Frequently Asked Questions

When you work with our Edmonton wills and estates lawyers, we will need the names and contact details of your named executors/guardians, beneficiaries, an overivew of your assets, and any specific gifts or charitable plans you wish to establish.

An executor (also called a personal representative in Alberta) is the person you appoint to manage your estate after you pass. They will gather your assets, pay debts and taxes, and distribute to beneficiaries.

It depends. Formalities are very important when it comes to will-making. Making sure your will is properly signed and witnessed can reduce the risk of disputes or delays. Handwriting your will or creating one online without legal guidance may result in an incomplete document.

You should review and update your will after any major life events, such as marriage, separation, childbirth, or real estate purchases. You might also review it every few years to confirm beneficiaries and executors.

If you don’t create a will before you pass, Alberta’s intestacy rules decide who inherits. This process may not match your wishes and can add time and cost to the process.

At Verhaeghe Law, we streamline forms, ensure your agreement is complete and enforceable, and move your file forward efficiently.

Each spouse should obtain independent legal advice before finalizing an agreement, even if the divorce is uncontested.

Typically, you will need to present your marriage certificate, separation date, signed agreement or minutes of settlement, child support details (if applicable), and all standard divorce forms. Our Edmonton divorce lawyers can help you assemble your documentation efficiently and correctly.

Usually not. Most uncontested divorces are paper or desk applications. A judge will review the file and issue a Divorce Judgment without parties present.

An uncontested divorce is a divorce where both spouses agree on key issues (such as parenting, support, or property division) and the court is asked to grant the divorce without a trial.

Trusts have specific tax rules, filing requirements, and potential 21-year deemed disposition rules. At Verhaeghe Law, our trusts lawyers coordinate with tax advisors to find the right structure for your circumstances.

You should consider appointing a trustworthy, organized person or professional who can manage investments, taxes, and reporting, and reliable follow the terms of the trust.

Inter vivos trusts are created during your lifetime and come into effect during that time. Testamentary trusts are created in your will and only start after you pass away.

Common reasons that people set up trusts include supporting minor or disabled beneficiaries, protecting assets, controlling timing of distributions, or planning for business succession.

A trust is a legal arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets for beneficiaries under written terms outlined by the will-maker.

Typically, both parties will need to disclose their income documents (tax returns/T4s), budgets, and assets owned. Your spousal support lawyer can ensure that you complete full disclosure during the separation process.

Yes, if there’s a material change in circumstances, such as an income shift, retirement, or health changes. In such cases, agreements or court orders can be varied.

Periodic support from a court order or written agreement may be taxable to the recipient and deductible to the payer. It is best to confirm current CRA rules with your accountant and lawyer.

Courts and negotiators often consult the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAGs) as a reference. The final outcome will depend on your circumstances and any agreements previously put in place.

Married spouses and adult interdependent partners (common law partners) may be eligible, depending on factors like length of relationship, roles, income, and care of children.

At Verhaeghe Law, we focus on early evidence collection, medical documentation, and a practical settlement strategy tailored to your recovery.

Report it, take photos, get witness names, seek medical attention, keep receipts, and note what footwear you had and weather/lighting conditions.

You may still be able to recover some compensation, even if you were partly at fault for the accident. In Alberta, fault can be shared and your recovery may be reduced by your share.

Either or both can be held liable. Occupiers can include owners, tenants, and property managers repsonsible for maintenance, depending on the circumstances.

Possibly, if unsafe conditions (like ice, spills, or poor maintenance) caused your injury and the property owner/occupier didn’t take reasonable steps to keep the area safe.

Typical resale closings run 2-4 weeks after conditions, although this timeline depends on lender timing and document readiness. New-builds can vary with construction schedules.

At Verhaeghe Law, we keep files moving with clear checklists, early issue-spotting, and steady updates so there are no surprises on possession day.

