When therapy is in a child's best interests but one parent doesn't agree to it, there are options for going ahead with therapy without that parent's consent.EDITOR’S NOTE This article was first published in LawNow on January 5, 2018. It was reviewed and updated by the author in 2026.When … [Read more...]
Divorcing with Dignity and Civility
Divorce can be one of the most stressful events in a person's life. Collaboration and clear communication can reduce harm and lead to better outcomes.Divorce is often portrayed in media as an acrimonious fight, and many of us have likely heard horror stories of high-conflict separations. … [Read more...]
Coming January 2026: The Family Focused Protocol
On January 2, 2026, the Court of King’s Bench is significantly changing family court in Alberta with its new Family Focused Protocol.Starting on January 2, 2026, the Court of King’s Bench is changing how it deals with family law cases. This new approach is called the Family Focused Protocol … [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...]
(Even More) Myths About Child Support
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law, including those about supporting adult children and the obligations of stepparents.We have already debunked some myths about the law of child support, but there are so many out there! Let’s address a few more …Myth: My child is now 18 so I … [Read more...]
What happens when a business owner divorces? Part 2
In this second part, let's look at protecting a business, and calculating child and spousal support.Part 1 of this article explained the various ways a divorcing spouse can be compensated for their family property claim to a business. Part 2 now looks at how to insulate a business from the … [Read more...]
What happens when a business owner divorces? Part 1
In this part, let's look at buying spouses out and corporate assets.Whether you are a business owner, the spouse of a business owner, or in business with another family, you may be curious about what impact a divorce can have on the business. If your business partner is divorcing or you are … [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 LawWe have updated our Domestic Violence and the Law series of info sheets. Topics include: … [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...]
