Family law news & insights.

More couples in Alberta are choosing to live together without getting married. While cohabitation is increasingly common, many partners don’t realize that legal rights and obligations can still arise from these relationships. A cohabitation agreement can help clarify financial expectations, protect assets, and prevent disputes if the relationship ends. In this post, we explain what […]

Alberta’s family law system is undergoing a significant shift with the introduction of the Family-Focused Protocol (FFP). Designed to streamline family litigation and prioritize efficient, child-focused outcomes, this new framework, implemented through the Alberta Court of Justice and the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta, changes how parties move their matters through the court system. […]

Insights from Heine v Worsfold, 2025 ABKB 650 The Alberta Court of King’s Bench recently released a costs ruling in Heine v Worsfold, 2025 ABKB 650, following an unsuccessful attempt to overturn an arbitration award issued in a mediation arbitration (“med-arb”) process. This decision offers important guidance for separating families who choose mediation arbitration, particularly […]

When relationships end, dividing family property can be complex. One aspect of family property division that is particularly complex is identifying and proving exemptions.  Exemptions are types of property that are generally excluded from division between parties.  While exemptions under Alberta’s Family Property Act may appear straightforward, real-life situations often fall into grey areas. From […]

In Alberta, new rules require family violence screening in divorce and separation proceedings. This guide explains what domestic violence screening is, why it matters under the amended Divorce Act, how the process works, and what clients should expect when navigating family law with a history or risk of domestic violence. Understanding Domestic Violence Screening in […]

When couples separate, it can be tempting to make informal changes outside of your separation agreement. These “side deals” may feel like quick fixes but often carry hidden risks. Below, we highlight the potential pitfalls of side deals in divorce and the safer alternatives Canadian families should consider. What Is a Side Deal—and Why Do […]

Selling your family home during or after separation is an emotionally and financially significant decision. A key question that often comes up is whether you need a separation agreement before moving forward. While it’s not strictly mandatory in most Canadian provinces, having one strongly protects your rights, simplifies transactions, and offers clarity during a challenging […]

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) has become a cornerstone of family law across Canada—but what happens when a deal reached in mediation falls apart?  In this guide, learn how the courts are addressing this issue, and what families (and their lawyers) need to know to avoid uncertainty and protect their agreements. The Rise of Mandatory ADR […]

Receiving an inheritance can provide financial security and peace of mind, but when a marriage breaks down, many people worry about whether their inheritance will be divided during the divorce process. The good news is that Canadian family law offers some protection, but there are also situations where inherited money can lose that protection if […]