LEGAL INSIGHTS FROM CAMBRIA LAW

Life changes — sometimes dramatically — after a separation or divorce. A new job, retirement, health issues, or changes in income can make an existing spousal support order unfair or unworkable. Alberta law recognizes this and provides mechanisms to review or vary spousal support when circumstances shift.

When families separate, courts in Alberta make parenting decisions based on one principle above all others: the best interests of the child. But when there are concerns about family violence — physical, emotional, or psychological — that assessment becomes far more complex.

Few moments feel as intrusive as when police arrive at your home or business with a search warrant. In Alberta, as across Canada, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms protects individuals from unreasonable search and seizure. But what counts as “unreasonable,” and what can you do if police overstep those limits?

An arrest for domestic violence can be one of the most stressful moments in a person’s life. It often happens quickly, sometimes after a heated argument or a misunderstanding that escalates. Regardless of the circumstances, the legal process that follows is serious and can have lasting effects on your family, your reputation, and your freedom.

When parents separate, reaching an agreement about how to raise their children isn’t always the end of conflict. Disagreements over schedules, holidays, or day-to-day decisions can continue long after court orders or parenting plans are in place. For some Alberta families, these ongoing disputes make co-parenting exhausting and emotionally draining.

Impaired driving is one of the most common criminal charges in Alberta — and one of the most heavily penalized. With recent changes to both provincial and federal laws, even a single mistake behind the wheel can lead to immediate licence suspension, costly fines, and a lasting criminal record.

Divorce is rarely simple — especially when trust has already been broken. One of the biggest sources of conflict in Alberta family law is financial disclosure. When one spouse suspects the other of hiding income or assets, it can derail negotiations, delay settlements, and increase legal costs dramatically.

When a young person is accused of a crime, the legal system responds differently than it does for adults. Canada’s Youth Criminal Justice Act (YCJA) recognizes that youth are still developing — and that rehabilitation, not punishment, should be the primary goal.

Not every committed couple in Alberta chooses marriage — and that’s perfectly legal. Many couples live together for years, share finances, raise children, and build property together without ever signing a marriage certificate. But when those relationships end, the question of who owns what can become complicated.

Not every conviction in Alberta leads to jail time behind bars. For some offences, judges can impose a conditional sentence — commonly known as house arrest — allowing individuals to serve their sentence in the community under strict supervision.

Few family law issues create as much stress and uncertainty as when one parent wants to move after separation or divorce. Whether it’s a new job, a fresh start, or family support elsewhere, relocation can deeply affect parenting time and a child’s stability.

A criminal record can follow you long after you’ve paid your debt to society. It can affect job opportunities, international travel, volunteering, and even your ability to rent an apartment. Fortunately, Canadian law provides a path to move forward — through a record suspension, commonly known as a pardon.