Divorce, decision-making responsibility (custody), adoption, separation of assets, and guardianship are just a few of the issues that might lead an individual or family to contact a reputable family lawyer. If you find yourself facing a legal proceeding that could have implications for you or your family, contact Verhaeghe Law’s Edmonton family lawyers right away for support and legal guidance.
We understand that family law matters can be especially stressful, emotional, and financially draining. With locally established and experienced family law lawyers on board, our team is here to offer you the representation you need to pursue the outcome you desire.
To take action today, book a consultation with one of our dedicated lawyers. You can reach our team online, or you can call our Edmonton office at (587) 410-2500 to arrange an appointment at a time that’s convenient for you.
Understanding Family Law in Edmonton
Family law is an umbrella term that covers a range of legal matters related to family relationships. It can include divorce, adoption, decision-making responsibility and parenting time (formerly custody), child support, and more. Family law also extends to matters like prenuptial agreements, spousal support, and property division. If you’re facing any family-related legal issues, having an experienced Edmonton family lawyer on your side can help ensure your rights and interests are protected.
At Verhaeghe Law, we offer comprehensive family law services, advocating for our clients at every step of the process. Our seasoned professionals are just a phone call away, ready to provide the legal guidance you need to navigate family law matters.
How Can a Family Lawyer Help You?
There are many reasons why you might need a family lawyer. You may need representation during divorce proceedings, or you might be interested in drafting a prenuptial agreement for yourself and your spouse. No matter the reason, we want our firm to be the one you contact when you’re in need. Some common reasons you might consult with a family lawyer include:
Divorce and Separation
Divorce can be emotionally and legally complex. A family lawyer can help protect your rights and ensure a fair division of property. They can also negotiate spousal support agreements. Verhaeghe family lawyers have experience with contested divorces, uncontested divorces, divorce mediation, arbitration, and much more.
Decision-Making Responsibility & Parenting Time
Since March 1, 2021, the Divorce Act has used the terms decision-making responsibility (who makes major decisions about the child’s health, education, and culture) and parenting time (when a child is in each parent’s care) instead of custody and access. When determining DMR and parenting time, courts focus on the best interests of the child, with primary consideration to the child’s safety, security, and well-being.
To establish decision-making responsibility and parenting time, spouses typically draft a parenting plan. These typically include:
- Regular and holiday schedules, pick-up/drop-off details
- Information-sharing with schools and healthcare providers
- Travel and relocation notice requirements
- Dispute-resolution clauses to help avoid future conflict
Our Edmonton family lawyers provide reliable legal representation to help promote the best interests of your children. A legal professional will help you document clear, child-centred arrangements, by agreement where possible, or by seeking a court order when necessary.
Child Support
Child support is considered to be the legal right of the child. Base monthly amounts for child support are generally determined under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based on the payor’s guideline income and number of children. In Alberta, the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) can register, collect, and enforce child support payments once there is a court order or a legally binding agreement.
A family lawyer can assist with initial calculations, financial disclosure, and, if circumstances change, a variation application. They can also review recent tax returns and income information, identify any income adjustments the Guidelines consider, and prepare clear payment terms. This way, your child support obligations stay up to date and enforceable.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is not automatically guaranteed to one party when spouses get divorced. Courts must establish entitlement to award spousal support, and often also consult the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) to identify reasonable ranges for amount and duration. They’ll usually consider factors like respective income, length of the relationship, dependent children, and more.
A family lawyer will discuss practical options when it comes to spousal support, and can also help you identify how it may interact with child support and taxes. At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton family lawyers will assess entitlement early, provide a realistic range using SSAG scenarios, discuss tax treatment and budgeting, and build review or variation clauses. This way, your order or agreement can adapt to future changes as your circumstances evolve.
Adoption
Adoption is a rewarding yet complicated legal process. Family lawyers can assist with private, government-care, and international adoptions. We can guide you through each step to ensure that you comply with all of Alberta’s legal requirements.
Division of Property
Alberta’s Family Property Act calls for the equitable division of family property and debts for married spouses and adult interdependent partners. Although some property is exempt from division (e.g., pre-marriage assets, certain gifts or inheritances, personal injury awards), it can be difficult to calculate equalization payments independently.
Separated spouses often face difficulties when trying to divide the matrimonial home, pensions, business interests, and out-of-province assets. An experienced Edmonton family lawyer can help you organize your financial disclosure, value your assets, and pursue fair arrangements through negotiation, mediation, or, if necessary, court.
At Verhaeghe Law, we make property division smoother for our clients by creating assets/debt inventories, gathering statements and appraisals, identifying exemptions, and proposing options that fit your financial reality.
Safety Measures and Family Violence
If safety is a concern, a family lawyer can help you explore protection orders, exclusive possession of your matrimonial home, and urgent parenting applications. At Verhaeghe Law, your privacy and safety are our top priorities. Our lawyers can also refer you to community resources and supports as part of a safety-conscious legal plan.
