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 …
Top 8 Ways to Waste Money on a Divorce Lawyer
The journey toward finalizing a divorce can be a treacherous one. The smart move is to have a qualified lawyer at your side as you work your way through all of the issues that can come with the end of your marriage. Either way, it won’t be easy. But here …
What is a Fair Divorce Settlement?
When a couple is getting divorced, you will often hear they are seeking a “fair” divorce settlement. The concept of a fair divorce settlement is not universal however, fairness is subjective. What may feel is fair to you may not be the same as what your former spouses feels is …
CO-PARENTS…What are you really prepared to do for your children
What would you do to ensure the safety and well-being of your children? If they were facing a significant health crisis, would you drive to the hospital every day? Would you drive to Edmonton every weekend for treatment? Would you sacrifice your career? Would you risk you own life for …
The Prenuptial Agreement: Alleviating the Hopelessness of the Hopeless Romantic
“Never marry someone you wouldn’t want to be divorced from.” – Nora Ephron Charting your matrimonial journey should be as rational as it is aspirational. A thoughtful approach will reduce your personal and financial anxiety, and ironically, removing those stressors may also improve your marriage’s chance of success. The exercise …
Adult Interdependent Partner Support – What support are unmarried parents entitled to?
Separated parents in Alberta may be entitled to receive support from the other, despite not having been married. Adult Interdependent Partner support, or support for a common law partner, can be a highly contentious issue as the payor typically feels that since they did not get married, they should not …
Predatory Marriage
The problem of a predatory marriage in which a person with reduced mental capacity marries someone who is motivated to take advantage of property transfers, family property legislation or changes to estate plans, is an increasing feature of the greying demographic. And while the term “predatory marriage” has a certain …
Exemptions from Division of Family Property
In Alberta, the Matrimonial Property Act has been amended and renamed the Family Property Act. The primary purpose of the amendments is to include property acquired by spouses in a non-married relationship as subject to the (rebuttable) presumption of equal division upon termination of the relationship. The Family Property Act …