ADR vs. Court The legal and judicial systems in Alberta have modernized in actively incentivizing parties to choose Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). More broadly called “mediation”, these models of dispute resolution have evolved over time, all with the same goals of minimizing conflict, keeping costs down and expediting resolution. The …
How to Save on Legal Fees in a Family Law Case?
Whether your separation is amicable or adversarial, you are well served to obtain advice from an experienced family law lawyer who can help to guide you through the process. Unfortunately, the legal fees that come with retaining a lawyer can often impede the progress of one’s case. While it is …
Can Children Choose Which Parent to Live With?
Children will sometimes want to choose which parent to live with or express a preference for residing with one parent over the other. For a variety of reasons, the children do not get to choose which parent they live with but their preferences may be considered. Ultimately, if the parents …
What are Section 7 Expenses?
Many people are familiar with child support. You can calculate it on the Government of Canada website and you simply pay the number that it gives you. However, what the Government of Canada website does not give you is a calculation to be used for the payment of Section 7 …
What is an Uncontested Divorce?
A divorce can arise in many ways, sometimes both parties agree to separate and sometimes one party asks to separate to the surprise of the other. Whether or not both parties actually want to get a divorce, if one party is seeking a divorce, they are able to apply for …
What is child support?
Many people know what child support is; it is the money you are forced to pay your ex every month. However, there is a bit more to child support than that. Child support is financial support that is paid between the parents so the children can live a lifestyle commensurate …
What is Shared Parenting?
People often assume shared parenting is when each parent has a week on/week off rotation with the children. However, this is not necessarily the case. In Alberta, shared parenting is when each parent has the children between 40% and 60% of the time. One-week rotations with the children does qualify …
Being social media smart during a family law dispute
Many people have the habit of sharing family moments and inner thoughts through social media channels. This can seem like a harmless way to keep in touch, but during a family law dispute, posting the wrong thing online can have dire consequences. In general, Alberta parents should be very careful when using social media …
Finding family law solutions when there are child abuse concerns
Child abuse is a very challenging issue to navigate. Finding family law solutions in a situation where a parent or someone in the household is suspected of abusive behaviour can be particularly unsettling and legally contentious for all involved. Those who are accused of abuse, or those who suspect abuse …
Navigating co-parenting and child custody during the holidays
Co-parenting comes with challenges any time of year, but the holidays can be a particular struggle.Divorced parents in Alberta often contend with issues like child custody schedules, differing traditions and how much to spend on presents. They may also argue over Christmas, New Year’s and other celebrations. While there are …