The holiday season can look a lot different for kids who may be experiencing their first holiday season since their parents have recently separated or are having relationship difficulties. With so much focus on the “business” of Christmas and on the problems parents are facing themselves, the fact that things are also changing for their […]
Read More...There are many good reasons to attend this course. First, it is free and a great opportunity to obtain some helpful legal and practical advice early in the separation process. Second, it helps parents to develop a parenting plan or arrangement and gives parents information and tools they need to work together as parents for […]
Read More...The Albert Recalculation Program can help! Since 2015, all Child Support Orders granted in Alberta must state whether or not the Child Support Recalculation Program applies to that Order. The goal of the Recalculation Program is to help parents keep child support levels in line with their incomes, so that families can avoid the time […]
Read More...If you have children entitled to support, both you and your spouse will have to disclose your incomes to determine the child support obligations. Your current income and your sources of income must be supplied to the Court. This information will be held in the confidence by your lawyer and your spouse’s lawyer. You cannot […]
Read More...A child psychologist wisely said that “children are like wet cement. Everything that falls on them leaves an impression.” This reminds us that while a divorce is an ending of a marriage between two adults, it is not the end of the family relationship, nor is it possible for children to be unaffected. Divorce, like […]
Read More...Yes. You must comply with the Parenting Order. You can apply to the Court to vary or change the Order, but the onus will be on you to show that the other parent has real plans or behaviors that are inconsistent with the current public health measures. Do not take advantage of the COVID-19 situation […]
Read More...In making a parenting plan, consider two things: how will the authority to make parenting decisions be shared and how will the children spend time with each parent? Sole custody is rare and refers to one parent having sole authority to make major decisions. Joint custody, the more common scenario, means both parents share that […]
Read More...While clear and regular communication with beneficiaries is always a good idea, it is also a requirement. At minimum, you are required to notify the beneficiaries of the following information: the name of the deceased person, your name and contact information, the gift the beneficiary will receive from the estate, and that gifts are subject […]
Read More...No. An agreement is binding provided that it was entered into voluntarily, with a full exchange of financial information and with independent legal advice. Having said that, agreements often contain clauses dealing with matters that must be put before the Court in order to finalize a divorce, such as matters dealing with the support and […]
Read More...The Federal Child Support Guidelines (pursuant to the Divorce Act, Canada) set out tables for each province and territory. These tables show monthly amounts to be paid for a child’s basic and everyday needs, including things like food and clothes and often (though not always) things like school supplies. When parents live in different provinces, […]
Read More...There are a lot of reasons why so many people are choosing to resolve matters arising on separation outside of the court system. Some of the big ones include: 1. Confidentiality. Many personal and financial details can otherwise become part of the filed documents. 2. Creativity. Working together offers many more options regarding how to […]
Read More...Research shows there are three preconditions for positive change. First, something must motivate an individual to want to change. Second, a different relationship that provides psychological safety, empathy, and attunement must exist (like with a divorce coach). Third, there must be optimal anxiety—just the right amount of discomfort in the present to want to move […]
Read More...Recently, when discussing plans for Christmas with my family, we talked about how kids may experience the holidays when their parents have recently separated or are having relationship difficulties, which can be heightened over the holidays. With so much focus on the “business” of Christmas and on the problems parents are facing themselves, the fact […]
Read More...There is no magic age before 18. The wishes of children should be heard, but one must be extremely careful of creating a popularity contest between two parents. However, if there is no evidence of one parent trying to exclude the other, the older the child, the more likely the court will follow the wishes […]
Read More...The Parenting After Separation seminar is an excellent resource available to parents who are going through a separation and have children under the age of 16. This free, six-hour seminar is required to be completed before a court will grant an order dealing with parenting or supporting children. Even if you are not litigating and […]
Read More...There are three very good reasons to attend this seminar. First, it is free and a great opportunity to obtain some helpful legal and practical advice early in the separation process. Second, it is typically taught by a lawyer and a psychologist or social worker, and its focus will be on how best to meet […]
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