Yes. We address registration errors, expired caveats, missing discharges, and use title insurance or corrective registrations where appropriate.

You may have to pay legal fees, Land Titles fees, title insurance or RPR compliance, tax adjustments, condo estoppel (if applicable), and courier/registration charges. A lawyer can lay out the closing costs you can expect during your deal.

Yes. Even without a mortgage, you’ll want title searches, proper transfers, tax adjustments, and registration handled by a professional.

At Verhaeghe Law, our real estate lawyers in Edmonton focus on proactive communication with your lender, realtor, and the other lawyer so your file stays organized and possession day is smooth.

Adjustments true-up items like taxes or condo fees to the possession date. A holdback temporarily withholds funds to cover a specific risk (e.g., missing compliance) until it’s fixed.

Yes. Title insurance in Alberta doesn’t replace legal advice or closing documents. It is often useful alongside legal due diligence.

Our Edmonton lawyers will review payout statements, order tax/utility adjustments, prepare transfer documents, clear mortgages and registrations as needed, and deliver net sale proceeds to you securely.

Our Edmonton lawyers will review your contract, check title and off-title searches, confirm mortgage instructions, explain closing costs, address risks, and complete closing so you get your keys on time.

At Verhaeghe Law, we focus on clear disclosure, identifying practical options, and tax-friendly solutions that will help you move forward with confidence.

Not necessarily. Many couples settle how their assets will be divided through direct negotiation, mediation, or arbitration. Court is available where disputes cannot be resolved, as needed.

Our lawyers at Verhaeghe Law will gather statements, appraisals, and business/accounting records to establish values close to the vision date or as agreed.

Often, pre-relationship assets and certain gifts/inheritances are kept separate from matrimonial property. However, the increase in value of these assets might still be shared. A property division lawyer can advise you on your rights and obligations.

Generally, matrimonial or family property is considered to be the assets and debts acquired by either party during a relationship, plus the growth in value of certain assets owned before the relationship. Certain assets may be subject to exclusion or adjustment.

In Alberta, court filing fees and legal fees apply to the probate process, depending on the size of the estate. Our Edmonton probate lawyers can explain costs upfront based on the estate’s complexity.

To apply for probate, you will typically need the original will and any codicils, the death certificate, an asset/debt list with values, notices to beneficiaries, and any prescribed court forms, filled out correctly.

No. Small estates with only certain accounts may be administered without probate. Real estate and larger assets often require probate before banks or the Alberta Land Titles office will take action.

it depends on how complete the paperwork is, court processing times, and whether the will is contested. Straightforward files often take several weeks to a few months to receive a Grant of Probate.

Probate is a court process that confirms that a will is valid. It authorizes the named personal representative (the executor) to deal with the estate as set out in the will.

A lawyer can be useful for ensuring clear wording, proper signing and witnessing, banking acceptance, and that it fits with your will and personal directive. This can help disputes from arising in the future, better preserving your wishes.

You may consider choosing someone who is organized, trustworthy, understands your finances, and will act in your best interests. People often choose their spouse, adult child, or close friend as their attorney.

It can take effect immediately after you sign it or only if you lose capacity in the future, depending on how it’s drafted.

A POA that continues to be valid if you lose mental capacity later. Most people choose an enduring POA as part of their estate planning process.

A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document where you name someone to manage your financial and property matters. it does not cover personal or health decisions.

The length of time a personal injury claim takes will vary based on your medical recovery, investigations, and negotiations. Many claims settle without going to trial once your injuries are reasonably understood. Some may go to court and require litigation when the initial settlement offer is not fair.

You may still recover compensation. In Alberta, fault can be shared and your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Although you must report your incident promptly, you should get legal advice before you give any detailed statements or sign any forms.

Typically, you may pursue compensation for pain and suffering, income loss, medical and rehabilitation costs, out-of-pocket expenses, and in some cases, future care or loss of earning capacity. An Edmonton personal injury lawyer can assess the details of your case and advise you on what damages you may be eligible for.

