February 10, 2023 -

Family law in Alberta is a set of legal rules and procedures that govern the relationships between family members, including parents, children, spouses, and common-law partners. These laws cover a wide range of issues, including marriage and divorce, child custody, child support, spousal support, partner support, adoption, and domestic violence. In this article, we will provide a brief overview of some of the key aspects of family law in Alberta.

Marriage and Divorce:

Marriage in Alberta is governed by the federal Marriage Act. This act sets out the requirements for getting married, including obtaining a marriage license, having the ceremony performed by a recognized official, and registering the marriage with the government. Divorce in Alberta, on the other hand, is governed by the federal Divorce Act. To get a divorce in Alberta, one spouse must have lived in the province for at least one year and must have grounds for divorce, such as adultery, cruelty, or separation for a specified period of time. We can help you with these issues.

Child Custody and Support:

Child custody and support are some of the most important and complex aspects of family law in Alberta. When parents separate, they must make arrangements for the care of their children, including where the children will live, who will make decisions about their upbringing, and who will pay for their support. In Alberta, the best interests of the child are always the primary consideration in these matters. If parents are unable to agree on a custody and support arrangement, the court will make a decision based on the child's best interests.  We can help you with these issues.

Adoption:

Adoption is a legal process by which a child becomes the legal child of new parents. In Alberta, adoptions can be arranged through government agencies or private adoption services. The adoption process in Alberta involves several steps, including a home study, a matching process, and a court hearing. The court will make the final decision on whether to grant the adoption based on the best interests of the child. We can help you with these issues.

Domestic Violence:

Domestic violence is a serious issue in Alberta, and family law provides several tools to help protect victims of domestic violence. The most common tool is a restraining order, which is a court order that restricts the behavior of the abuser, such as prohibiting contact with the victim or requiring the abuser to vacate the family home. In Alberta, victims of domestic violence can also seek emergency protection orders, which provide immediate protection in cases of serious danger.

Conclusion:

Divorce and Family law in Alberta is a complex and ever-changing area of law that affects the lives of many people. Whether you are facing a divorce, a custody dispute, or other family law issue, it is important to seek the advice of a qualified family law lawyer to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. A knowledgeable divorce or family law lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations, negotiate a settlement, or represent you in court if necessary.

Learn more about our Lethbridge divorce and family law lawyers, Adam Letourneau, K.C., Spencer McMullin, Emily Tilleman, Austyn Anderson or Tamera Tupou.

Learn more about Divorce and Family Law Frequently Asked Questions from our website.

Call 403-329-4311 to set a free Divorce or Family Law consultation today with one of our Lethbridge Divorce or Family Law lawyers.

This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.