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. …
Same-Sex Divorce for Non-Residents of Canada
The Civil Marriage Act of 2005 changed Canadian law to allow same-sex partners equal access to marriage for civil purposes on the basis that every individual has the right to equality without discrimination. Since 2005, thousands of same-sex couples have accessed the rights afforded them under the Civil Marriage Act …
Reclaiming financial independence following divorce
The financial stress of a divorce is a frequently discussed topic. Alberta individuals and couples at every stage in a divorce have questions about how to pursue the dissolution of their marriage without creating a seemingly impossible level of financial stress. Navigating divorce mediation in the right way, connecting with …
Can a spouse claim property rights over a business in divorce?
When it comes to getting a divorce, business owners may have a few extra things to worry about. Business that began or grew during the marriage can sometimes be considered marital property that needs to be divided during the family law process. Understanding how Alberta property rights impact business ownership and …
Collaborative law and other options when seeking a divorce
Those who are seeking to end their marriages may know that legal support is needed for the process, but what might that support look like? In Alberta divorces, there are few avenues individuals can go through to resolve family law issues. The most commonly pursued are collaborative law, mediation or “traditional” litigation. …
In high asset divorce, does remarriage end spousal support?
There are many issues often at play when a married couple chooses to end their union. In a high asset divorce, one common issue is spousal support. Many Alberta payers assume that spousal support payments will automatically end when their former spouse remarries or finds employment, but this is not always …
Considerations for retirees pursuing divorce mediation
It’s common to hear about couples staying together for the children, but what about staying together for the retirement savings? For many Alberta seniors, dividing up assets right before or during retirement can be a big undertaking, especially if plans and savings were designed with staying together in mind. For …
Family law considerations when divorcing young
Many individuals going through a divorce in their 20s and 30s assume the process will be straightforward, especially if they do not have a shared house or children yet. In reality, even seemingly simple break-ups can have their fair share of legal, financial and personal challenges. Here are some things …
Does who initiates a divorce impact property rights in Alberta?
While some divorces are mutually agreed upon, many are initiated by one party. The other person may feel this is unfair, especially if they do not want the divorce themselves. However, the details of who chose to pursue a dissolution of marriage are typically unimportant in settling issues like property rights. …
Signs someone may be hiding money in a high asset divorce
When a marriage ends, former couples need to work toward a resolution with regard to their joint assets and liabilities. One of the things that can make this process difficult, particularly in a high asset divorce, is when one party attempts to hide assets. This can have serious legal, emotional …