Divorce Help Archives - Collaborative Divorce Alberta

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04/15/24

When Can My Children Decide Where They Live?

If you ask any family lawyer, they will say one of the most common questions they get in a parenting matter is “when can my children decide who they will live with?”. We also often hear “my child is 12, so that means they get to choose who they live with, right?”. The idea that there is a “magic age” when children care old enough to decide whether they will live with one parent or the other is a common misconception. Parties commonly believe that their child will turn 12, and be old enough to assert who they want to live with. The reality is that a Court has the authority to determine who a child will live with, and how much time they will spend with each parent until that child is 18 years old. Children are all different, and develop at different rates. A 9 year old may be able to clearly express their wants and their very carefully thought few reasons for those wants, whereas a 14 year old may express they want to live with Mom because Mom bought them a bike last week. These developmental differences makes it difficult for the law to impose one...

03/15/24

Navigating Divorce Together: Finding the Best Dispute Resolution Process

Divorce undeniably presents its share of challenges, one of which is choosing a dispute resolution process that will work for both spouses. In this blog post, we delve into the range of process options available in Alberta. The range runs from least adversarial, to the most adversarial. At the end of this blog, I include a short critique of the adversarial legal system we currently have in Canada. The four issues about which most separating couples have disputes are property division, parenting schedules, child support and spousal support. Let’s review the dispute resolution processes available. Kitchen Table Separation Agreement An...

01/15/24

The Collaborative Divorce Process In Alberta: How Long Does It Take?

Divorce is a significant life event that can come with many questions and uncertainties, including how long it will take. If you’re considering divorce in Alberta and exploring the collaborative divorce option, you’re likely eager to understand the timeline involved. In this blog post, we’ll shed light on the collaborative divorce process, helping you gain clarity on what to expect from this unique and cooperative approach. Understanding Collaborative Divorce Before we delve into the timeline, let’s ensure we have a clear understanding of collaborative divorce. Collaborative divorce is a method that emphasizes cooperation, transparency, full disclosure and open communication...

12/12/23

Is Collaborative Divorce Cheaper in Alberta? A Closer Look.

Divorce is a difficult and emotionally charged process, and one of the questions that often weighs heavily on people’s minds is the cost. In Alberta, as in many other places, there are various methods to approach divorce, and one of the options gaining popularity is collaborative divorce. But does choosing this path make divorce cheaper? In this blog post, we’ll explore the cost aspects of collaborative divorce in Alberta, helping you make an informed decision if you’re starting the divorce process or considering your options. Understanding Collaborative Divorce: Before we delve into the cost, let’s first understand what collaborative divorce...

11/23/23

Collaborative Divorce and Separation in Alberta: Does It Really Work?

Embarking on a separation or divorce can be an emotionally charged and demanding experience. As you weigh the array of separation and/or divorce options at your disposal in Alberta, you might find yourself pondering whether collaborative separation or divorce aligns with your needs. “Does collaborative separation/divorce really deliver?” is a common query that arises when considering the route to a harmonious separation. In this blog post, we will delve into the intricacies of collaborative separation/divorce, its mechanics, and its track record of success, empowering you to make a well-informed choice. Understanding Collaborative Separation/Divorce Before delving into its efficacy, it’s important...

06/20/22

How To Choose The Right Type Of Divorce Settlement Process

When couples decide to end their relationship, there are a number of ways they can do it. If there is a high level of cooperation between the two, they may be able to work everything out themselves or have their lawyers negotiate a resolution of all issues. If there is little to no agreement, they can go through mediation, arbitration, collaborative law or go to court. They could go through traditional court litigation or private arbitration, which are the most complicated, drawn out and expensive dispute resolution process. But if the individuals in the couple are reasonably well-adjusted, and there...

05/01/20

Budgets – got one?

No matter where you are in your life, whether you are going through a divorce or not, a budget matters. Everything you do in finance, personal or business, comes down to a well planned budget. The word “budget” is like the B-word no one wants to use but it’s an inevitable part of being a grown up. It’s a word that evokes the feelings of despair, fear, stress, the thought of not getting out of bed…you get the idea. I’m here to say the simple word is very simple in it’s task and it will replace those negative feelings with...

06/25/19

Podcast: An in-depth discussion about Collaborative Practice

In early June 2019, I had the pleasure of joining Catherine Potter on her podcast, “You – The Universe, The Holistic Mind”, to discuss the concepts of Collaborative Practice. We discussed the basic principles of Collaborative Practice, how it is beneficial and what it offers couples that are working through a divorce with a team of Professionals consisting of divorce lawyers, financial professionals and mental health professionals & coaches. Click play to enjoy the 1-hour podcast interview below.

06/08/19

Are you a divorce “DIYer”?

When it comes to taking care of your finances, are you a Do-It-Yourself-er? Do you like to buy/sell your own investments, search for the lowest insurance rates, complete your own tax return? There are many people who feel they can save money by overseeing their own finances. And if they are considering a divorce or separation, they may feel they can handle that on their own, too. There are rules and laws in place when it come to dividing marital property in Alberta. Trying to figure this out is not something you should do on your own. You will need...

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