Obtaining a child support order is a critical step for divorced or separated parents across Alberta. However, situations can change, and obstacles can arise as time goes by, creating opportunities for disputes.If you wish to avoid unpleasant surprises, it can be...
After a divorce, splitting time with your children can be complicated. There can be challenges keeping a schedule, and parents can be sad to leave their children, who can also be upset. Further, parents may be anxious about seeing each other.All this can make custody...
Costs are a discretionary and flexible award by the court following the conclusion of a lawsuit or a step in a lawsuit. This discretionary aspect of costs also makes it difficult for lawyers to give legal advice on potential costs consequences. The general rules are...
On January 1, 2020, the Family Property Act replaced the Matrimonial Property Act. The biggest changes relate to property rights for "common law couples". Unlike the Matrimonial Property Act it applies to "common law" couples and gives them the exact same property...
Going to court for your divorce may seem like your best or only option, particularly if you feel too angry or betrayed to consider alternatives. However, litigation is a complicated process. It takes time and money that you may not want to devote to ending your...
Contracts are becoming more common among couples marrying or cohabitating. But the increasing popularity of these agreements could come with a false sense of simplicity or informality.If you are thinking about having a marital contract – or if your partner wants...
Deciding to end a marriage can involve difficult discussions between spouses, sessions with a counsellor, and countless phone calls with friends and family. But perhaps the most difficult conversation you have about divorce could be with your children.Telling your...
Every parent wants what is best for their children. However, during a divorce, parents may not always see eye-to-eye on this matter. In situations where parents cannot reach an agreement regarding parenting arrangements, custody or access, the courts will decide.Under...
A Practice Note 8 Assessment (formerly known as a "Bilateral Parenting Assessment") is a comprehensive assessment by a mental health professional who gathers information from a variety of sources, who then develops a recommendation about what is the optimal parenting...
Disclosure in family law proceedings is unfortunately often insufficient or not provided at all. This problem is nearly as old as the Divorce Act itself but in recent years, courts have become increasingly aggressive about ensuring sufficient disclosure is exchanged...
