Who Gets The House When Common-Law Couples Split?

closeup shot of a key with house kitchen

It may be the law that the answer to this question is generally the owner of the property, but many common-law spouses are not finding that solution fair. As more couples decide not to get married, a legal group in Alberta is highlighting the need for improved legislation over the ownership of property. Because it’s…

Read More

A Child Has Two Parents, Even If They’re Separated

a little girl giving her food to her father

We all have friends who are very nice people – except where their ex-spouses are concerned. Then the bitterness of a harsh separation wins out, and the best thing for them both is to stay well away from each other. But many spouses are also parents. Can either spouse make their child stay well away…

Read More

Corporations Can Be Ordered To Pay Shareholders’ Support Payments

closeup shot of the law justice statue

Corporations protect a shareholder’s personal assets from creditors. In some situations, corporations can be liable to pay a shareholder’s debts. Payment of family maintenance orders is one of these situations. Across Canada, provinces have passed legislation that allows courts to make an order that a closely-held corporation is liable to pay support payments for its…

Read More

Marriage Contracts Are Becoming More Common For Couples

closeup shot of the Gamily law book and glasses

Marriage is generally a fun and exciting time for couples. It signifies a commitment between two people to spend the rest of their lives together. For some people, they keep this commitment for their entire lives. Others however, may decide they do not want to continue this commitment. It’s hard to imagine breaking up and…

Read More

Dividing the matrimonial home

a man with icon of a house above hands

When you decide to leave your domestic partner, many concerns regarding your future may cross your mind at once. How will you manage financially? Who will look after your children going forward? Where will you live? These questions can seem overwhelming at the onset. Therefore, it’s important to remember there are laws in place to…

Read More

After the agreement: How to resolve disputes when sharing custody

a little boy with a teddy looking at his parents fighting

Reaching an agreement regarding custody is a significant accomplishment for parents. This agreement sets a foundation for building a new normal as parents move from raising children together to raising them separately. However, issues can still arise, even in the most amicable and stable custody situations. Rather than let an argument or disagreement destroy everything,…

Read More

Tips for discussing a cohabitation agreement

closeup shot of a couple hugging and smiling

Living with someone and being in a committed relationship does not always mean that two people will get married. People across Canada live with their partner before marriage, and many choose never to marry. While these arrangements can work very well, they are like any other relationship in that they could end. Because of this,…

Read More

7 ways to diffuse tension, conflict during divorce

a couple sitting on a bed with back towards each other

When two people are getting divorced, arguments and disputes can arise throughout the legal process. These battles can add to the stress and discomfort parties may already be feeling, so it can be important to work to minimize them. Various strategies can help parties diffuse the tension and resolve conflict during a divorce. Possible options can…

Read More

How is child support calculated in Alberta?

a cute little boy lying down on the toys

Supporting a child after parental divorce or separation is a responsibility for every parent. Unfortunately, this issue can become quite contentious when parents disagree on how much child support should be. If you are a parent going through a breakup and facing the possibility of paying child support, you should know that there are guidelines to…

Read More