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Pensions, RRSPs and Property Division in Alberta Divorces

Pensions, RRSPs and Property Division in Alberta Divorces

Financial issues often become the most complicated part of a divorce. While the family home is usually the first asset people think about, pensions and RRSPs can be just as significant — and sometimes even more valuable.

Parallel Parenting vs. Co-Parenting

Parallel Parenting vs. Co-Parenting

Parenting after a separation is never easy. Even when parents want the best for their children, communication challenges, conflicting expectations and the emotional weight of the breakup can make cooperation difficult. How parents choose to structure their parenting relationship can have a significant impact on their children’s well-being — and on their own ability to move forward.

How to Modify Parenting Orders When Circumstances Change in Alberta

How to Modify Parenting Orders When Circumstances Change in Alberta

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.

Dividing Debts During a Divorce

Dividing Debts During a Divorce

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.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Alberta?

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Alberta?

The end of a relationship often brings financial uncertainty. One household becomes two, expenses increase, and both partners must adjust to a new reality. For many couples, spousal support becomes one of the central issues to resolve during separation or divorce.

Co-Parenting During the Holidays: Alberta Parents’ Guide

Co-Parenting During the Holidays: Alberta Parents’ Guide

The holiday season can be a time of joy and connection — but for separated or divorced parents, it can also bring stress and emotional strain. Managing schedules, exchanging gifts, and navigating family traditions can be difficult when children divide their time between two homes.

What Is a Separation Agreement and Why Should You Have One?

What Is a Separation Agreement and Why Should You Have One?

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.

Business valuations in divorce

Business valuations in divorce

Building and maintaining a prosperous business enterprise requires hard work and dedication. Over the years you have put in the long hours but your sacrifices have paid off and your company is thriving.

Should your child testify in your divorce?

Should your child testify in your divorce?

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.

Divorce and Special Needs Children

Divorce and Special Needs Children

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.

Is dating during a divorce a good idea?

Is dating during a divorce a good idea?

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.

What are the warning signs of an abusive partner?

What are the warning signs of an abusive partner?

No matter how solid your relationship, disagreements are bound to occur. And that is normal. However, when problems become more frequent and there are signs that they are forming a pattern, it may be indicative of something more serious.

When to draw up a will

When to draw up a will

Do you have an up-to-date last will and testament? If the answer is “no,” you are not alone. According to a 2023 Angus Reid Institute survey, half of the people in this country say they do not have a will. Of those who do, 13 per cent report that their will is out of date. In fact, only two in five Canadians surveyed, or 37 per cent, say they have an up-to-date last will and testament. 

What is Arbitration?

What is Arbitration?

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.

Do you have to be truthful with your lawyer?

Do you have to be truthful with your lawyer?

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.”

Blended Family and Step-Parenting Tips

Blended Family and Step-Parenting Tips

The way we look at families has changed dramatically over the years. The once “nuclear” family of children with two biological parents is no longer the tradition as dynamics and relationships evolve.

What is the Divorce Act?

What is the Divorce Act?

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.

How is income imputed for child support?

How is income imputed for child support?

One parent may be required to pay the other child support after a separation or divorce. Both have a legal responsibility to provide financial support to their offspring and judges may refuse to grant a divorce if they are not satisfied that reasonable arrangements have been made for the children.

How are property division and spousal support decided?

How are property division and spousal support decided?

Divorce can be a difficult process for many couples. On top of the emotional strain it brings, there has to be a division of property and one partner often must provide spousal support for the other.

What is mediation and what are its benefits?

What is mediation and what are its benefits?

The separation process can be overwhelming and filled with acrimony, especially if there are children or sizeable assets involved. Reaching an agreement on how to move ahead may seem impossible without the court’s assistance.

Tips for creating an effective parenting plan

Tips for creating an effective parenting plan

A parenting plan describes how divorced or separated parents will care for and make important decisions about their children. Each plan will be unique but all must focus on what is in the best interests of the children.

How does a condo purchase differ from a home purchase?

How does a condo purchase differ from a home purchase?

People who want to become homeowners in Alberta must decide if they want a condominium or a freehold unit. There are key differences between them, in terms of the units themselves and the legal process of acquiring each one.

How to talk to your children about your impending divorce

How to talk to your children about your impending divorce

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.

Can a single person adopt a child in Alberta?

Can a single person adopt a child in Alberta?

While some adoption agencies and birth mothers favour traditional two-parent families, single women and men have as much of a right to adopt in Alberta as anyone else.

What happens with misrepresentations in home sales agreements?

What happens with misrepresentations in home sales agreements?

All real estate transactions are expected to be built on a foundation of trust and transparency. In a variety of circumstances, sellers may also be legally obligated to disclose information about the property’s condition and history that could materially influence a buyer’s decision.

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