The importance of the exchange of proper financial information when determining a settlement for separating couples has been reinforced again by the Alberta Court of Appeal. In the case of Smith v. Smith, 2016 ABCA 376, the following principles were identified and emphasized: 1. “The foundation of family law rests on parties making full disclosure […]
For those of you who are considering litigation, the current wait times for hearings in Calgary are as follows: (20 minute) Justice chambers: none to minimal (1-2 days) 1 hour domestic special: 6 months ½ day domestic special: 13 months Justice Chambers (AKA Morning Chambers) is a relief valve for emergency matters, consent orders, ex-parte […]
The mediation of family law issues remains the most cost effective method of reaching settlement of the issues child custody and parenting, child and spousal support, and the division of family property on separation and divorce. I have been mediating these issues for separated parties for over 10 years. I offer mediation services in both […]
Calculating income for child support is often misunderstood. Many times I have heard that we look only at “employment income”, “total income”, “T4 income” or “Line 150 income”. Unfortunately, this simplified method of calculating income is not correct; the Federal Child Support Guidelines requires an analysis of all income available from which child support can […]
The Divorce Act of Canada has one legal test when it comes to decisions over children and their care – what is in the best interests of the children? This principle is the mandatory and legislated basis of any decision made by a judge when deciding custody, access, parenting, or anything else related to children […]
