practical approach, Gurbinder helps clients through some of the most stressful moments of their lives with clear advice and steady support. Every family situation is different, so Gurbinder takes the time to understand each client’s goals, explains their options in plain language, and works toward solutions that protect their rights and their children’s best interests.
Where possible, Gurbinder encourages resolving disputes through negotiation and mediation to save clients time, cost and conflict. When an agreement can’t be reached, Gurbinder is prepared to advocate firmly on the client’s behalf. Clients value Gurbinder’s responsiveness, honesty and genuine care, and come away feeling heard, informed and confident about their next steps.
- Languages: English, Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi
- Called to the BC Bar: 2024 (Called to the Alberta Bar: 2023)
- Education: BA-LLB
Guntas Sidhu – Barrister and Solicitor, Associate Lawyer, CityLaw Group (Surrey, BC)
Guntas handles a range of family law matters, including parenting time, child and spousal support, and divorce. He helps clients understand their options and works toward practical outcomes that protect their interests and their children’s well-being.
Guntas also represents clients in Federal Court immigration litigation and civil disputes before the BC Supreme Court and Provincial Court. He was called to the BC Bar in 2025 and brings about seven years of combined legal experience, including earlier practice before the High Court of Punjab and Haryana.
He holds an LL.M. in Criminal Law with Distinction and is currently pursuing the CIPP/C privacy designation. Clients appreciate his clear communication and careful preparation, whether their matter resolves through negotiation or in court.
Reported Judgments
- Singh v. Canada, 2025 FC 887
- Chopra v. Canada, 2024 FC 2059
- Kaur v. Canada, 2026 FC 811
- Nijjar v. Canada, 2026 FC 1299
- Languages: English, Hindi, Punjabi and Conversational Urdu
- Called to the BC Bar: 2025
- Education: BA/LLB, Panjab University, Chandigarh, LLM (Criminal Law), Punjabi University
Talk to a Surrey Divorce Lawyer Today
Choosing a lawyer is one of the most important decisions you will make during a separation. Take your time, ask questions, and pick someone you trust. If you would like to speak with our team in English, Punjabi, Hindi or Urdu, contact CityLaw Group for a free consultation. At CityLaw, our clients are like family. We listen carefully, make strategy, and fight with full potential for the best possible outcomes, whether through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. So, contact us now!
