Dealing with marital troubles, especially when children are involved, can be complicated and sensitive. If you’re facing a divorce, our experienced legal team will treat your case with the utmost care and attention. Our Edmonton divorce lawyers can guide you through the complex legal procedures surrounding divorce while keeping your best interests at heart.
At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton divorce lawyers are professional and proficient. With their expansive knowledge of matrimonial and divorce law in Alberta, you can feel confident that your case is in good hands. Contact us online or over the phone at (587) 410-2500 to make an appointment and discuss your divorce with a caring legal representative today.
Divorce Law in Edmonton
In Edmonton, Alberta, and throughout Canada divorce occurs following the breakdown of a marriage. Under the law, grounds for divorce can be attributed to one of the following three reasons:
- Separation: You have been separated from your spouse for more than one year. In some instances, you can continue to cohabitate together at the same residence, as long as you can prove that you were not living together as a couple
- Adultery: One spouse has cheated on the other spouse.
- Cruelty: One spouse was emotionally and/or physically cruel to the other spouse.
If you are considering divorce and wondering how the law may apply to your marriage, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Edmonton divorce lawyers at Verhaeghe Law. We’re happy to help you weigh your options and determine the best course of action for yourself and your family.Â
What is a Matrimonial Asset?
In the province of Alberta – there are 3 types of assets according to Alberta family law:
- Matrimonial Property: This includes all debts and assets accumulated by either or both spouses throughout the marriage including anything acquired after the date of separation.
- Exempt Property: This refers to assets or debts acquired by spouses prior to entering the marriage. It also includes items received as gifts, inheritances or settlements from third parties during the marriage. So long as these items can be demonstrated as the property of only one person – they may be exempt from division.
- Increase in Value of Exempt Property: Any increase in the value of exempt property may be subject to equitable division during divorce proceedings. For example, if a piece of antique jewellery was purchased during the marriage for $1,000 – but at the time of divorce was valued at $5,000 – the additional $4,000 may be subject to equitable division.
The most important asset that normally spurs contention is the matrimonial home. This could be a house, townhouse, condominium, mobile home, etc. It is important to note that the courts in Alberta do not have jurisdiction over matrimonial assets in provinces outside of Alberta or other countries. Again, this is where hiring a divorce lawyer can help.
Some additional factors that the court will consider when deciding how assets get divided during your divorce may include, but are not limited to:
- When each party accrued their assets and/or debts (whether it was before or after marriage)
- If assets were accrued jointly, individually, or through other entities
- Whether assets were gifts or pre-marriage assets
- What is exempt property and what is not
- If any existing court orders exist
- How long the marriage lasted
- What each spouse contributed throughout the duration of the marriage
- The financial situation of both parties
- Any pre-existing agreements that were made before or during marriage (prenuptial agreements or marriage contracts, etc.)
- And more
The Benefit of Hiring an Edmonton Divorce Lawyer
Divorce can be challenging even in the most amicable of circumstances. Utilizing the services of a divorce lawyer can make the process that much easier. When you choose to work with a divorce lawyer, you gain the advantage of:
- Saving Time on Paperwork: Our legal team offers robust support services to ensure your paperwork is prepared correctly and processed on time. We take busy work out of the equation. That way, you can stay focused on what’s important: you, your family, and your future.
- Learning About Alternatives: As experienced divorce lawyers, our team at Verhaeghe Law helps you consider all possible options to find one that suits your situation best. Whether you’re considering contesting your divorce in court or you would like to settle things amicably, we’ll help you weigh your options.
- Results-Driven Solutions: With our years of experience, we’ve earned a reputation as a tried-and-true divorce firm. We develop solutions that work, using our knowledge of the law on your behalf to seek the outcomes you desire.Â
- Distribution of Assets: Splitting assets can be one of the most challenging parts of divorce. At Verhaeghe Law, our divorce lawyers in Edmonton take total stock of your living situation to ensure that distribution is fair for all. We want each party involved to walk away feeling like they’ve reached an amicable agreement that considers their needs. When this isn’t possible, we are prepared to litigate for you. In or out of the court, we’ll strive to make sure you enjoy the full protection the law affords.
Services Our Edmonton Divorce Lawyers Offer
Our team has years of experience dealing with matrimonial law, divorce proceedings, and other family law matters. When a marriage is ending, we can counsel parties on every issue concerned, including:
- Separation agreements
- Divorce procedures
- Decision-making responsibility and parenting time (custody)
- Child support
- Collaborative family law matters
- Equitable distribution of property and valuation issues
- Mediation
- Prenuptial agreements
- Cohabitation agreements
- Variations
- Child protection
- Alternative dispute resolution
- Matrimonial homes
- Adoptions
- Endorsements
- Postnuptial and divorce agreements
- Spousal support (alimony)
- Same-sex prenuptial agreements, divorce, and custody matters
- Court orders
- Contested and uncontested divorce
- And more
If you require assistance with any of these services, get in touch with our legal team today. If you’re unsure about the course of action to take during your divorce, our lawyers will be happy to consult with you about your legal options.Â
Why Work With Verhaeghe Law?
Divorce can be a difficult and life-altering event for many, both psychologically and financially. At Verhaeghe Law, we understand this. That’s why our skilled team of Edmonton divorce lawyers will be there to help you at every step.
We believe in full transparency, meaning we’ll keep you updated about your case from start to finish. As a client of Verhaeghe Law, you can also expect:
- Compassionate assistance
- Responses to your inquiries in a timely fashion
- Thoughtful advice and guidance
- Personalized solutions tailored to your situation
- A lawyer ready to fight on your behalf
- And much more
Schedule a Consultation With Our Team Today
Although no one ever expects to get divorced, it is a common reality for many couples. If you have decided to end your marriage, you can take action to make your split as smooth as possible. At Verhaeghe Law, we’ll take care of the legal complexities so you can get a head start on moving forward with your life.Â
If you’re looking for legal representation in Edmonton, get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation. You can contact our Edmonton divorce lawyers online or over the phone at (587) 410-2500. We look forward to working with you closely and assisting with your divorce proceedings.