Any injury caused by another person’s negligence may be eligible for a personal injury claim. These include injuries from car accidents, slips and falls, unsafe premises, dog bites, and other incidents where someone else is legally responsible.

Every parenting plan will be different depending on the family. However, some frequently addressed topics include clear schedules, exchange protocols, decision-making responsibility, travel rules, notice for changes to a plan, dispute-resolution steps, and how you’ll share information from schools and doctors. An experienced lawyer can make sure you don’t miss anything important.

No. Many families use mediation, a parenting coordinator, or collaborative family law to build a workable, child-focused plan. At Verhaeghe Law, our parenting plan lawyers can help you and a co-parent negotiate effectively to create a plan without going to court.

Yes. If circumstances change (new job, school, health), you can revise by agreement or ask the court to vary an order, depending on whether you and the other parent can agree on the changes.

Not always. Many families sign an agreement first relating to their parenting plan. Turning it into a consent order can help with clarity and enforcement if issues come up later.

A parenting plan is a written agreement that sets out where the children live, how decisions are made, and how day-to-day schedules, holidays, travel, and communication work.

It depends on the policy. Some end at a certain age (often 65) or if you no longer meet the disability definition. Insurers will review claims periodically to assess whether your eligibility has elapsed.

Some policies allow partial or rehabilitative benefits while you work part-time. It depends on the wording of your specific policy and your earnings. It is recommended that you seek legal advice before changing your work status.

Read the denial letter you receive from the insurer carefully, note any deadlines, request your full claim file, and speak with a lawyer as soon as possible about next steps before submitting any further. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to file an appeal, a tort claim, or both.

For many policies, the first phase asks whether you can do your own job. After a period (often around two periods), the test may change to whether you can do any suitable job based on your background and limitations.

LTD provides income replacement when an illness or injury prevents you from working beyond a short-term period. Coverage may be available through work or a privately-purchased policy.

You may look for key points like fees, territory, renewal and termination rights, required purchases, branding rules, dispute-resolution clauses, and financial performance information.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team focuses on plain-language advice, risk spotting, and practical negotiation points so you can make an informed decision before you sign.

Sometimes. Franchisors are protective of their systems, but limited changes (such as territory or timelines) may be possible depending on the brand and context. An Edmonton franchise lawyer can help you negotiate terms.

It’s a package of information that a franchisor gives you before you sign or pay. An FDD helps you assess the business, fees, and risks before you make a commitment.

Franchise law deals with buying, selling, and operating a franchise. It covers everything from disclosure documents to the franchise agreement and day-to-day relationships between franchisor and franchisee.

Generally, the starting point for dividing property is to identify what is considered matrimonial/family property and what might be excluded. Then it’s about valuing assets and debts and working toward a fair division.

Income documents, like T4s or tax returns, recent pay stubs, a list of your assets and debts, any existing agreements or orders, and a brief timeline of key events can all be helpful when you meet with a family lawyer.

The focus is on the child’s best interests. Things like stability, safety, and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs. There’s no automatic “50/50”; plans are tailored to the child.

Family law refers to issues surrounding separation, divorce, parenting time, decision-making responsibility for children, child support, spousal support, division of property, and any other topics relating to the family unit.

Not always. Many families use negotiation, mediation, or arbitration instead. Court is there for urgent issues, safety concerns, or when agreements can’t be reached.

You should consider bringing any wills or codicils, probate papers, financial information, a timeline of events, and key communications relating to your dispute (such as emails, texts, or letters).

No. Many matters can be settled through negotiation or mediation, which can reduce legal costs and stress. However, court remains an option if safety, urgency, or the complexity of legal issues require it.

Yes. Typical reasons given for disputing a will is the person’s capacity when the will was signed, whether they were pressured, or whether the will was properly signed and witnessed according to Alberta law.

