The Power of Mediation
Families should use the divorce process that best meets their particular needs. For many separating spouses, that means having discussions and finding solutions without going to Court.
I Just Want it Done!
Tips for moving your divorce, separation agreement or family law dispute to resolution.
Retroactive Child Support: Preventative Tips!
Retroactive child support can arise where the paying parent has either under or overpaid child support. A retroactive claim may mean the recipient parent didn’t receive the child support he or she could have used at the time to support the kids. Or, it could mean the payor was overpaying or accruing arrears on an…
Reducing Child Support Retroactively
In 2021, the Supreme Court of Canada, in the case of Colucci v Colucci 2021 SCC 24, weighed in on the relevant factors that should apply if a payor parent seeks to reduce his or her child support payments retroactively. The approach is different from retroactively increasing support. This is a summary on retroactive reduction…
What To Do After Separation
The beginning of a separation can be overwhelming. On top of the emotional vortex, most people have a lot of practical questions. What schedule makes sense for the kids? Should I move? Who will pay for what? But mostly: what do I do next? Here are 5 important tips on what to do after separation.
Who can do a Cohabitation or Prenuptial Agreement? When and How?
Anyone can have a Cohabitation or Prenuptial Agreement. The reality is that relationship separation can happen to any couple. One goal of an agreement is to settle, in advance, what will happen to property division if that break up does happen. It is financial planning. It is important to know how property may be divided without…
Arbitration in Family Law
In basic terms, arbitration in family law is a process where the parties select a “private Judge”. They have to pay the arbitrator to make decisions for them. Here is why arbitration makes sense in many family law matters.
Cohabitation and Prenuptial Agreements: Can it include pets? What else?
Pets: Yes! A Cohabitation or Prenuptial Agreement is a legal contract between you and your spouse, typically about property. Pets are usually still treated as “owned” or property under Alberta Law. So, yes, an Agreement can cover where the beloved pet will live if the couple separates.
When Love is in the Air, Keep Your Finances Grounded
Cohabitation and Prenuptial Agreements Basics with Ceri Chwieros A Cohabitation Agreement or Prenuptial Agreement is a legal contract between a couple about their finances. It allows the couple to decide for themselves what will happen to their assets and debts (and sometimes spousal support) if they separate, or as part of estate planning. It can…
New Changes to the Divorce Act (Part One)
The Divorce Act governs how two legally married spouses can divorce. It also deals with custody, access, child support and spousal support. The Divorce Act has not been significantly amended since 1985. Starting March 1, 2021, the Divorce Act will significantly change the law in many areas. There are language changes related to parenting (custody…