Divorce and separation are deeply personal and often challenging experiences and impact each member of your family differently. We prioritize your emotional well-being and aim to create a supportive environment where you feel heard and understood.
It can be daunting to disassemble a life you’ve built with someone, and navigating a divorce, whether straightforward or involving complex issues like support and parenting, takes a toll. Even the most cooperative divorce requires filing numerous documents and adhering to strict procedural rules, which can be time-consuming and frustrating for those without legal expertise. Trust our team to provide reliable legal advice and help you find a peaceful resolution tailored to your situation.
A divorce is the legal process that ends a marriage. In Alberta, one spouse must have lived in the province for at least one year to apply for a divorce. Divorces in Canada are regulated by the Divorce Act, which sets out the legal framework for divorce, including provisions for child support, custody and access, and spousal support for married couples. The first step is to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced and competent lawyers.
When there are no disputes or outstanding issues, and your spouse will not contest the divorce, we can file an uncontested divorce or desk divorce on your behalf where neither party needs to appear in Court. If children are involved, the divorce will include orders for custody, child support, and parenting arrangements.
If a divorce has been initiated but has yet to be finalized or is at a standstill, we can help complete the process. We will obtain the necessary Court documents to identify and address outstanding issues and finalize the divorce.
If you are filing for divorce but do not know your partner’s whereabouts, you can still obtain a divorce. First, you must make every effort to locate your partner with the assistance of one of our lawyers. If you cannot find them, you can apply to a Judge for an order for substituted service. This Court order will specify alternative methods to notify your spouse about the divorce filing.
Initiating a foreign divorce when your spouse lives abroad can be complex and can present challenges. Our experienced legal team can assist you with serving your spouse and finalizing your divorce whether they live out of the province or country.
In Canada, there are three legal grounds for divorce. The first is separation, which applies when you and your spouse have lived apart for at least one year. The second ground is adultery, which must be proven in Court through evidence or an affidavit signed by the person committing the adultery. The third ground is cruelty, encompassing instances where your spouse engages in physical or mental cruelty.
Having our experienced legal team navigating the process provides:
Choosing the right family lawyer is a critical step in navigating legal challenges with confidence. Family Law is a dynamic and delicate practice that demands compassion, care, and communication. Our lawyers handle each case collaboratively, leveraging over 50 years of experience from the day of your free consultation to when your file becomes closed. Our initial consultation is designed to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and offer clear, thoughtful guidance. We work hard to build a trusting relationship and offer the dependable support you need to move forward with peace of mind.
In order to get divorced, you must be legally married, meet residency requirements, and the grounds for divorce need to be met.
The duration of a divorce is influenced by various factors, such as how quickly spouses agree on key issues and whether the divorce is contested.
If you and your spouse are unable to agree on all the issues in your divorce, there are several options available: mediation, arbitration, or litigation. In mediation, a neutral third party, often a trained mediator, assists in facilitating a mutually acceptable agreement. Arbitration involves a neutral arbitrator making binding decisions, and litigation involves going to Court, where a Judge will decide on the contested issues.