There are few life events as stressful as a divorce. While dealing with all the emotional strain the sense of loss and the fear of losing you also have to sort out the complicated legal and financial obligations. It’s nearly impossible to navigate the complicated world of divorce law without a qualified divorce lawyer.
Verhaeghe Law Office boasts some of the best divorce lawyers in Alberta. If you live in St. Albert and need help for any part of your divorce proceedings please contact us today. Our respectful and compassionate team of divorce lawyers will help you every step of the way. Not only will we simplify the process we will also get you the settlement you deserve. In or out of court.
What are the Grounds for Divorce?
Marriage is a legally binding contract. In order to break that contract it is necessary to prove to the court that one party has broken the terms of that contract. The Canadian Divorce Act identifies three criteria that can be argued as legitimate grounds for divorce. They are:
- Separation: if one or both spouses have been living apart for over a year without reconciling for more than 90 days within that timeframe they will be allowed to file for divorce. If the spouses have been living in the same residence (as might occur if children or financial pressures are involved) but they can prove that they have not supported each other during that time this also constitutes a separation.
- Adultery: if one of the spouses admits to extra-marital relations the other spouse can file for divorce on the grounds of adultery. Only the spouse that has not committed adultery can file for divorce. If the spouse accused of adultery denies it they may have to go to court to prove that adultery occurred.
- Cruelty: if one of the spouses makes the living situation intolerable for the other cruelty can be used as grounds for divorce. This applies to both emotion and physical violence. Often cruelty cases are brought to court as criminal cases so it’s very important to hire a divorce lawyer early. There is often lots of evidence and paperwork to compile for cruelty cases.
What Can Verhaeghe Law Office Do for You?
When you contact us the first thing we’ll do is help you fill out and file the “Statement of Claim for Divorce”. Then there is a short waiting period during which your spouse will be contacted by the Alberta Court. We will figure out what your objectives are during this time. Once your spouse gets their own lawyer we’ll be able to sit down with them and begin the negotiations.
For most married couples shared finances and assets are a difficult part to sort through. If there are children involved things are further complicated. There are many regulations and laws that allow certain divisions of property and not others.
At Verhaeghe Law Office we’ll help you every step of the way. With our vast knowledge of Canadian marriage and divorce law we can sort through even the most complicated cases. Don’t leave yourself alone and empty-handed. Get the settlement you deserve.
Contact Verhaeghe Law Office St. Albert’s top law firm!