I am a lawyer with a Juris Doctorate from the University of Victoria (2010), I am a trained collaborative family law professional and an accredited mediator with the Law Society of British Columbia.

I have worked as a lawyer helping separating families for over 10 years. I have worked in every legal process available for families, whether it’s negotiation, mediation, coaching, unbundled services, arbitration, collaborative law or court.

The legal options offered to families are often expensive, slow and increase conflict. In my experience, families that resolve matters without contested court appearances obtain the least expensive, fastest, and long-lasting results for their families. It is for this reason I focus my practice on resolving matters without contested court appearances.

I am a parent. I have two young children and know the joy and challenges of parenting. I also have a very energetic dog who takes me out for walks.

I love being a part of the Comox Valley Community, including getting outside whenever possible, whether it’s to bike, hike or ski.

I am in love with the West Coast and I respectfully acknowledge that the land I work and live on is the unceded traditional territory of the K’ómoks First Nation, the traditional keepers of this land.

I am committed to each family. Each family is unique, and I want to learn and understand your family, whether you are a family with opposite sex parents, a lesbian family, a gay family, queer family, an adoptive family or a trans family.

Alana Zanbilowicz is a family law lawyer in Comox, British Columbia. She provides her clients thoughtful legal services for divorce, separation, adoption, guardianship, and for family law agreements including prenups and cohabs.

Alana graduated from McGill University with Honours and then attended the University of Victoria Law School. She was called to the Bar in early 2000, but shortly thereafter retired from practice to raise her two children. During Covid, Alana, now a single mother raising her children in Calgary, decided to return to the practice of law, this time focussing exclusively on family law.

Alana was called to the Bar for the second time in Alberta in early 2022 and shortly thereafter she returned to her hometown, Comox, British Columbia.

Having experienced a prolonged and contentious divorce herself, Alana understands her clients’ needs and experiences. She focuses on providing client-centred legal advice and services designed to empower her clients to help them navigate the legal system as quickly, efficiently, and cost effectively as possible.

When not working, Alana spends her time baking, hiking, and kayaking with her friends and family.

I am a Paralegal with over thirty years experience working primarily in family law.

As a parent of adopted, biological and step-children, I understand the challenges diverse family structures can bring. I bring empathy and experience to all my client interactions.

Through my time in family law, I know firsthand how effective parenting plans, child or spousal support agreements, or full separation agreements that can alleviate and de-escalate uncertainty for the children and the adults. I would love to share what resources Atkinson Family Law has and what those resources can do for your family.

As a Paralegal, I assist you by providing affordable support services in areas such as gathering and preparing your financial disclosure for property division whether for use in an agreement, settlement negotiations or for presentation at court.

As an active outdoors person, I am regularly skiing, fishing and hiking in the Valley. I acknowledge we are on the territorial lands of the K’omox First Nations.

I was born in Cuilapa, Guatemala (also known as Santa Rosa Cuilapa), and later adopted and raised in Victoria, B.C. I attended Camosun College, where I completed the Legal Office Assistant program, and began working in family law in  October 2013. Over the last 11 years, I’ve worked as a legal assistant and am excited to step into my new role as a designated paralegal for Alana Zanbilowicz.

I’m dedicated to keeping everything running smoothly so our clients feel supported and well taken care of. With experience at different firms, I’ve developed strong organizational skills, made sure communication stays clear and efficient, and always ensure that the lawyers and staff have what they need to deliver the best possible service to our clients.

When I’m not in the office, you can usually find me at the gym, out running, or hanging out with my dog Lindy (who has too many nicknames). My partner Max and I love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking in the woods, wandering around the beach with our dog, or finding great spots to go shooting. I give my all to both my work and my personal life, and wouldn’t have it any other way.