About Kevin

Kevin J. Groves, Family Lawyer & Mediator

I bring dedication, compassion and 15 years of experience as a family lawyer.

The best teacher is experience. I know this to be true from my own divorce. I am proud to help clients negotiate and litigate when they are divorcing, seeking guardianship of their children, dividing property or applying for financial support. I know when to settle, mediate or go to trial at all levels of court in British Columbia. I know it takes long hours, determination and tenacity to succeed. I enjoy helping clients navigate emotionally charged family law issues. Nothing gives me greater satisfaction than receiving thanks from a happy client who has obtained a favourable result. It is an opportunity to help someone get through one of the worst times in their lives.

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Qualifications

Bachelor of Laws, University of British Columbia, 2008
Master of Journalism, University of British Columbia, 2004
Bachelor of Arts (Honours, with distinction), University of Victoria, 2002

Family Law Mediator since 2019
Called to the bar in British Columbia May, 2009

FAQs For A Family Lawyer

What are your fees and do you accept payment plans?

Don’t be afraid to seek legal advice because you are afraid of fees. The allocation of support and division of assets makes divorce one of your most important financial decisions so professional counsel can be money well spent.

The actual cost depends on the amount of work involved. I charge $350 per hour, billed in six-minute increments.

In general, we start by establishing an amount for a retainer and a monthly payment amount. This is money you provide to pay for the lawyer’s work they on your file. I accept payment by cash, cheque and major credit cards. The money goes into a trust account and is only moved out of this when work is done and a bill is sent to you.

I can’t guarantee exactly how long your matter will take – nobody can.
How can we minimize costs?

Be clear about what you want to accomplish: The longer it takes, the more it will cost you. Most divorce lawyers who see the client for the first time in an initial consult have first had the client fill out an “initial client meeting” sheet. Take the time to fill it out thoroughly because it will save the divorce lawyer time [and your money] asking you for that information, which will be needed to begin a court action. You can check out the “Divorce Law Issues” page on this website for more information on common divorce law issues.

Prepare all the relevant documents as early as possible: This will save time and money when your lawyer prepares a financial statement. This is required from both spouses and lists assets, debts and monthly expenses with financial records to confirm.

Remember the meter is running: Lawyers will charge you every time you speak to them, email them or ask them to do something. Part of a good divorce lawyer’s job is to keep you focused on your final goals rather than getting sidetracked on less important matters that can still prove costly.
What should I prepare for my consultation?
Your original marriage certificate [if you have it];

Your T1 General tax returns and notices of assessment for the past three years;

Your most recent statement of earnings [pay stub] from your employer;

Your most recent B.C. Property Assessment for all homes, condos etc. that you own;

All court documents, especially court orders, separation agreements and other pleadings;

If you own a company, you should bring all corporate T2 income tax returns, balance sheets, and statements of income for the past three years;

Your bank card, so the divorce lawyer can print your bank statements from your online account, which may be needed on division of property issues;

Your credit card. In addition to providing payment, the divorce lawyer may wish to print your credit card statements from your online account, which will be needed to quantify the family debt on division of property issues;

Your most recent mortgage statement.
Sample hourly billings for common family law services:

Uncontested Divorces: Approximately two hours of legal time plus a $200 filing fee.

Separation Agreements: Approximately 10 hours of legal time.This includes in-person meeting(s) to establish objectives, correspondence and negotiation, and preparing a financial statement to ensure full, fair and frank disclosure.

Filing a Notice of Family Claim or Reply/Counterclaim in Contested Proceedings: One – three hours of legal time plus a $200 filing fee.

Judicial Case Conferences: Approximately five to seven hours. Two to four hours of preparation, 1.5 hours for the conference plus travel time, and one to two hours for follow up on next steps.

Mediation: I offer mediation services on a sliding scale from $100-$350/hour depending on family cash flow. I can accompany you as counsel or provide information by telephone if you need independent legal advice during a mediation with another mediator.

Trials: Most family law cases settle before this because trials are expensive. Estimate 10 hours per day of trial plus five hours per day of prep time. A five-day trial would equal 75 hours.

Didn’t answer your question? Ask a family lawyer.

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