When parents divorce, change will be unavoidable for the children. However, if you are going through a divorce and have young kids, there are ways you can maintain a sense of normalcy for your child. Doing so can help them adjust to and navigate changes over which they have no control. Spend time with familiar faces in familiar spaces: If possible, letting your kids stay in the home they are used to staying in can be best for them to feel safe and grounded. And whatever your relationships might be with your former in-laws, try to allow your kids to spend time with the cousins, aunts, unc ..read more

Divorce can bring out the worst in some people. And in the heat of a bitter, acrimonious divorce, some might even launch false allegations at each other. If your soon-to-be-ex-spouse is doing this or you worry that they will, there are some ways you can respond and protect yourself without hurting your case. Below are some common false allegations or lies people make and what you do if your ex makes them against you. Domestic violence Family violence incidents can have a tremendous impact on legal matters and outcomes in a divorce. Legitimate claims of abuse can affect someone's parenting time ..read more

Divorce can take a tremendous toll on individuals when it comes to their lifestyle and financial stability. Under these circumstances, any financial support you receive can significantly impact your life. Whether this includes spousal support will depend your answers to some important questions. What was your marriage like? The details of your marriage will affect whether you can be eligible for spousal support. To determine eligibility, the courts will assess: How long you were married or lived together What roles you and your spouse played during your marriage  Your marital standa ..read more

Moving in with your partner can be a big step. And it's an increasingly common decision among Canadians. According to statistics, in 2021, about 80 percent of people between the ages of 20-24 who were in a relationship lived with their partner. If you are part of this growing trend, discussing a few important questions to better understand your expectations and boundaries can be wise. Who owns what? Talking about what you own and bring into the relationship before cohabitating ensures you understand your individual assets and liabilities. You should also know your rights if you are in an ..read more

It can be incredibly painful to see your adult children go through a divorce, struggle with parenting or experience personal setbacks. When these situations compromise your time and access to your grandchildren, they can be exceptionally agonizing. Under these difficult circumstances, protecting your connection with your grandkids can be something you need to work for. And this can involve taking legal action. What are your rights? In Alberta, there are no laws explicitly guaranteeing the rights of grandparents to contact or see their grandchildren. However, being open and cooperativ ..read more

Dividing your assets and liabilities when you divorce is stressful, and it is not uncommon for people to wind up doing or saying things they wouldn't normally do or say. Unfortunately, these things can derail negotiations or result in consequences that last long after the finalization of the split, so it is crucial to avoid certain mistakes. Concealing or misrepresenting finances People can feel tempted to hide money or property to shield it from the property division process. However, this is illegal and can trigger expensive penalties. Thus, when disclosing your assets and liabilities ..read more

Creating a parenting plan after divorce or separation is a major accomplishment. This plan can help smooth difficult transitions and provide critical direction in your roles as co-parents. However, no matter how solid your plan may be, conflicts can still arise at some point in your parenting journey. Common types of disputes When you are parenting your child with someone you are not in a relationship with, there are many times when you won't see eye-to-eye. For instance, some of the most common reasons co-parents fight include the following: Appropriate forms of discipline Changing rules for ..read more

There are numerous benefits to drawing up a prenuptial agreement before you get married or move in with your partner. These contracts can ensure you are on the same page regarding expectations and understanding each other's financial status. You can also protect yourself and your property in the event that the relationship ends. So, having these agreements can be a smart idea. However, they may not be effective if they are invalid. Elements of unenforceable contracts In general, courts will not enforce an invalid cohabitation or prenuptial agreement. In other words, your contract could provide ..read more

If you are ending your marriage, it is natural to feel lost and possibly alone. However, you do not need to navigate the legal process or other aspects of divorce by yourself. You can build a team of people uniquely positioned to support and help you get through this time. So, who should you have on your team? Legal professionals Whether your split is amicable or not, a lawyer can help you tackle the legal aspects of it and pursue fair resolutions. Further, legal professionals can inform you of your rights and responsibilities, helping you make informed decisions about your future. Counsellors ..read more

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 helpful to know some common scenarios that parents might face after securing a child support order. Four common triggers of child support disputes Even if you have a support order in place, you could wind up arguing over matters, such as: Feeling an order is unfair – Calculating an order for support is a fairly standard process ..read more