Divorce proceedings are often fraught with emotional turmoil as weighty matters such as separation and divorce terms, child custody, child support, spousal support and division of property, have to be explored.
Professional advice can be valuable at any time, but in turbulent situations, being able to rely on the support of someone who understands you and your circumstances becomes even more important.
People seeking legal counsel often face complex challenges, for example, when they deal with a divorce. To gain a comprehensive understanding of his clients’ circumstances, George Lee, founding member of George Lee Law Corp., relies on “communication skills, people skills, professional expertise and experience, and a dedication to helping them achieve best outcomes.”
In a community where over one-third of residents have Chinese roots, understanding their language and cultural background is essential, says Lee. “When a client wants to communicate with a lawyer, it’s important that there isn’t any language barrier. Fluency in both Mandarin and Cantonese is one of our major advantages along with a familiarity with the culture and mindset.”
In many cases, clients wait to seek legal representation until they reach “a point of desperation,” he notes. “Due to cultural sensitivities, people don’t want to get a lawyer involved until the last minute. This delay can make finding a solution more difficult, especially when lots of things have already been said and done.”
In addition to his qualifications as a lawyer, Lee is a life coach and a divorce coach. “I spent about a decade studying psychology, family dynamics and personal development. It helps me understand what my clients go through on a personal level – and guide them on how they can advance their future,” he says. “Many come to me because beyond legal services, they are looking for advice and emotional support.”
Yet emotional upheaval is far from the only variable adding complexity to divorce cases, especially in light of the local community’s strong ties to China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Korea.
“When personal or business properties are located outside Canada or spouses are earning income overseas, a valuation of assets, business appraisals or real estate information from these areas can be difficult to obtain,” says Lee. “This means we need to understand the laws that apply in these jurisdictions – and seek cooperation and assistance from lawyers familiar with local laws and regulations.”
Again, a knowledge of the language and culture can provide a significant advantage, says Lee. “We have a lot of experience with cases spanning different borders and different cultures.”
George Lee Law’s legal services extend beyond family law to “all aspects of the law,” including immigration law, property conveyancing, criminal law, civil litigation, buying and selling businesses, and notarization, he says. “This broad scope allows us to understand a client’s situation very deeply.”
No wonder the impressive array of competencies and skills have earned the firm a reputation for excellence and a consistent ranking among B.C.’s top lawyers. Yelp.ca lists George Lee Law among the 10 Best for Family Law, and ThreeBestRated.ca counts Lee as among the top 3 for Immigration Lawyer, Divroce Lawyer, and Criminal Defense in Burnaby.
“We have a solid reputation,” says Lee. “We serve our clients in the community with a dedication to the highest professional and ethical standards, and we charge reasonable fees.”
