Deliberate failure to comply with Court Orders is an increasingly common feature of litigation. While the Courts are typically prepared to provide litigants, particularly those who are self-represented, with a generous amount of latitude, significant sanctions will be imposed when a litigant refuses to comply with their court-ordered obligations. Those …
Dealing with your Family Business in a Divorce
Going through a divorce can be a stressful and complicated time in your life. If you and your spouse run a small business together or even if only one spouse runs the business, the value of that business will need to be determined and divided. Pursuant to the Family Property …
Imputing Income When Under-employed or Unemployed
In Alberta, child and spousal support are calculated based on the payor’s income. If someone has chosen to work less or take lower paying work, the Court may determine that imputing income to that individual is the appropriate course of action. This has historically been a difficult thing to do …
Money “Triggers” in Divorce: The Most Emotional Financial Issues in Family Law
The more intrinsically human affairs such as parenting schedules, decision-making for children and relocation with children are undeniably more prone to conflict in any divorce. The financial issues are far from immune. Divorcing spouses can be provoked by financial claims or positions that can arouse equally strong emotional reactions of …
Help! My Ex Is a Narcissist
Narcissist Personality Disorder is a mental condition where people have an inflated sense of their own importance, a deep need for excessive attention and admiration, troubled relationships and a lack of empathy. Characteristics of narcissists and symptoms can vary drastically. While most people are not formally diagnosed with Narcissist Personality …
Adultery and Cheating – Divorce in Alberta
Adultery and unfaithfulness continue to seem to be one of the leading causes for separations in Alberta. While it is often the cause for a separation or divorce, and emotions will often be very high, many are surprised to learn it typically will not have a significant impact on the …
Tips to Navigate Holiday Parenting Schedules
December is typically the busiest (and most stressful) time at the Court. Even if you do not celebrate Christmas, children still have time off from school and it is common for families to depart from their regular parenting schedule. If you do not have a formal parenting plan in place …
Why do I need a Family Lawyer after separation?
Separating from a spouse or partner is no doubt one of the most difficult events someone will experience in their lives. The worries are endless and often include the well-being of children, how time with children will be structured, debt management, protection of assets, and what support will be paid …
Three Common DIY Estate Planning Mistakes
Our office frequently meets with clients to review their estate planning strategies, only to find that they have already taken significant “DIY” steps based on a magazine article or an online blog – often from another jurisdiction – or even the advice of a well-meaning but mis-informed friend. Not all …
How is an Alberta Estate Taxed?
There is a common misconception that Alberta estates, and estates in Canada generally, are subject to an “estate tax” based on the total value of the estate, as in the United States. This is not correct; however, Alberta estates are often face a significant tax liability depending on the nature …