Family law matters often involve difficult decisions that can have a lasting impact on you and your loved ones. Having trusted legal counsel during these times can help you understand your options, protect your interests, and move forward with confidence.
Every client is different. We take the time to understand your unique circumstances and develop a strategy focused on achieving a fair and efficient resolution, whether through negotiation, mediation, or court proceedings.
Family Law Services
Divorce and Separation
Divorce can be one of the most difficult and life-altering events, requiring careful legal planning to ensure a fair outcome. Whether your divorce is contested or uncontested, our firm provides strategic guidance throughout the process.
For uncontested divorces, where both parties agree on all terms, we help facilitate a smooth and efficient legal resolution.
For contested divorces, where disagreements exist on issues like child custody or asset division, we advocate aggressively to protect your interests.
We also assist with legal separation agreements, allowing couples to define their rights and responsibilities without finalizing a divorce.
Child Custody & Parenting Arrangements
When parents separate, the well-being of the child is the top priority. Courts determine custody and parenting time based on what is in the best interests of the child, considering factors such as:
The child’s emotional, physical, and psychological needs;
The ability of each parent to provide a stable and supportive environment;
The child’s relationship with each parent and other family members; and,
The child’s wishes (if they are mature enough to express them).
We work to establish clear, fair, and child-focused parenting arrangements that provide stability while ensuring parents maintain meaningful relationships with their children.
Child & Spousal Support
Both parents have a legal duty to financially support their children, and in some cases, one spouse may also be entitled to spousal support (alimony) following a separation or divorce.
Child support is determined based on federal Child Support Guidelines, factoring in parental income and custody arrangements.
Spousal support is based on the recipient’s financial need, the duration of the relationship, and the economic impact of the marriage breakdown.
If you are seeking support payments or need to adjust an existing court order, our firm will help ensure that financial arrangements are fair and appropriate for your circumstances.
Division of Property & Assets
Property division in Alberta follows the principle of equal division under the Family Property Act. This means that most assets acquired during the marriage are shared equally between spouses.
Marital assets such as the family home, savings, pensions, and investments are subject to division. Debts and liabilities are also divided between both parties. Certain pre-marital assets, inheritances, or gifts may be excluded from division.
We help clients negotiate fair asset distribution agreements and, when necessary, litigate property disputes to protect their financial interests.
Domestic Agreements
Clear and legally sound agreements help prevent future disputes and provide peace of mind. We assist in drafting and enforcing:
Prenuptial Agreements – Defining financial arrangements before marriage
Cohabitation Agreements – Protecting rights for unmarried couples living together
Separation Agreements – Outlining terms of separation, including child custody and asset division
A properly structured domestic agreement ensures clarity and fairness while reducing the risk of legal complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.
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The timeline depends on whether it is contested or uncontested. An uncontested divorce, where both parties agree on all issues, typically takes 3 to 6 months. A contested divorce, which involves disputes over custody, support, or property division, can take a year or more.
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The court makes custody decisions based on the best interests of the child, evaluating factors such as:
Each parent’s ability to care for the child;
The child’s relationship with both parents;
The child’s emotional and physical well-being; and,
Any history of domestic violence or substance abuse.
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Yes. Child support can be increased or decreased if there is a significant change in financial circumstances, such as:
A parent losing or gaining employment;
A change in custody or parenting time; or,
The child reaching adulthood but still requiring financial support (e.g., for university).
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Spousal support depends on various factors, including:
The length of the marriage or relationship;
The financial dependence of one spouse on the other; and,
Whether one spouse sacrificed career opportunities for family responsibilities.
Courts use Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines to determine appropriate payments.
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You can still proceed with a contested divorce. If one spouse refuses to cooperate, the court can grant a divorce order without their consent after considering the legal grounds for divorce.
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Yes. If a parent is preventing a grandparent from seeing their grandchild, the grandparent can apply for visitation rights if they can show that maintaining a relationship is in the child's best interests.
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In Alberta, property is generally divided equally between spouses, including:
The family home;
Savings, pensions, and investments;
Business assets; and,
Debts and liabilities.
Certain assets, like inheritances or pre-marital property, may be excluded.
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If you have joint custody or shared parenting time, you cannot move with your child without the other parent's consent or a court order. The court will consider whether the move is in the child’s best interests, including its impact on their relationship with the other parent.