Common triggers of estate disputes include a last-minute will, unclear wording in a will, unequal gifts between siblings, concern about undue influence, or questions about the personal representative’s decisions.

Estate litigation occurs when any dispute about a will or estate arises. For example, conflict over the validity of a will, what it means, who should act as personal representative, or whether a dependant needs additional support can all incite estate litigation.

Typical duties of an executor include: securing real estate and valuables, locating the will, listing assets and debts, notifying beneficiaries and creditors, paying taxes and valid claims, keeping records, and distributing according to the will, or Alberta’s intestacy rules if there is no will.

Straightforward estates often take several months from start to final distribution. However, timing will depend on the amount and type of assets involved, whether a court Grant is needed, tax filings, and whether there are beneficiary concerns or claims made.

Probate is a court-supervised process where a will is validated and an executor is formally appointed after the will-maker passes away. Estate administration is the broader, complete process of managing and settling all of the deceased’s affairs. Estate administration may or may not include probate as one step.

At Verhaeghe Law, we help you map the steps of administration, prepare court forms, communicate with banks and beneficiaries, deal with taxes and debts, and keep a clean accounting record. We also flag risks (for example, refusing funds too early) and help avoid disputes.

Estate administration is the process of gathering a person’s assets after death, paying debts and taxes, and distributing what’s left to beneficiaries. In Alberta, this handled by a “personal representative’ (often called an executor).

Family violence can include physical harm, threats, stalking, forced confinement, or property damage. It might also include controlling behaviour that causes you to fear for your safety.

An EPO is temporary. It will be reviewed by a Court of King’s Bench justice within 9 working days to decide whether to confirm, change, or cancel it.

EPOs can be granted the same day, often within hours, if there’s evidence of immediate danger. Judeges can issue them at any time, including weekends.

You can apply for an Emergency Protection Order if you’re experiencing family violence from a family member or intimate partner. The police, RCMP, or a lawyer can help you apply 24/7 through the Court of King’s Bench or Alberta Court of Justice.

An EPO is a court order that offers immediate protection from family violence. It can restrict contact, require an abuser to leave the home, and allow police involvement under Alberta’s Protection Against Family Violence Act.

While you can apply for a divorce yourself, a lawyer helps ensure paperwork is complete, rights are protected, and settlements are enforceable. This can prevent costly mistakes from happening, future disputes, and decrease the amount of time it takes.

Yes. You can be “separated” even if you share a home, as long as you live separate lives. For example, shared finances, relationships, or newly acquired property may affect eligibility. You may need to provide an affidavit to prove separation in these cases.

No. Only one spouse needs to start the divorce application for it to proceed. The other spouse is given a chance to respond, but the divorce can proceed even without their agreement if legal requirements are met.

Uncontested divorces can take just a few months once paperwork is filed. Contested cases usually take longer, depending on court schedules and the issues involved, such as parenting or property division.

Under the Divorce Act, the main ground for divorce is marriage breakdown. This can be shown by living separately for one year, adultery, or cruelty. Most Alberta divorces rely on one year of separation to move forward.

Yes. Either parent can apply to vary a court order or agreement if their circumstances have changed materially (significantly). A lawyer can help you craft an application and communicate with the other parent or the court.

Not directly. Decision-making responsibility covers major life choices, while parenting time concerns day-to-day care and where the child lives regularly.

Yes. Many families share joint decision-making responsibility, meaning both parents must consult on major decisions. Courts might also assign specific areas to each parent if joint decision-making isn’t practical.

Courts assess what’s in the child’s best interests, considering each parent’s ability to meet the child’s needs, existing parenting arrangements, and the child’s views, where appropriate. If you and another co-parent can agree on DMR arrangements, you may not need to go to court to litigate.

Decision-making responsibility refers to a parent’s right to make important choices about a child’s upbringing, such as education, health care, and religion. It used to be referred to as “custody” until it was renamed under Alberta’s Family Law Act to focus on parental duties rather than control.

