The work of criminal and family lawyers exposes them to abuse and trauma, which can lead them to experiencing vicarious trauma. But help is available. Lawyers practicing in family or criminal law are instrumental in advocating for and guiding their clients through some of the most traumatic … [Read more...]
Cohabitation Agreements: Making them enforceable under the Family Property Act
The Family Property Act says how adult interdependent partners (AIPs) divide their property on separation. But it seems to prohibit unmarried couples from signing a cohabitation agreement about property before they become AIPs. There is a gap in Alberta’s Family Property Act (the Act) that has … [Read more...]
Sexual Violence: It’s prevalent and preventable
Sexual violence includes child sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual harassment. It's more prevalent than you might think, but we can prevent further harm by working together. What is sexual violence? Sexual violence is a broad term that includes child sexual abuse, sexual assault and … [Read more...]
Responding to Disclosures of Sexual Violence: How to respond positively and with compassion
When someone shares they have experienced sexual violence, we can respond by listening, showing belief, letting them know it wasn’t their fault, validating their feelings, and offering information, choice and control. Sexual violence can be difficult to talk about. It can be hard to know what … [Read more...]
Beyond ‘High Conflict’: The need for domestic violence awareness and assessment in family law interventions
Confusing domestic violence for high conflict can pose significant risks to the family, something family law professionals need to be aware of and assess in their clients. In family law, 'high conflict' often describes challenging relationships between parents. However, beneath this label … [Read more...]
Family Justice Crisis in Alberta: Day of action
The Alberta Family Lawyers Association promotes a Day of Action on February 21, 2023 in support of raising awareness for the Family Justice Crisis in Alberta. AFLA, an association of family lawyers in Alberta working together to advocate for access to justice in the family law justice system, … [Read more...]
How To Co-parent When You Don’t Get Along
A look at common co-parenting challenges, as well as practical dos and don'ts for parents and a reminder of when to get help. Co-parenting is never easy and comes with complications, especially when you don't get along with your co-parent. However, it is important to try, where possible, to … [Read more...]
New approach in Alberta to imputing income to underemployed and unemployed parents
In 2022, the Alberta Court of Appeal in Peters v Atchooay changed course and adopted the reasonableness test for imputing income to calculate child support. The amount of child support a parent pays is based on their income. For many parents, figuring out their income means looking at their … [Read more...]
The Tort of Family Violence: New relief available for victims of family violence
In 2022, the Ontario Supreme Court applied a new tort of family violence that recognizes the complex dynamic of violence within a relationship. The new tort of family violence represents another step forward in Canadian courts’ ever-changing views of how to address violence in family matters. To … [Read more...]
Childcare Obligations and Self-Accommodation in Alberta
Under Alberta human rights laws, what do employees have to show in a case of family status discrimination relating to childcare obligations? Provincial, territorial and federal human rights legislation in Canada prohibits discrimination against employees based on family status. This protection … [Read more...]