Family law: Teachers can help Alberta kids of divorce

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. When a couple with children is divorcing, it’s likely their kids are taking it just as hard as the couple — maybe even more so. Divorce, which comes under family law …

Family law: Alberta parenting coordinators help kids of divorce

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in High Asset Divorce on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. Children of divorce don’t have it easy, especially when their parents get so caught up in their own lives that they forget to parent. Registered parenting coordinators and arbitrators (RPCA), …

Family law: Alberta teens often overlooked when parents divorce

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Tuesday, August 8, 2017. There are times when adults forget that teenagers aren’t yet adults. Even though Alberta family law takes teens into consideration, these young people have a lot of emotions to contend with …

Parenting plan checklist essential in Alberta divorce mediation

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, July 18, 2017. There is no getting around it. Divorce is hard — hard on the couple, and hard on any children they have. So, it’s especially important during divorce mediation for divorcing or …

Common Law Relationships

Family law: The challenges of common-law relationships

Throughout Canada, including in Alberta, the number of marriages are said to be declining. Conversely, more and more couples choose to cohabitate. While common-law relationships are accepted under family law, some differences exist that may affect the way the law treats a breakup. When a common-law relationship ends, each person …

Collaborative law — is it the right choice for your divorce?

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Collaborative Law on Friday, June 23, 2017. Although the reasons for Alberta couples to file for divorce may seem mostly similar, the dynamics of each are unique. For that reason, the special skills of lawyers such as the …

Divorce mediation today might keep the doctor away

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, June 20, 2017. No one enjoys negativity in their lives, but unfortunately, a divorce can be fraught with negative emotions and unpleasant interactions. However, there are ways to reduce the level of conflict in …

Post-separation mediation = happier children post-divorce

On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Tuesday, June 13, 2017. The pictures show one smiling couple after another, laughing and mugging for the camera. Are they gleeful newlyweds? Amazingly, they are all recently divorced. The ‘divorce selfie’ is a recent phenomenon …