Legal Guides & Updates

Helpful articles answering common questions about mediation, family law, wills & estates, probate & real estate.

Clear, Reliable Support for Everyday Legal Documents

Many important life events require legally valid documents. Whether you’re buying or selling property, planning your estate, or handling personal or business matters, notary public services help ensure documents are properly prepared, signed, and legally recognized....

A Will Protects Your Wishes and Your Family

Planning for the future isn’t always easy. Many people put it off because it feels uncomfortable or overwhelming. But creating a will and putting a personal plan in place is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your...

What Executors Need to Know After a Death

When someone passes away, their loved ones are often left dealing with both grief and responsibility at the same time. Estate administration can feel overwhelming, especially for executors who may not know what is expected of them or where to begin. At Mather &...

When Mediation Is the Right Choice — And When It Isn’t

When Mediation Works — And When It Doesn’t Mediation is often described as a faster, kinder alternative to court. While that’s true in many cases, mediation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Knowing when mediation is appropriate — and when it may not be — helps...

Why Having a Notary Public Matters More Than You Think

Most people think they only need a notary for “signing stuff,” but a notary public plays an important role in keeping your documents legal, valid, and protected. At Mather & Company, our notary services help make paperwork feel simple, clear, and stress-free. What...

Understanding Guardianship in BC: What Parents Need To Know

Guardianship can feel confusing, especially during separation. Many parents worry they’ll “lose” their rights or that the other parent will make all the decisions. But guardianship in BC works differently than most people expect. Here’s a simple breakdown to help you...

How Mediation Helps Families Avoid Court (And Stress)

Court can feel scary. It’s expensive, slow, and full of conflict. But most families don’t actually need to go to court to solve their issues. That’s where family mediation comes in. At Mather & Company, we help families stay out of the courtroom and find solutions...

Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid in British Columbia — and How to Fix Them

Estate Planning Mistakes to Avoid in British Columbia — and How to Fix Them

Estate planning is one of those tasks that many people put off, but it plays a vital role in protecting your loved ones and ensuring your wishes are respected. In British Columbia, proper planning helps families avoid conflict, reduces the risk of legal disputes, and makes the probate process smoother. Without a plan in place, your assets may not be distributed the way you intend, and your family may be left with confusion and unnecessary stress.

Why Every Adult Should Have a Will in British Columbia

Life is unpredictable. A will makes sure your wishes are respected, your loved ones are protected, and the estate process is simpler. In B.C., not having a will can create confusion, stress, and conflict. A will is more than a legal document — it’s a thoughtful gift of clarity and peace of mind.

How Estate Administration Works in British Columbia

When someone passes away, their property, money, and personal belongings don’t just disappear — they need to be collected, managed, and distributed. This process is called estate administration, and in British Columbia, it can be complex and time-consuming. For grieving families, the responsibilities can feel overwhelming, but we are here to help.

Top Questions About Family Law in the Comox Valley Answered

Family law touches some of the most personal parts of life — separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, and property division. The legal system can feel complicated and intimidating. If you live in the Comox Valley and are facing a family law matter, you likely have questions. At Mather & Company, we hear the same concerns from many clients, and we’re here to offer straightforward answers.

Why Mediation Works: A Kinder Approach to Conflict Resolution

Conflict happens. Families separate, neighbours disagree, and business partners don’t always see eye to eye. When these situations come up, people often think of court as the only solution. But court can be expensive, stressful, and damaging to relationships. Mediation offers another way — one that is kinder, more flexible, and often much more effective.

Common Documents That Require Notarization in BC

Many legal documents in British Columbia aren’t considered valid until they’ve been notarized. At first glance, notarization might seem like a small detail — just a signature or a stamp. But in reality, it plays a critical role in giving documents legal weight, confirming identities, and helping prevent fraud. Without notarization, important documents may not be accepted by banks, government offices, or courts.

Our Services

Family Law and Divorce

Mather & Company specializes in all areas of family law including divorce, property division, children’s issues, support and adoption.

Estate Administration

Assistance with Probating Wills and seeking Letters of Administration, Estate Mediation where no Will exists and Estate Mediation for disputes over an estate.

Mediation

Mr. Mather is a certified family law mediator and is pleased to offer mediation services to families dealing with all kinds of disputes.

Notary Public

We offer a wide range of notary services for individuals, families, and businesses. We make sure paperwork is properly signed, witnessed, and legally binding.

Real Estate

Assisting with purchase and sale of residential properties, Refinances, Notary Services, Contract of Purchase and Sale, and Mortgages.

Wills, Estates, and Personal Planning

We offer advice with respect to personal planning, drafting Wills, Power of Attorney & Representation Agreement.

Our Google Reviews

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julius lumanta profile picture
julius lumanta
8 May 2025
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Mather and Company Family Law Firm provides compassionate, knowledgeable, and highly effective legal representation. Their team is attentive, thorough, and genuinely committed to helping clients navigate difficult family matters with clarity and confidence. Mather and Company delivers excellent service with integrity and professionalism.
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Amy Hollenbach
5 May 2025
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Working with Gavin was a wonderful experience. Highly recommend.
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Jan Grzeslo
3 May 2025
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Gavin and his staff are very welcoming and professional. He accommodated my time constraints for a document that needed notarization promptly. Would highly recommend Gavin!
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Marlo McMurchy profile picture
Marlo McMurchy
2 May 2025
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I send clients to Gavin all the time and have only heard five star reviews. He is exactly what you need in a lawyer/mediator. Would recommend him and his amazing team to my closest relatives, which I think says something about his character.
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Seany Grogan
1 May 2025
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Very empathetic and understanding. I Would highly recommend Gavin to anyone.
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Francesca Friesen
1 May 2025
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Gavin was compassionate, responsive, and deeply committed to the well-being of my family. I always felt heard, protected, and empowered throughout the process. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a lawyer who is not only highly skilled but truly cares.
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mslamontrichelle
1 May 2025
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Mather and Company were incredibly helpful when dealing with our remortgage! They went above and beyond to make sure everything went smoothly. Gavin is so friendly and professional. We will definitely be using their services for all of our family law needs! Highly recommend.
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simon holekamp
1 May 2025
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Gavin was extremely professional and answered all my questions and concerns. Two thumbs up
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