One of the biggest concerns parents have during a divorce is protecting their children’s mental health and well-being. Decisions about child custody and support have real consequences for children, and in almost all cases a breakup between parents will mean major life changes for the children involved. One paradigm Alberta …
Family law: When one parent takes the children without consent
Compromising over child visitation is something many divorced or separated parents often find difficult. Family law in Alberta stipulates that children do better when they can have both parents in their lives, but when one parent leaves the country with his or her children without the permission of the other, …
The importance of positive co-parenting in the family law process
The mental health of children going through divorce often hinges on how well their parents are co-parenting them. The family law process in Canada looks at what is in the best interests of children and that includes supporting their children through difficult times. Parenting in two individual homes might not be …
Honouring family law orders from other areas
When people get divorced, they no longer have to answer to each other and can live anywhere they please. However, if they share children and one parent lives out of province, they should know that they’re not off the hook when it comes to child support and other issues. Alberta …
Family law: The rights of Alberta grandparents
Divorce affects many family members, not just the divorcing couple. The couple’s parents may likely be shocked at the news their children will be divorcing, but their thoughts may likely soon turn to their grandchildren and exactly what their rights are as grandparents. Alberta family law does address grandparents’ access …
Child custody decision spurs woman to abduct her children
On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Wednesday, October 5, 2016. A divorce can be a messy situation for all those involved. Emotions often run high, tempers can flare, and rash decisions may be the result. A rather exceptional example of such …
What factors does the Court assess in child mobility cases?
On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Family Law on Sunday, June 14, 2015. In deciding matters of child custody, one of the Court’s main concerns is to ensure, when appropriate, that contact between the child and both parents is sustained. That being said, if …
Looking for a non-adversarial way to end a marriage? Consider collaborative law.
On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Collaborative Law on Sunday, May 31, 2015. Alternative dispute resolution processes are recommended for divorcing spouses in Alberta because these processes tend to be the most cost-efficient, least adversarial way of ending a marriage or common law relationship. …
Choosing ADR can protect children from conflict during separation and divorce
On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Saturday, April 25, 2015. In the last few decades, the rate of divorce in Canada has fluctuated between 35 per cent and 42 per cent. When couples who are not married are taken into account, …
How does arbitration work in Alberta family law disputes?
On behalf of Gary Kirk of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP posted in Divorce Mediation on Sunday, March 1, 2015. The lawyers of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP are experienced litigators, but our firm also helps families resolve their disputes outside of court. Litigation places the parties in opposition to one another, …