Family Law

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.

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.

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.

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.

Alberta’s new Family Justice Strategy is changing how families approach separation and divorce. Instead of defaulting to court battles, the strategy focuses on early resolution, mediation, and support programs that reduce cost, stress, and delay. For Edmonton families, it means faster access to help — and less conflict during an already difficult time.

Many Alberta parents assume child support stops automatically when a child turns 18. In reality, support can continue when a young person remains dependent—such as while attending post-secondary school or living with a disability. Understanding how Alberta law defines dependency helps parents plan ahead and avoid conflict.

As Canadian families become more diverse, questions around legal parenthood are evolving. A recent Quebec court ruling recognizing more than two legal parents for a child has sparked national debate — including in Alberta. For Edmonton families, the idea of multi-parent recognition could reshape how the law defines family, responsibility, and the best interests of a child.

Alberta’s 2025 family law reforms bring significant updates that affect how Edmonton families navigate separation, parenting, property division, and financial support. These changes aim to create a fairer, more modern system that reflects the realities of today’s families—whether you’re married, common-law, or co-parenting apart.

It has been more than 50 years since the first cellular telephone call. According to CNN, Motorola engineer Martin Cooper stood on a New York city sidewalk on April 3, 1973 “with a device the size of a brick and made the first public call from a cell phone to one of the men he’d been competing with to develop the device.” 

When couples enter into marriage, the last thing on their minds is often what might happen if the relationship ends. Still, divorce and separation do occur — and that is why a prenuptial (prenup) or postnuptial (postnup) agreement is something every couple should consider.

Separation and divorce are difficult transitions, especially when children are involved. One emerging approach to help families through this time is known as “nesting.” Instead of children moving between two households, the children remain in the family home while parents rotate in and out according to a schedule.

Dividing property after a separation or divorce can be one of the most stressful and complex parts of ending a relationship. Couples often wonder: Who keeps the house? What happens to my savings? Do I have to share my inheritance?