Parenting coordination is a form of alternative dispute resolution ("ADR") targeting the needs of separated parents who are experiencing entrenched conflict and are having difficulty implementing court orders and parenting plans. Through different techniques such as negotiation, problem-solving, … [Read more...]
The State of Mental Health Treatment for Youth in the Justice System
Alberta’s youth criminal justice system is struggling to meet the demand for mental health treatment due to a lack of space in secure mental health treatment facilities. The youth criminal justice system would benefit from a more integrated approach to the administration of youth criminal justice … [Read more...]
Finding the Best Ways Forward: Report on the Symposium on Children’s Participation in Justice Processes
In mid-September 2017, the Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family and the Alberta Office of the Child and Youth Advocate ("OCYA") hosted an innovative two-day national symposium on children’s participation in justice processes in Calgary, Alberta. The symposium brought together leading … [Read more...]
Infants and Family Law: Advice for Parents
Until you face a family law issue, you may never know that your pre-verbal children, who have not yet learned to speak, can have a lawyer appointed to represent them with or without your consent. Lawyers are routinely appointed through Office of the Child and Youth Advocate, for children and youth, … [Read more...]
Can I Leave Someone Out Of My Will?
The short answer to the question is yes, depending on the circumstances. In this article, I will be discussing the relevant parts of the Alberta legislation that pertains to the writing of Wills: the Wills and Succession Act, SA 2010, c. W-12.2 (referred to after as “the Act”). I will be addressing … [Read more...]
What You Should Do If You Are Injured in a Car Accident
AT THE ACCIDENT SCENECall the police (911) if anyone appears to been seriously injured or damage to all the vehicles appears to be in excess of $2000. EMS will be alerted if deemed necessary. Also call police if any of the drivers involved appears to be impaired by alcohol and or drugs. … [Read more...]
Police Record Checks – What Can They Disclose?
Police Record Checks are increasingly requested by employers and other entities, including volunteer, educational, licensing, adoption, foster care, and foreign travel organizations or authorities. It is important to understand that Police Record Checks can and do reveal information that goes far … [Read more...]
What Do I Do With My Tenancy After I’ve Lost My Job?
I just got laid off and I can’t afford my rent. Can I just move out? No. If you have a fixed-term lease, you cannot leave before the lease ends or you risk paying damages to the landlord for breaching your lease agreement.If you have a periodic tenancy (which has no fixed end date), you still … [Read more...]
Death and Taxes – When the Certainties Collide
As the cliché goes, the only certainties in life are death and taxes. When the former occurs, the Personal Representative(s) (formerly known as the Executor(s)) of the Estate must address the latter. Taxes become more complex in the year of death, and the period of Estate administration. This … [Read more...]
People Always Told Me, Be Careful What You Do: Wills and Dependency Legislation
It is the kind of tragic story that makes for best-selling novels and Hollywood blockbusters. A young woman, raised in a loving home by two hard-working parents, battles a severe and debilitating disease. Left penniless and alone when her parents pass, she struggles to make ends meet as her body … [Read more...]
