The decision has been made, or perhaps made for you, and now you are lying awake thinking about the children, the house, the pension and the money.

Summer planning has changed dramatically over the years, especially for separated parents trying to coordinate camps, holidays, and travel before school ends. Edmonton divorce lawyers are often asked the same urgent question each spring: what happens when summer plans are already booked, but the parenting schedule is still unsettled?

The Supreme Court of Canada has recognized a new tort of intimate partner violence. This decision gives survivors of coercive and controlling abuse a clearer way to seek damages alongside family law claims such as divorce, support and property division. The article explains what the Court decided, what must be proven, and how the ruling may affect Alberta family law cases.

When parents separate, one of the most emotionally charged questions that arises is where the children will live. Some children express clear preferences. Others struggle with divided loyalties. Parents often ask whether their child can simply decide. Alberta law takes a thoughtful, balanced approach to these situations — one that places the child’s best interests at the centre of every decision.

When a relationship ends, one of the most urgent and emotionally charged questions couples face is what will happen to the family home — and, just as importantly, what will happen to the mortgage tied to it. For many Albertans, the home is the largest asset and the mortgage is the largest debt. Deciding who stays, who leaves and who pays can quickly become complicated.

Parenting orders are designed to give children stability, predictability and support after a separation or divorce. But life rarely stands still. Parents change jobs, children grow older, financial realities shift and sometimes new concerns arise that affect a child’s well-being.

Ending a relationship is never easy. Beyond the emotional strain, most couples face the practical question of how to separate their finances. While many people focus on who gets the home, vehicles or savings, an equally important issue often receives less attention: the division of debt.

The early stages of separation can feel overwhelming, especially when emotions run high and major decisions need attention. Many people look for a clearer path forward during this time, and a separation agreement often provides that structure.

The end of a marriage or an adult interdependent relationship is fraught with emotional challenges that may seem impossible to overcome.

For most typical couples, their house is the single biggest asset. So what happens to the matrimonial home during a divorce or if your common-law relationship ends?

The old adage “children should be seen and not heard” can be traced back to 15th-century England. It is a concept meant to convey that a child’s opinions were not as important as those of adults and they were expected to be quiet and well behaved.

There are many stressors in life and maintaining a healthy marriage can be challenging. Being parents of children with special needs can add to the challenge and it is not uncommon for relationships to break down.

In a typical divorce you will be called upon to make many decisions. The end of a marriage can be an arduous and stress-filled time and you may be looking for a distraction from the emotional turmoil.

Divorce can be challenging even if the end of a relationship is amicable. However, it presents more of a challenge when your partner is a narcissist.

It is not unusual for conflicting emotions to cloud even the most reasonable person’s judgment. During a divorce, you may be feeling frustrated, angry, betrayed or sad. These feelings can bubble to the surface, negatively impacting the decisions you make.

The decision to hire a family lawyer can be a difficult one. One of the first questions to consider is, do you even need an attorney? For the most part, the answer is “yes.”

One of the first decisions that must be made after your marriage or common-law relationship ends is where you and your ex will live next.

Divorce rates have been falling in Canada since the 1990s, according to Statistics Canada. However, there were still close to 43,000 divorces granted in this country in 2020, the latest result available.

Telling your children that you are planning to divorce is one of the most difficult tasks a parent will face. The dissolution of a marriage already evokes a range of emotions, including anger, guilt and resentment.

Many people have fond childhood memories of time spent with their grandparents.

Many marriages end in divorce. There could have been serious issues in your relationship and the request for a divorce is not unexpected, or perhaps it came as a complete surprise.

The Court of King’s Bench has implemented four mandatory pre-court requirements as part of the Alberta Justice Family Justice Strategy.

A divorce is the legal end of a marriage. Only the court can grant it, provided the parties involved have followed the correct steps on whatever path they have chosen to get there. Once the process is completed, the court will issue a divorce certificate proving that you are no longer married.

While the results of a divorce and an annulment of a marriage are essentially the same, the processes are very different. That is because a divorce terminates a legally valid marriage while an annulment treats the marriage as if it never existed. 

There are many reasons why marriages fall apart. Working parents have the stress of their job weighing on them, compounded by the caregiver responsibility for their children.

The end of a marriage may feel like you are riding on an emotional rollercoaster. Divorce is not a single event but a process that unfolds over time involving a series of changes.

The breakdown of a relationship can lead to pain and resentment for both parties.

Since Canada has no-fault divorce, the only ground for a divorce in the Divorce Act is marriage breakdown.

Children love going on summer vacations. However, problems can arise if divorced or separated parents do not communicate effectively about their summer holiday plans.

After a separation or a divorce one person may want to move, to another city, province or even another country. Problems arise if there are children involved since any parenting time agreement will no longer work if the move is significant.

By Sean Schaefer We all make mistakes. It can be easy to overlook or forget an important detail when under stress.

Going through a divorce can be a difficult and emotional time. It can cause stress and doubt, potentially affecting your mental and physical well-being.