Divorce Disaster Recovery: Getting Relief to the Victims
The Fault Line. The Earthquake. The Fall Out Using a natural disaster analogy to describe divorce may seem needlessly theatrical. The most fortunate couples who end their relationship will do so...
View Article5 Changes to Your Estate Plan After Separation
In the aftermath of separation most former spouses focus on issues such as parenting plans, child or spousal support and division of family assets. Often overlooked is making changes to your estate...
View ArticleWhat is the ‘Rule of 65’?
Spousal support in Alberta can be a very complicated issue as there are multiple steps and considerations to determining appropriate support, one of which is the “Rule of 65”. The Spousal Support...
View ArticleTHE 3 MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS TO RESOLVE FAMILY LAW DISPUTES…while avoiding the...
Navigating a separation from a spouse or a partner is often stressful, painful and confusing. There is often no end to the worries, including financial stress, concerns for children, and the desire...
View ArticleExemptions from Division of Family Property
In Alberta, the Matrimonial Property Act has been amended and renamed the Family Property Act. The primary purpose of the amendments is to include property acquired by spouses in a non-married...
View ArticlePredatory Marriage
The problem of a predatory marriage in which a person with reduced mental capacity marries someone who is motivated to take advantage of property transfers, family property legislation or changes to...
View ArticleThe ‘Slayer Rule’ and Administration of a Deceased’s Estate
The concept of murder for profit is a consistent theme in real life and fictional pop culture. But can someone who has caused another person’s death also take a benefit from that person’s estate?...
View ArticleAdult Interdependent Partner Support – What support are unmarried parents...
Separated parents in Alberta may be entitled to receive support from the other, despite not having been married. Adult Interdependent Partner support, or support for a common law partner, can be a...
View ArticleJames Brown Estate Settled
Finally, fifteen years after the death of “The Godfather of Soul”, James Brown, his estate has been settled. As with other celebrities such as Aretha Franklin and Prince, who died without a coherent...
View ArticleJoint Tenancy with Right of Survivorship
In Alberta, the owner of all real property (ie. real estate) must be registered with the Land Titles Office. The property can be owned as either joint tenants or tenants in common. Most commonly...
View ArticleThe Prenuptial Agreement: Alleviating the Hopelessness of the Hopeless Romantic
“Never marry someone you wouldn’t want to be divorced from.” – Nora Ephron Charting your matrimonial journey should be as rational as it is aspirational. A thoughtful approach will reduce your...
View ArticleCO-PARENTS…What are you really prepared to do for your children
What would you do to ensure the safety and well-being of your children? If they were facing a significant health crisis, would you drive to the hospital every day? Would you drive to Edmonton every...
View ArticleWhat is a Fair Divorce Settlement?
When a couple is getting divorced, you will often hear they are seeking a “fair” divorce settlement. The concept of a fair divorce settlement is not universal however, fairness is subjective. What...
View ArticleNaming an Executor of your Will – Individual or Trust Company?
Naming an Executor (also known as ‘Personal Representative’ or ‘Trustee’) of your Will would seem to be a fairly non-controversial issue and in most cases it is. Typically, a testator will name their...
View ArticleTop 8 Ways to Waste Money on a Divorce Lawyer
The journey toward finalizing a divorce can be a treacherous one. The smart move is to have a qualified lawyer at your side as you work your way through all of the issues that can come with the end of...
View ArticleHow is an Alberta Estate Taxed?
There is a common misconception that Alberta estates, and estates in Canada generally, are subject to an “estate tax” based on the total value of the estate, as in the United States. This is not...
View ArticleThree Common DIY Estate Planning Mistakes
Our office frequently meets with clients to review their estate planning strategies, only to find that they have already taken significant “DIY” steps based on a magazine article or an online blog –...
View ArticleClient Endorsement – LC
I highly recommend Wanda Dawson as she is an excellent lawyer! I have been a client of Wanda’s for over 8 years and have had nothing but positive and successful experiences in a challenging and high...
View ArticleWhy do I need a Family Lawyer after separation?
Separating from a spouse or partner is no doubt one of the most difficult events someone will experience in their lives. The worries are endless and often include the well-being of children, how time...
View ArticleClient Endorsement – A
Appreciate all your help and advice during one of the worst stages of my life. You were very helpful and calming. Thank you very much. Hope to see you sometime. -A The post Client Endorsement – A...
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