In Alberta, a Grant of Probate is the Surrogate Court’s certification that the Will submitted by the Executor meets the formal requirements of a Will as set out in the Wills and Succession Act and is the last Will executed by the deceased. The Grant of Probate gives the Executor …
Safeguarding Enforceability of Domestic Contracts
APOCALYPSE NOW REDUX: SAFEGUARDING ENFORCEABILITY OF DOMESTIC CONTRACTS AND EXERCISING PROFESSIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT Whether generated by the genuine good faith efforts of the parties or a subtle exploitation of leverage and ultimate capitulation, if nothing else, the Domestic Contract is the physical representation of the joint intention of the parties. …
Divorce for business owners: Keeping emotions and money apart
When going through a divorce, small family businesses present a significant risk and challenge. Many married couples also happen to be joint-owners of small businesses. Running a business with a spouse can prove particularly beneficial since both owners tend to trust one another more than they would other business partners. …
Breaking Up – CBA Checklist
The Canadian Bar Association has published a helpful checklist of money-saving tips that assists in dealing with any potential financial consequences of relationship breakdown. Recognizing that break-ups can be a difficult and emotionally turbulent time, the checklist works as a preliminary tool that: Describes how to prepare for the first …
Tax Matters Toolkit: Separation & Divorce
The Canadian Bar Association has published the “Tax Matters Toolkit: Separation & Divorce” to assist separating parties understand potential tax consequences of relationship breakdown. The Toolkit notes that separation decisions, especially regarding children, property, or pensions, have tax implications and may affect parties’ future finances. To assist in becoming informed …
Rise of grey divorce poses unique financial questions for couples
Without proper planning, retirement funds could be compromised by late divorce Divorce is becoming increasingly prevalent among Canadian seniors and with the rise of such ‘grey divorces’ come unique financial considerations. While younger divorcing couples may have concerns about issues such as child support, older couples are more likely to …
Defending an Unjust Enrichment Claim in Alberta
As innovative as the decision might seem, Kerr v. Baranow represents nothing more than a renovation and modernization of the law of unjust enrichment.1 The cause of action is relatively well-established, as is its analysis. The Supreme Court of Canada has merely tweaked or reinforced each step of the original …
Imputing Income for the Purpose of Calculating Spousal or Child Support
If you are in a situation where you are separating from your spouse and they are not earning the income that you believe that they could be earning, you are not entitled to insist that they get a job or find alternative employment, but you may be able to impute …
Self-Employment Income and Child or Spousal Support Payments
In order to set child and/or spousal support payments, the payor’s Guideline Income must first be determined. If a payor is an employee, often his/her Guideline Income will be the amount found on Line 150 of his/her previous year’s income tax return. However, if a payor is self-employed, the amount …
Financial Disclosure Obligations During Separation
If you have separated from your spouse you are entitled to financial disclosure documents in order to determine what support may be payable (either child support, spousal support or partner support) as well as what an appropriate division of matrimonial assets and debt would be. The Alberta Rules of Court …