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...]
Financial Disclosure in Family Law Cases, Don’t Hide; It’s Best to Provide!
Navigating the family law system without a lawyer can feel overwhelming, but many successfully find their way. One of the biggest stumbling blocks for self-represented individuals is a resistance to provide sufficient financial information. In order to properly negotiate or litigate child … [Read more...]
Considering Jurisdiction in Interprovincial Custody Applications
Canadians are mobile and it is not uncommon for families to move between provinces. It is also not uncommon for parents to live in different provinces after a separation. So, if they need to go to court to settle a parenting dispute, which province should make this decision? This is a question of … [Read more...]
The Unified Family Court: A Road-Tested Justice Strategy for Alberta
In my recent article, “What, Why and Where: Untangling Jurisdiction in Family Law,” I explained how litigants navigate the thicket of jurisdictional choices involved in a family law dispute. First there’s choosing the right law, because the federal and provincial governments have overlapping … [Read more...]
What, Why and Where: Untangling Jurisdiction in Family Law
It can be a real challenge to figure out which court to go to when a family law problem needs to be resolved by a judge. You may need to go to a court where you live, or a court somewhere else. If you are going to a court where you live, you’ll have to decide which of the three levels of court you … [Read more...]
Reflecting on Family Violence
I practise family law and often my clients have experienced, or are experiencing, family violence. It can be difficult to discuss “family violence” generally because there is no one experience of violence. A “yes” to a general question about whether or not a client has experienced family violence … [Read more...]