With children five years and older now eligible for the COVID vaccine, some separated parents who cannot agree on vaccinating their children are ending up in court. On November 19, 2021, Health Canada approved the use of a lower dose Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use in children aged five … [Read more...]
Domestic Violence Resources from CPLEA
Family Violence Prevention Month has come to an end but sadly information on this topic is needed year round. Here's a summary of information available from CPLEA. INFO SHEETS | Domestic Violence and the Law We have updated our Domestic Violence and the Law series of info sheets. Topics include: … [Read more...]
WINning Through Courage, Vision & Conviction
WINning is the story of people – mostly women – whose courage, vision, and commitment provoked societal recognition of women’s realities and needs. In 1968, a small group of women put a plan in motion that would change the lives of countless women facing desperate choices. In WINning: The Trials, … [Read more...]
Toward a holistic approach to reform of the Canadian legal system
People experiencing domestic abuse must often deal with several legal matters while addressing that violence. Some matters will need urgent attention. But which ones? When the neighbours called 911 on Saturday night, Maria’s life went into a tailspin. As the police were arresting Paul, they told … [Read more...]
The Divorce Act and Invisible Abuse: Coercive control in family law
Coercive control, regularly at the heart of family violence, is now listed in the Divorce Act as a factor in the best interest determinations for children. The Divorce Act, as amended in March 2021, lists coercive controlling behaviours as a factor in best interest determinations for children. This … [Read more...]
(More) Myths About Child Support
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law, including those about waiving obligations and business income. Most times when you ask a lawyer a question, the first words out of their mouth are “that depends …” Family law is no different! However, Canada’s child support legislation is … [Read more...]
Family Violence and Family Law in Alberta: The need for legislative reform and expansive statutory interpretation
Alberta has made some progress in its response to family violence, but there are areas where we are falling behind, including family law. November is Family Violence Prevention Month in Alberta, providing a good opportunity to reflect on the laws that address family violence in this … [Read more...]
Myths about Child Support
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law, including those about getting out of your obligation to pay any or more support. This article continues our series on debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. Today’s topic: myths on ways to avoid paying child support. A note … [Read more...]
I’m Turning 18, Now What: Family matters
Wondering about family issues, like searching for biological parents, living with someone, getting married and more? In Alberta, turning 18 means you are now an adult. You can make decisions for yourself. But you might also still feel like a kid. Chances are you are trying to figure out what your … [Read more...]
Myths about Filing Claims
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. This article continues our series on debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. In our last issue, Erika covered myths about lawyers. Today’s topic: the family law process, particularly, filing claims. Myth: If I file first, I have … [Read more...]