Businesses may not want to rely on generic contracts, fail to consider termination rights, fail to clearly define service scope, overlook risk allocation, or ignore Alberta-specific laws. A corporate commercial lawyer in Edmonton can prevent you from making common pitfalls.

Business owners should consider working with a lawyer when forming the business, drafting major contracts, planning a sale or merger, dealing with investor issues, or facing regulatory challenges in Alberta.

Choosing forms like corporation, partnership, or sole proprietor impacts liability exposure, tax treatment, formalities, and future succession. Seeking legal advice can clarify all these factors so you understand your rights and obligations.

Key legal issues that may crop up include due diligence, valuation, purchase/sale agreements, financing, regulatory filings with the Alberta Corporate Registry, post-closing integration, and more. A lawyer can help you resolve disputes when they arise.

Our team offers support with business structuring, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder agreements, commercial contracts, and regulatory compliance for Edmonton-based companies.

During construction, plans will need to comply with municipal bylaws (such as in the City of Edmonton), the Alberta Building Code, provincial licensing, and safety regulations. Meeting these requirements is critical to avoid delays, fines, or liability issues.

In general, construction contracts should cover scope, schedule, payment terms, change orders, dispute resolution mechanisms, lien rights, insurance, and termination. These should all be tailored to Alberta’s legislative context, although it is advised that you consult with an experienced construction law lawyer before finalizing a contract.

Yes. Many contracts include clauses for alternative dispute resolution, which can offer a quicker or less adversarial path than full court proceedings in Alberta.

Before signing contracts, when facing non-payment, disputes over defects or scheduling, or considering filing or defending a builders’ lien under Alberta law.

Our construction law lawyers at Verhaeghe Law handle contracts, disputes, builders’ liens, delay claims, warranty defects, regulatory compliance, and more for construction projects across Edmonton and Alberta.

Parenting rights and support for children apply regardless of parents’ marital status, and the court focuses on the child’s best interests under Alberta’s Child, Youth, and Family Enhancement Act when making decisions.

Yes. A cohabitation or common-law agreement can set terms for support, property, and separation ahead of time. A cohabitation agreement is best drafted with legal guidance in Alberta to avoid missing any important clauses.

A partner may claim spousal support if their common-law relationship lasted a certain length, they had children, or one partner’s role created an economic disadvantage. These circumstances will be assessed according to Alberta family law by the court.

In Alberta, common-law couples do not automatically split property like married couples under the Matrimonial Property Act. Individual ownership may remain unless other legal claims are launched.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team represents couples living together (common-law) who need assistance with property division, support, or transitioning into marriage or separation in Alberta.

They review and negotiate lease terms, such as rent, term, renewal rights, tenant improvements, assignment clauses, and landlord remedies. They also ensure compliance with Alberta statutes and local bylaws.

Some key issues to consider include title searches, environmental liabilities, zoning/land-use compliance, financing conditions, due diligence on leases and development agreements, and more. A lawyer can help you navigate these legal matters with confident guidance.

Legal fees will depend on the complexity of the transaction, value and services required (e.g., drafting agreements, due diligence, closing). Ask your lawyer about hourly rates, fixed-fee options, and disbursements during your initial consultation.

Timing can vary widely. Simple transactions may only take a few weeks to close, while more complex developments with due-diligence can take several months depending on approvals and financing.

Our team handles purchases, sales, leasing, financing, development agreements, zoning or land-use issues, and more for commercial real estate in Edmonton and across Alberta.

Instead of one party vs. the other, collaborative law emphasizes joint problem-solving, open disclosure, and shared decision-making. It can be potentially less adversarial than standard family law court proceedings in Alberta.

Yes. Once parties reach an agreement and sign the final settlement, their lawyers will apply to the court to convert it into a binding court order under Alberta family law.

