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...]
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. 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 legislators’ best possible attempt to create black and white laws – … [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. 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 about child support First, let’s address what underlies these myths: that child … [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...]
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...]
Lawyer: Friend or foe?
Debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. This article is the first in a series dedicated to debunking the myths and legends that haunt family law. Today’s topic? Lawyers. Many people experiencing a family breakdown have pre-conceived notions about the role of lawyers. These ideas … [Read more...]
Changes to Jurisdictional Provisions under the Divorce Act
Changes to Canada's Divorce Act that came into effect on March 1, 2021 include major changes to jurisdictional rules. There are several notable changes to Canada’s Divorce Act that came into effect on March 1, 2021. These changes are made through Bill C-78 which received Royal Assent on June 21, … [Read more...]
Relocations with Children: The law before and the law now
New moving rules apply to families going through a divorce or already divorced, including those with existing orders or agreements. The federal government has made some important changes to the Divorce Act. John-Paul Boyd provided an overview of the changes in his November 2019 article “Important … [Read more...]
