Our Lawyers

I am a partner in Henderson Heinrichs. I received my Bachelor of Arts degree from Simon Fraser University in 1988 with a major in Political Science and a German minor. In 1989, I began attending Dalhousie Law School in Nova Scotia and graduated in 1992. After articling for one year, I passed the British Columbia Bar in 1993. Since that time, I have practices solely in the area of family law. I have appeared in all levels of the British Columbia court system and have lectured in the community on all aspects of family law.

In 1997, Rain Henderson and I set out to create a law firm which would provide legal advice to clients on the whole range of family law issues, but without the pretension sometimes associated with our business. The breakdown of a relationship causes people enough stress and confusion, and our aim in forming Henderson Heinrichs was to make sure that the legal process did not add to that stress.

I believe it is very important that people understand what the law says about their situations, that they know how the legal process works and that they make the decisions that affect their lives. Because of that, we involve our clients in every facet of the process, from initial discussions regarding what is possible, to negotiations, to court appearances. We consult with our clients every step of the way and present all options and advice to them in a clear, unconfusing manner so that they can decide what is best for themselves.

Because I have been practicing family law for ten years, my opinions and advice are valuable. I can often present options that clients did not realize existed and give my true opinion on the expectations that clients present. I do not hesitate to say exactly what I think, and I will not sugar-coat my opinion of a client’s situation. Every client has a right to know exactly what their legal situation is, to know what is possible and what is not.

I believe that negotiation is important, and if acrimonious and expensive court attendances can be avoided without hurting my client’s interests, settlement is certainly something which should be explored. I will not, however, advise clients to settle when it would hurt their interests, and will not shy away from tenaciously challenging an unfair position in court.

Of all the family law issues our clients face, the most difficult and the most important are those dealing with children. I believe that children’s interests have to be placed at the forefront when a relationship breaks down, and that they be avidly protected. It is important that clients understand what words like custody and guardianship mean so that they can make informed decisions regarding their children’s lives. It is equally important that they be informed about all available options regarding their children so that they do not have to settle for anything less than what is best.

I will continue to practice family law in the manner that Henderson Heinrichs has come to stand for, and look forward to meeting with anyone who needs assistance, guidance and clarity.