Sonja Lusignan is a family law lawyer, Collaborative Divorce Professional, and mediator / arbitrator, who has practiced exclusively in family and child protection law since 2005.
She is dedicated to helping individuals and families resolve conflict with dignity and respect, with practical and forward-looking solutions.
Practicing in association with 11 other lawyers at Calgary Family Law Associates in Calgary’s Beltline, Sonja is known for her calm, thoughtful approach and her commitment to resolving disputes outside of the courtroom whenever possible.
She holds a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary and a Juris Doctor from the University of Alberta and was called to the Alberta Bar in 2005.
Collaborative Divorce & Alternative Dispute Resolution
Sonja’s practice is grounded in the belief that family law should support families through transition—not escalate conflict. She works primarily in Collaborative Divorce, mediation, and arbitration, helping clients reach fair and lasting agreements in a more private, efficient, and respectful process.
With advanced training in Collaborative Practice, and advanced training in Family Law Mediation, Sonja guides clients through interest-based negotiations that prioritize problem-solving over positional conflict. She is particularly skilled at helping clients navigate emotionally complex situations while maintaining focus on long-term outcomes—especially where children are involved.
Her approach emphasizes:
- Reducing conflict and preserving relationships
- Creating tailored, durable agreements
- Supporting clients with clarity and practical advice
- Keeping control of decisions in the hands of the family—not the court
While Sonja is fully capable of litigating when necessary, her primary focus is helping clients avoid court wherever possible.
When litigation becomes necessary, Sonja is a skilled and effective advocate who represents her clients with clarity, strength, and professionalism.
Parenting & Family Decision-Making
Sonja works closely with clients to develop thoughtful, child-focused parenting arrangements that reflect the unique needs of each family. She understands that separation is not just a legal process, but a personal transition that requires care, structure, and stability.
Through collaborative processes and mediation, she helps parents move away from adversarial positions and toward solutions that support their children’s well-being and long-term family functioning.
Litigation Experience
Sonja has participated in mediations, arbitrations, questionings, chambers applications, domestic specials, pre-trial conferences, Early Intervention Case Conferences, Dispute Resolution meetings, appeals, Child Welfare appeal panel hearings, and all other associated family law and child protection proceedings. In early 2026, she also attended for the first time an MIT Triage Meeting, as part of the Court of King’s Bench Family Focused Protocol, introduced in January of 2026.
Sonja has been involved in approximately 125 trials in the Alberta Court of Justice (Family and Youth Division), approximately 10 Court of King’s Bench trials (family matters), and has attended many Judicial Disputes Resolution meetings (binding and not), both in the Alberta Court of Justice and in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta.
The relevant legislation included acts such as: the Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, the Family Property Act, the Family Orders and Agreements Enforcement Assistance Act (FOAEAA), the Maintenance Enforcement Act, as well as the Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act, and An Act Respecting First Nations, Indigenous, and Métis Children, Youth, and Families.
Professional Leadership & Involvement
Sonja is an active contributor to the legal community, particularly in areas related to family law, child welfare, and the representation of children. Her involvement includes:
- Canadian Bar Association (Family Law, Child Welfare, and Civil Litigation subsections)
- Co-founder and past Chair, CBA Child Welfare and Representation of Children Subsection
- Past Board Member, Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC)
- Member, Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association (CDAA)
- Board Member, Calgary Association of Women Lawyers
- Member, AJEFA (French-speaking Legal Professionals’ Association of Alberta)
- Roster Lawyer, Legal Representation of Children and Youth (LRCY)
She has also served as an instructor, editor, and invited speaker in family and child welfare law through the Legal Education Society of Alberta, Canadian Bar Association, Legal Representation of Children and Youth, and other organizations.
Education
- Juris Doctor, University of Alberta
- Bachelor of Education, University of Calgary
Appointment as King’s Counsel
In 2025, Sonja was given the designation of “King’s Counsel”, or KC.
What is a King’s Counsel (KC)?
King’s Counsel (KC) is a prestigious honorary title awarded to lawyers who have demonstrated exceptional merit, integrity, and leadership in the legal profession. It is one of the highest professional recognitions a lawyer can receive in Canada.
Historically called Queen’s Counsel (QC), the title changed to King’s Counsel (KC) following the accession of King Charles III in 2022.
What does the designation recognize?
A KC appointment is not automatic and not based on years of practice alone. In Alberta, lawyers must meet statutory and professional criteria, including:
- Outstanding legal skill and competence in their field
- High ethical standards and professional integrity
- Leadership within the legal profession
- Meaningful contributions to the administration of justice
- Service to the community and mentorship of other lawyers
Appointments are made under Alberta’s King’s Counsel Act, following a review by a screening committee that includes representatives from the judiciary, the Law Society of Alberta, and the Canadian Bar Association, with final appointment by the provincial government.
What does KC mean for clients?
For the public, the KC designation signals that a lawyer has been formally recognized by their peers and the profession for:
- Excellence in legal practice
- Sound judgment and credibility
- A reputation for professionalism and trustworthiness
It is widely understood as a mark of distinction and seniority at the Bar, reflecting a lawyer whose work has had a significant and positive impact on the profession and legal system.