Study Paper on Understanding Economic Abuse through Family Businesses in Family Law

Overview

Economic abuse is a form of family violence that can have serious legal implications, particularly during family breakdown. When a family business is involved, it can become a tool for family violence—used to control, manipulate, or deprive a partner of financial resources. Recognizing this form of violence is important for legal professionals to ensure just and fair outcomes. Yet, this issue remains underexplored in legal literature and case law.

This study paper aims to deepen understanding of how economic abuse occurs through family businesses, how it is currently addressed (or overlooked) in family law, and the challenges that arise in responding to it.

Read the Study Paper

The paper draws on social science research, legal analysis, case law, and insights from key informants to present an accessible overview. This resource is intended to support legal professionals in identifying and addressing economic abuse.

About the Study Paper

What issues are being considered?

  • What is economic abuse, and how does it intersect with family businesses?
  • How is it currently addressed in family law proceedings?
  • What legal and practical barriers exist to addressing this form of family violence?

What’s inside?

  • Outlines the study’s purpose and methodology.
  • Defines economic abuse and examines why family businesses are vulnerable to it.
  • Provides relevant legal context, including the legislative background of the Family Law Act.
  • Explores how existing legal frameworks are applied in practice.
  • Identifies key challenges, drawn from case analysis and interviews.
  • Summarizes findings and suggests areas for future work.

Learn more / Get involved

Watch this space for upcoming opportunities to get involved.

Funders

This project is made possible by funding from the Ministry of Attorney General for British Columbia and the Law Foundation of British Columbia.

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