Issues such as child custody and parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, division of assets or debts, and family business interests can all be addressed in a collaborative framework.

Collaborative family law works well when both parties are willing to negotiate in good faith, but not all family matters qualify or remain amenable to negotiation without court involvement.

Collaborative family law involves both spouses and their lawyers working together to reach a mutual agreement on their legal matter without going to court. At Verhaeghe Law, our Edmonton collaborative family law lawyers guide parties though this cooperative process.

Enforcement options include wage garnishment, seizure of assets, writs of execution, and notices of seizure under Alberta’s enforcement legislation.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team supports clients from pre-litigation assessment through to enforcement, helping navigate Albera’s court rules and procedures.

“Costs” refer to legal fees awarded by the court, wherein the defendant must cover a portion of your legal costs. Alberta courts generally award only a portion of a party’s actual legal fees unless otherwise agreed.

The standard limitation period for most civil claims in Alberta is two years from when you knew (or should have known) the cause of action, under the Limitations Act. The limitation period may be shorter or longer than 2 years under specific circumstances, so it is best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible.

Our team at Verhaeghe Law handles contractual disputes, personal injury claims (non-criminal), shareholder and partnership disputes, construction claims, debt recovery, insurance litigation, and more in Edmonton and Alberta.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team helps clients review support orders, apply for variations or enforcement, and understand their rights under Alberta law.

Support can be enforced via income garnishment, court orders, the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) in Alberta, and other legal measures.

Judges may use actual income, imputed income (income they could earn), or averaging when assessing child support in cases with irregular earnings or self-employment.

To vary a child support order, you will need to apply to the court and show a material change in circumstances, such as an income change or a change in primary care. Once you have followed the rules under Alberta law, they may decide to change the amount you owe.

Child support in Alberta is determined under the Federal Child Support Guidelines and corresponding Alberta law, which uses the paying parent’s income and number of children to calculate the amount owed.

Contact us at 487-410-2500 or via our website contact form. We’ll schedule an initial meeting, review your situation, and explain how our team can support your edmonton-based business.

Document concerns, review company governance documents, gather evidence of misconduct or breach, and consult a business lawyer in Edmonton to assess rights and remedies.

A shareholder agreement sets out rights and obligations, buy-out terms, decision-making, and exit strategies between owners, helping to avoid future conflict.

Incorporation in Alberta (via the Alberta Corporate Registry) offers benefits like limited liability and tax planning opportunities. However, it can also bring formalities and costs. A lawyer can help you weigh your options.

Our team supports business formation (corporations, partnerships), commercial contracts, asset purchases, shareholder disputes, acquisitions, dissolutions, and more in Edmonton and Alberta.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team helps project stakeholders understand lien rights, register or challenge liens, and navigate enforcement to protect your property interests.

Yes. A homeowner or property owner may dispute a lien’s validity, require the claimant to proceed to court or ask for a lien release, depending on the circumstances.

A lien must generally be registered within 45 days after the claim is discovered (or 45 days from substantial completion of the work) under the Builders’ Lien Act.

Contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and even certain consultants can file a lien provided they meet timing and service requirements under Alberta legislation.

A builders’ lien is a legal claim against a property that may be initiated by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier to secure unpaid work or materials. It is regulated under Alberta’s Builders’ Lien Act.

Termination without cause means you’re dismissed without a specific blame-worthy reason and may be entitled to notice or pay in lieu. Termination for cause involves serious employee misconduct and may mean no notice or pay is necessary.

In Alberta, the limitation period for most employment claims is two years from the date you knew (or ought to have known) about the claim.

Bring your employment contract, termination letter (if any), pay stubs, correspondence, workplace policy documents, and a timeline of events. We can help both employers and employees at Verhaeghe Law.

Employers must meet minimum standards for hours of work, overtime, vacation pay, termination notice/pay, and public holiday entitlements under the Alberta Employment Standards Code.

