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...Research shows there are three preconditions for positive change. First, something must motivate an individual to want to change. Second, a different relationship that creates psychological safety and empathy must exist (like with a divorce coach). Third, there must be optimal anxiety – the right amount of discomfort in the current situation to want to […]
Read More...Are you going through a divorce or separation? Have you heard of the Collaborative Process? The Collaborative Process is a revolutionary way of dealing with separation and divorce and offers couples an effective and dignified alternative to the traditional court process for navigating through one of life’s most challenging and emotionally charged times. If you […]
Read More...Divorce is one of the most difficult transitions to make and it touches every aspect of your life. I have practiced family law since 2001 and became certified as a Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer in 2002 – and I have yet to see the same divorce twice. Each person’s journey is their own; my experience […]
Read More...The answer may well be why not? However, if you have young children, do not have clear or consistent annual incomes, need assistance to determine spousal support, or were married outside of Canada, consider consulting with a lawyer before beginning the process to find out the best way to proceed. If there is a chance […]
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...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: a) privacy – many personal and financial details can otherwise become part of the filed documents; b) creativity – working together offers many more options regarding […]
Read More...Consultations with a lawyer serve many purposes. It is an important way to learn more about the options for resolution available to you and lawyers have a statutory responsibility to advise you of those different process options. A consultation is also an opportunity to see if you will be a good fit to work together […]
Read More...On January 1, 2020, Alberta overhauled the law dealing with dividing property on separation for adult interdependent partners, or common-law couples. While some things are still being sorted out, unmarried couples in separation are now subject to a legislated scheme dividing their property that is very similar to that governing married couples. Couples are still […]
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...This is often discussed and is a really a matter of personal preference. However, before making your choice, make sure you are informed with accurate information and think about your objectives in having separate or joint accounts. If partners wish to maintain financial independence from one another, for example, simply keeping accounts in sole names […]
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...ILA is more than a lawyer witnessing your signature; it’s necessary to meet the legal requirements for a valid agreement when couples are separating, divorcing, or starting out. Your lawyer will review your agreement and your situation with you, ask how the agreement was negotiated, and review what financial information was exchanged. Your lawyer will […]
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 […]
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