Family Law Services We Provide to Clients in Alberta
When you choose Verhaeghe Law family lawyers in Edmonton, you’re choosing a team with valuable experience. We can assist clients with a wide range of issues, including:
- Divorce and separation
- Child custody (now decision-making responsibility)
- Visitation (now parenting time)
- Child support
- Spousal support
- Adoption
- Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Common law relationships
- Parenting plans
- Property division
- And more
Our commitment to providing personalized legal services ensures that each client receives tailored advice based on their unique circumstances.
How we deliver these services:
- Planning & Agreements: We’ll help you create separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, or marriage agreements that set expectations and reduce conflict.
- Parenting & Support: We provide child-focused parenting plans for clients. We’ll also examine child support tables and special expenses, and discuss practical spousal support expectations.
- Property & Pensions: We can help you value your matrimonial home, businesses, pensions, and trace exempt property or increases in value so you can divide your property properly.
- Process Options:
Why Choose Verhaeghe Law for Your Family Law Matter?
What gets decided in family courts can have lasting and significant impacts on your life and the lives of your loved ones. It’s essential that you work with a lawyer who can represent your best interests. We understand that matters of family law can be contentious and deeply personal.
That’s why our Edmonton family lawyers are here to provide level-headed, objective advice and guidance.
When you choose to work with us, you’ll receive:
- Legal advice that helps you navigate the complexities of family law proceedings
- Assistance with complicated paperwork, forms, and other documents
- Skillful and assertive representation in court, if necessary
- Assurance that your rights are being respected and protected throughout the legal process
- And more
When you reach out to us, we’ll explore every angle of your situation and obtain any information necessary to negotiate on your behalf. Our knowledge of Alberta’s family law system ensures that your case will be handled with precision and care.
How Do Our Family Law Consultations Work?
If you need assistance with a family law matter, our dedicated team of Edmonton family lawyers is here to provide clear, personalized legal advice. You can schedule an initial meeting at a time that’s convenient for you by submitting a contact request through our website or calling our Edmonton office at (587) 410-2500. A member of our team will reach out to you as soon as possible if we believe we can help you with your case.
During your initial consultation, our lawyers will listen to your concerns, answer your questions, and learn what you hope to achieve. We understand that family law cases can be sensitive, so we strive to create a welcoming, comfortable environment. Every consultation is private, ensuring a safe space to discuss your personal details openly.
The consultation will help us gather key information, including:
- The type of family law service you need (divorce, child support, decision-making responsibility, etc.)
- Grounds for seeking a resolution
- Your decision-making responsibility (custody) preferences, if applicable (joint, sole, shared, or split)
- Any support you’re seeking (child or spousal)
- And more
Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll discuss your options and offer professional advice on your possible paths forward. Our team has decades of experience in family law and is committed to fighting for you. Don’t hesitate to reach out today and learn more.
Frequently Asked Questions: Edmonton Family Law
Do we have to go to court for every family law issue?
No, not necessarily. Many families are able to resolve issues by agreement, mediation, or collaborative family law processes. The court is there when needed, as in cases of urgency, safety, or stalemate.
What financial disclosure is required in family law cases?
Expect to provide recent tax returns/NOAs, pay stubs, bank, investment, and debt statements, pension information, and (if you’re self-employed) business records. Full and timely disclosure can reduce delays in your case while also minimizing cost.
What’s the difference between separation and divorce?
Separation is when partners live “apart” (even under one roof) and start untangling parenting, support, and property. Divorce is the court order that legally ends a marriage. A couple may be separated while they are still married.
What is an adult interdependent partner (AIP)?
In Alberta, you qualify as an Adult Interdependent Partner (AIP) if you have lived in a relationship of interdependence for at least three years, if you have a child together (even if you’ve lived together for less than three years), or if you have signed an Adult Interdependent Partner Agreement. This status is similar to ‘common law’ in other provinces.
Many family-property and support rules can apply to AIPs in the same way that they do to married couples. For this reason, it’s important to get advice early to confirm your status and rights.
What if my spouse or co-parent won’t communicate?
Our Edmonton family lawyers can propose a structured communication plan, use mediation, or seek court orders that set timelines, information-sharing rules, and consequences for non-response. It is important to know that, even if the other party won’t communicate, you can still take action on your family law matter.
How long does a family law matter usually take?
It depends on complexity, disclosure, and whether issues are contested. Uncontested matters, like uncontested divorces, can be relatively quick and settle after a couple of months. Contested matters often take longer.
Our Edmonton family lawyers will give you a realistic plan and timeline at the outset of your case based on your unique circumstances.
Contact Our Trusted Family Law Lawyers in Edmonton Today
Whether you’re facing a divorce, seeking custody of your children, or navigating the adoption process, having an experienced family lawyer on your side can help you feel more confident. At Verhaeghe Law, our family lawyers are dedicated to helping you pursue the outcome you desire for your case.
Contact us today at (587) 410-2500 or through our website to schedule a consultation and learn more about how we can assist you. We’re here to provide the legal support and representation you need to protect your family’s future.