When a relationship ends, one of the biggest questions is how to settle the practical issues including parenting time, child or spousal support, and property division. In Alberta, there are two main ways to create legally binding arrangements: through a separation agreement or a court order. While both can address the same issues, the process and impact of each can be very different. Understanding the distinction can help you choose the path that’s right for your situation.

When parents separate, one of the most important matters to resolve is how they will continue to raise their children. In Alberta, the legal terms for custody have evolved. The concepts of “custody” and “access” are now referred to as parenting time and decision-making responsibility, aligning with updates to both the Divorce Act and Family Law Act.

Parental alienation is a serious issue that many parents face during divorce or separation. It occurs when one parent manipulates a child into developing hostile or negative perceptions of the other parent. This manipulation can be obvious or subtle.  Overt alienating behaviors include one parent explicitly badmouthing the other to the child, preventing scheduled parenting time, or threatening to withhold affection if the child has a relationship with the other parent. 

When people think about planning for the future, they often focus on Wills. A Will is important - it deals with your money, property, and belongings after you pass away. But what about decisions while you’re still alive, if you’re unable to make them yourself? That’s where a Personal Directive comes in.  

In family law, fair financial support for children and former spouses is a key priority. But what happens when one party claims little or no income despite having the skills or experience to earn more? In such cases, the court may decide to impute income, meaning it assigns a reasonable income figure to that individual based on what they could be earning, rather than what they actually are.

In family law, determining a spouse’s income is essential to calculating proper child and spousal support. When your ex-partner is an employee, the process is usually straightforward: line 15000 of their tax return often reflects their true income. But what happens when they are self-employed or own a corporation? This can complicate the picture significantly. Courts in Alberta have tools to ensure fairness in these cases.

When parents separate, many legal questions arise about parenting time, child support, and dividing property. But one of the most difficult (and emotional) issues is what happens when one parent wants to move away with the child. These kinds of cases are called mobility or relocation applications. They are among the most challenging matters in Alberta family law because they involve not just legal rights, but the heart of family life.

Watching your child take the next step into post-secondary education is a proud moment for any parent. But for separated or divorced parents, it can also bring financial stress and uncertainty. Questions about who pays for tuition, housing, and other costs often arise—and the answers aren’t always straightforward. In Alberta, child support obligations don’t always end when a child turns 18.

In Alberta, child support is more than just a financial agreement, it's a legal right that belongs to the child. Under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, parents are required to contribute to their child’s upbringing, ensuring their financial needs are met after separation.

When people think about planning for the future, wills and estate plans are often the first things that come to mind. But there’s another essential document that is just as important: a Power of Attorney. A Power of Attorney is a legal document that gives someone you trust the authority to make decisions on your behalf. Usually these decisions are financial decisions.

Contentious divorces can be incredibly expensive and prolonged. While it is recommended that parties try to resolve their disputes outside of court, sometimes court is necessary when a resolution cannot be reached. When a family matter ends up in court, a key question is costs: the ability of one party to recover some of the legal fees they spent. In Alberta, the rules for awarding costs are outlined in the Alberta Rules of Court.

When most people hear “Adult Interdependent Relationship,” they assume it’s just Alberta’s version of common-law marriage. That’s partly true, but also misleading. In Alberta, you can be in an Adult Interdependent Relationship (AIP) with someone you're romantically involved with. However, you can also be in such a relationship with someone you’ve never even dated, such as a close friend, a roommate, or even a sibling.

In Alberta, the Family Property Act governs the division of property upon the breakdown of a relationship, whether the couple was married or were in an Adult Interdependent Relationship. This Family Property Act replaced the previous Matrimonial Property Act and expanded the presumption of equal division to include property acquired by partners in unmarried relationships.

Separating from a partner is challenging enough, but when family property involves corporate assets, things can quickly become complicated. This blog provides clarity on how Alberta law approaches the division of corporate assets during separation, ensuring you know your rights and obligations.

Being named an executor  (sometimes called a "personal representative") of an estate involves important legal, financial, and personal tasks. Whether you're preparing your own will or have been appointed as an executor, it’s essential to understand what this role entails. An executor is the person appointed in a will to carry out the deceased’s final wishes, settle their affairs, and distribute assets to beneficiaries.