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 …
Three big challenges that may accompany a family law dispute
Conflict is never easy, and when a family issue enters the legal arena, it often becomes even more difficult to manage. A family law dispute, in particular divorce, can bring with it several stressors. It is a good idea for Alberta individuals to prepare for these challenges ahead of time …
Divorce for business owners: Keeping emotions and money apart
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. …
Tax Matters Toolkit: Separation & Divorce
The Canadian Bar Association has published the “Tax Matters Toolkit: Separation & Divorce” to assist separating parties understand potential tax consequences of relationship breakdown. The Toolkit notes that separation decisions, especially regarding children, property, or pensions, have tax implications and may affect parties’ future finances. To assist in becoming informed …
Rise of grey divorce poses unique financial questions for couples
Without proper planning, retirement funds could be compromised by late divorce Divorce is becoming increasingly prevalent among Canadian seniors and with the rise of such ‘grey divorces’ come unique financial considerations. While younger divorcing couples may have concerns about issues such as child support, older couples are more likely to …
Financial Disclosure Obligations During Separation
If you have separated from your spouse you are entitled to financial disclosure documents in order to determine what support may be payable (either child support, spousal support or partner support) as well as what an appropriate division of matrimonial assets and debt would be. The Alberta Rules of Court …
Joint Tenancy and Division of Property – It’s Complicated
When a couple decides to buy a home together, one consideration they will be faced with is how they should be reflected on title. The same dilemma can apply when one spouse owns an existing property and is considering whether to put the other spouse in title when he or …
MOBILITY APPLICATIONS IN ALBERTA: Making the Case to Move With Your Child
More than ever, employment and economic forces are conspiring to force some Albertans to consider relocation. In those situations that involve relocation with children of a divorce or separation, this may culminate in a Court application. When one parent seeks a significant relocation with a child, and in so doing …
Retroactive Child Support: Payor Beware!
In 1996, the Federal Government introduced the Federal Child Support Guidelines (the “Guidelines”). The purpose of the Guidelines was to promote consistency and fairness in child support payments. The Guidelines provide for two classes of payment. First is “Section 3” child support, which is based on the payor’s income as …
Consequences of ignoring an order following a family law dispute
For most people, a court order or judge’s decision marks some sort of conclusion in a legal conflict. For others, it can be the beginning of a new set of worries, this time related to the other party’s compliance with the order. Many Alberta individuals in the midst of a …