LEGAL INSIGHTS FROM CAMBRIA LAW

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.

Mental health defences in Alberta, including fitness to stand trial and not criminally responsible (NCR), protect accused persons while balancing public safety. Learn how courts, lawyers, and sentencing alternatives address these cases.

Mandatory minimum sentences in Alberta face ongoing challenges and reforms. Learn where they apply, recent Supreme Court rulings, defence strategies, and what changes mean for those charged in Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

If police come knocking on your door to investigate a criminal offence it is only natural to have questions and concerns. It is not uncommon to be nervous, even intimidated, but it is important to remain calm. 

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?