Civil Law & Litigation · Kelowna & the Okanagan
Stokes Law LLP represents Okanagan businesses, owners, families and individuals in commercial, estate, real estate, strata and employment disputes — focused on practical outcomes and proportionate cost.
Our office
460 Doyle Ave, Downtown KelownaKelowna, British Columbia V1Y 0C2 · 8:30 am – 4:30 pm PT, Mon–Thu
Proudly serving the Okanagan
In person in Kelowna, or virtually anywhere in the Okanagan Valley.
Our approach
Most civil disputes are decided by the documents, the deadlines and the decisions made in the first few weeks. BC's Limitation Act generally allows two years to start a claim, and some claims — such as will variation under WESA — have much shorter windows.
We start by understanding what a good result looks like for you, then give a candid view of the strengths, risks and likely cost. Many matters settle through negotiation or mediation; when they don't, we take them to the Supreme Court of British Columbia or the appropriate tribunal.
Because we also practise family law, we are well placed for disputes where business, estate and family issues overlap.
Representation for claimants and defendants, businesses and individuals, subject to conflict checks.
Resolving disputes about the administration and distribution of an estate, rather than will drafting or estate planning.
Strategic support for businesses, owners and stakeholders.
Conflicts arising from real estate transactions, property ownership and tenancies.
Governance, bylaw and financial disputes in British Columbia strata properties.
Workplace advice and dispute resolution for employers and employees.
Practical options for resolving civil disputes outside the courtroom.
Deadlines matter. Book a free 30-minute consultation to review your documents and options.
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We review the documents, limitation dates and your goals during a free 30-minute consultation.
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We identify the right venue — Civil Resolution Tribunal, Provincial Court, Supreme Court or a specialised tribunal — and a proportionate budget.
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Demand letters, without-prejudice negotiation and mediation, backed by a case that is ready to proceed.
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Pleadings, document discovery, examinations, applications and trial representation when settlement is not possible.
Property & Family Debt
In Lan v Buchanan, 2026 BCCA 370, the Court of Appeal distinguished a debt allocation between former spouses from a lender's right to collect directly from one of them.
Read article →Family Violence
The SCC recognizes a standalone tort of Intimate Partner Violence, giving survivors of coercive control a distinct civil remedy that applies across Canada, including British Columbia.
Read article →Privacy & Torts
British Columbia’s Intimate Images Protection Act gives victims a fast, accessible route through the Civil Resolution Tribunal to have non-consensually shared images taken down and to seek compensation.
Read article →Estate litigation involves disputes over a will or the administration of an estate. BC's Wills, Estates and Succession Act governs many of these issues, including will variation claims by eligible spouses and children. The Supreme Court of British Columbia hears estate proceedings. Strict deadlines can apply, so seek advice promptly. This practice concerns disputes, not will drafting or estate planning.
Commercial litigation concerns disputes arising in business, including contracts, debt collection, shareholder or partnership conflicts, fiduciary duties, and disagreements with suppliers or clients. We assess the evidence, business impact and practical options for settlement or litigation.
We assist with residential and commercial tenancy disputes. Many BC residential matters fall within the Residential Tenancy Branch, while commercial lease disputes follow a different legal framework. We help identify the appropriate forum and the terms of the lease that matter.
BC strata properties are governed by the Strata Property Act. Disputes may involve bylaws, fees, special levies, council decisions and common property. Many strata disputes can be heard by the Civil Resolution Tribunal, while other matters require court proceedings.
Yes. We advise on employment agreements, dismissal, severance, workplace disputes and human rights issues, subject to conflict checks. The appropriate approach depends on the employment relationship, the facts and the applicable legislation.
Our current firm rates are published on the Rates page. We offer a free 30-minute civil consultation to discuss your matter, its scope and next steps. Fees, disbursements and any retainer are discussed before work begins.
Timelines depend on complexity, evidence, the forum and whether parties can settle. Some matters resolve through negotiation in months; contested litigation can take considerably longer. We discuss likely stages and look for proportionate settlement opportunities.
Often, yes. Negotiation, private mediation and settlement conferences can help parties resolve a dispute without trial. We assess these options alongside the need to preserve deadlines and protect your legal position.
Request a Consultation
Share a few details and our team will reach out — typically within one business day.