Family Law Blog

For many separating couples, the family home is their most valuable asset, and a major source of stress. In Alberta, the Family Property Act governs how property will be divided. It applies to both married spouses and adult interdependent partners (formerly referred to as "common law" partners).

After more than 23 years on the front lines of family law, presiding over trials and helping families resolve issues through mediation, I’ve noticed some recurring patterns. There are certain “red flags” that often show up early in relationships, long before anyone realizes there’s a problem. When those early warning signs are brushed aside or ignored, it can give rise to very serious issues down the road.

Separation can turn your world upside down, but the right planning can keep you afloat. With the emotional toll of compounding problems like money, property and your future at stake, it can all feel overwhelming.

Engagements are wonderfully exciting! Valentine’s Day proposals, wedding plans, moving in together, it all feels hopeful and full of excitement for what comes next. Most couples at this stage are naturally focused on the emotional side of commitment: love, trust, and building a life together. What tends to get less attention is the legal reality behind that commitment.

If there is one thing we can all agree on, it’s that housing in Vancouver is expensive. While cities outside Vancouver proper might be slightly more affordable, finding a place to make your home is still a big financial stressor for most folks. When it comes to relationships, the rise in housing prices has been linked to a rise in couples moving in together sooner than they would otherwise, often saving on rent or mortgage costs.

Divorce is never simple, but when it involves a farm or agricultural business, it becomes exponentially more complex. Alberta’s rural families don’t just divide homes or bank accounts — they face the challenge of untangling multi-generational family farms, business partnerships, and the land that forms the heart of their way of life.

In this blog, we look at how child support is calculated for parents working in the oil field or in other jobs with rotation schedules, shift work, or seasonal income. To help us work through this situation, we’ll explore a hypothetical example of a recently separated member of the oil and gas workforce.

Property division after separation can be complicated, especially for tradespeople in Alberta. Tools, trucks, and specialized equipment often blur the line between personal property and business assets, leaving many people uncertain about their rights. In this blog, we’ll answer common questions about how these assets are treated during property division.

Sometimes, you just need to get divorced—fast. Whether you're hoping to remarry, facing health concerns, or just anxious to close a painful chapter and move forward, getting caught up in the legal back-and-forth can feel frustrating and emotionally draining. 

Divorce can be a difficult and emotional time, and if you own a business, it can also bring complicated financial challenges.