Counsel of Record: Zachary Berinstein

Case Summary: Zachary Berinstein acted for the respondent father in a complex cross-border family law dispute involving competing Canadian and American proceedings. He successfully argued that Washington was the most appropriate forum, and secured a rare order maintaining child support jurisdiction there despite the children residing in British Columbia. The Court also ordered parenting time, shared decision-making, and reunification counselling to support the father's relationship with his children.

2026 BCSC 447 (CanLII)

Counsel of Record: Camille Boyer & Yasemin Shihab Ahmed

Case Summary: Camille Boyer and Yasemin Shihab Ahmed were successful in this Alberta Court of Appeal matter in securing a partial stay of an interim parenting order, pending appeal. In chambers, the parties had been ordered to implement a phased increase in parenting time. By the time the second phase was set to begin, however, that increase was no longer appropriate. By strategically advancing a partial stay rather than a full stay, counsel persuaded the court that pausing the second phase served the child's best interests. The decision offers a helpful precedent on partial stays in parenting matters and prioritizes stability for children during ongoing litigation.

2026 ABCA 46 (CanLII)

Counsel of Record: Cori Molloy & Chyanne Sharma

Case Summary: In this complex child protection matter, Cori Molloy and Chyanne Sharma successfully secured the children’s placement with their client overseas after the children had been apprehended by the Ministry of Children and Families. This outcome is particularly noteworthy, as international placements are rarely approved in such cases. It reflects the court’s willingness to prioritize the children’s best interests even across borders.

2025 BCPC 39 (CanLII)

Counsel of Record: Yasemin Shihab Ahmed

Case Summary: Yasemin Shihab Ahmed successfully represented the appellant mother in a significant Alberta Court of Appeal case that reinforced the principle of finality in family law decisions.

The case involved a relocation application by the mother, who sought to move with her young son to Nova Scotia to be closer to her family and pursue post-secondary education. Her application was initially denied in 2023 and the hearing judge requested that the mother provide further financial and childcare information. This led to a second hearing in 2024 where the decision largely reaffirmed the original ruling.

Yasemin argued on appeal that the judge had exceeded her jurisdiction by reviewing a final decision and was functus officio. The Court of Appeal agreed that the process was improper and there was no justification for a review, especially of a final decision. The court set aside the 2024 decision; however, they declined to order a de novo hearing, affirming the 2023 decision, and denying the application.

2025 ABCA 37 (CanLII)

Counsel of Record: Cori Molloy

Case Summary: Cori Molloy successfully represented the claimant father in this groundbreaking family law case, securing an increase in parenting time. This landmark decision—the first in BC to consider a multi-parent agreement—reflects the evolving dynamics of Canadian families and reinforces that a child’s best interests are served by fostering relationships with all of their parents.

The case presented unique challenges, with the claimant facing opposition from two aligned parents. Despite the complexities, Cori effectively advocated for the claimant’s role in the child’s life. A key aspect of the case was the court’s decision to deny the respondent’s request for a section 211 report, often considered the “eyes and ears” of the court in parenting matters. The judge ruled that the request was an “attempt to create parenting controversies where none exist,” setting a significant precedent that may deter the misuse of such reports as litigation tactics in future cases.

2024 BCSC 2385 (CanLII)

Counsel of Record: Millad Ossudallah

Case Summary: Millad Ossudallah successfully represented the respondent father in securing the return of his child from India to Smithers, BC within 21 days. This outcome was reached after the claimant mother had relocated without the father's consent, as provided in the BC Family Law Act. Additionally, the court ruled that the mother is prohibited from removing the child from Smithers without either the father's consent or a subsequent court order.

Counsel of Record: Tanya Thakur

Case Summary: Tanya Thakur successfully represented the mother in this complex child custody and support case. The court upheld the existing parenting schedule, where the children primarily reside with the mother. The court also ruled in favour of the mother for child support and a proportionate share of the children's daycare costs, ensuring her financial stability and the well-being of the children.

Counsel of Record: Camille Boyer

Case Summary: In this complex case involving substance abuse and child custody, the applicant father, represented by Camille Boyer was successful in petitioning the court to update the existing parenting order. Despite ongoing struggles with sobriety, the father had consistently tested negative for substance use and sought to improve his situation. Ultimately, the court granted the father unsupervised visits with his child every Saturday. The decision marked a positive step for the father in being more involved in his child's life.

Counsel of Record: Amanda Marsden 

Case Summary: Amanda Marsden successfully represented the mother in this case involving international child custody. The court ruled that the child, who was taken to Canada by the father, was wrongfully retained and should be immediately returned to France. The father failed to prove that the mother had deceived him into moving to France with the intent of ending their relationship. The decision reinforced that both parents had originally mutually agreed to make France their habitual residence, affirming the mother's rightful custody.