At Verhaeghe Law, our team assists with wrongful dismissal, human-rights claims, unpaid wages/benefits, employment contracts, non-compete enforcement, workplace investigation, and much more across Edmonton and Alberta. To find out whether our legal team can assist with your matter, contact us to schedule a consultation today.

We have convenient office locations in Edmonton, Athabasca, and Whitecourt, Alberta, serving clients throughout the province. We also offer virtual consultations by phone or video for clients who prefer remote legal assistance. No matter where you are in Alberta, our team is ready to help.

At Verhaeghe Law, client communication is a top priority. We provide regular updates, return calls promptly, and make sure you understand every stage of your case. You’ll always know who is handling your matter and what to expect next.

Yes, our legal team assists Alberta entrepreneurs with incorporations, contracts, employment matters, mergers, acquisitions, dispute resolution, and more. We provide practical, proactive advice to help your business grow while minimizing legal risks. Whether you’re a small business owner or managing a large corporation, we have the experience you need.

After an accident or injury, seek medical help first, then contact Verhaeghe Law. Our legal team in Edmonton will evaluate your case, gather evidence, and help you pursue fair compensation. We work on contingency in most injury cases — meaning you don’t pay legal fees unless we win your case.

Yes. We prepare wills, enduring powers of attorney, and personal directives, ensuring your wishes are respected and your loved ones are protected. Our lawyers also assist with probate and estate disputes. Proper planning today can prevent stress and costly conflicts in the future.

Our lawyers in Edmonton handle all aspects of family law — child custody, spousal support, parenting time, and property division. We focus on clear communication and fair outcomes while keeping your family’s well-being in mind. Whether your divorce is uncontested or complex, our lawyers will protect your interests from start to finish.

If your legal matter proceeds to court, our lawyers will guide you through each step — from filings and discovery to hearings and trial. We aim to protect your rights and prepare you thoroughly for what to expect. Many cases can still be resolved through negotiation or mediation, helping you avoid lengthy court processes when possible.

Legal fees depend on the type and complexity of your matter. At Verhaeghe Law, we provide transparent pricing and may offer hourly, flat, or contingency fee options depending on your case. During your initial consultation, we’ll outline expected costs and discuss ways to manage them efficiently.

You can schedule a consultation online, by calling our office, or by visiting one of our locations in Edmonton, Athabasca, or Whitecourt. Bring any documents related to your case and a list of questions to help us understand your situation. During your first meeting, a lawyer will assess your options and explain costs, timelines, and next steps.

Verhaeghe Law is a full-service law firm serving clients across Alberta, including Edmonton, Athabasca and Whitecourt. Our lawyers handle family and divorce law, personal injury claims, wills and estates, real estate, employment, business and corporate law, civil litigation and construction matters. Whether you’re resolving a dispute or planning for the future, our experienced team is here to help.

A little research goes a long way when it comes to hiring a lawyer who can produce favorable results for you. Our track record of superior client satisfaction and positive rulings and outcomes speaks for itself. Getting to know our clients is important to us, and it should be important to you too. Paying a lawyer who makes you feel like just another number is not the best use of your time and money. Our lines of communication are open 24/7 so you can reach us with questions whenever you need answers.

For more detailed information, and answers questions specific to your circumstances, call our office to book a no-obligation consultation.

The first thing you should do to prepare to meet with your lawyer for the first time is to gather and bring all the documents available to you that support your case. It is a good idea to write down any dates or important details so you can provide as clear an outline of the facts to us as possible. Here is a list of suggestions that will help you feel prepared:

• Prepare to talk about fees and your expectations.
• Go over any letters, emails or documents we have sent to you before you arrive.
• If you are a legal aid client, bring the certifications legal aid has provided to you.
• Keep all of your documents organized in one easy to transport place.
• Arrive on time.
• Respond to any phone calls, emails or information requests we make.
• Prepare a list of questions you would like us to answer.