About Family Law

Family Lawyer Edmonton

Family law focuses on issues involving family relationships such as adoption, divorce, child custody, and much more. At Ace Law Group, we focus on our client’s needs, and we are aware of the importance of having open and honest conversations with our clients to understand what they are dealing with and how we can assist them in navigating their issues. We work together to identify your desired outcome and discuss different legal options that may best satisfy your needs.

At Ace Law Group, we practice several different areas of Family Law, including but not limited to:

Separation & Divorce

Divorce and separation are some of the most stressful situations a family can experience. With complete information and support, you can get your situation under control. At Ace Law Group, we always ensure to advise you of all the options available during this difficult time. We start by determining if you are looking to get a separation agreement and/or a divorce. Once a course of action is selected, our lawyers focus on providing you with the best legal advice and help you through the process in a timely manner and with as little stress as possible.

Parenting / Guardianship

It is essential to understand that there is a fundamental difference between the terms “Parenting” and “Guardianship”. As defined in the Family Law Act in Alberta, “Parenting” refers to the guardian’s physical time spent with a child. “Guardianship” refers to powers, responsibilities, and entitlements that the guardian would have over a child. A simple way to think of guardianship is the ability to make decisions on behalf of a child.

We understand that every family is unique, and we will work closely with you to determine your family dynamic with the goal of establishing a plan that meets all party’s needs.

We understand that every family is unique and we will work closely with you to determine your family dynamic with the ultimate goal of establishing a plan that meets all party’s needs.

Child Custody / Access

The Divorce Act in Canada defines “Custody” as being similar to guardianship in that it refers to the overall decision-making responsibilities of a parent over a child. The term “Access”, like parenting, refers to physical time spent with the child. One parent may be the primary caregiver of a child; however, the other parent would still have “access” to that child.

At Ace Law, we realize that the process of determining child custody and access is a very emotional time, and we will work with you to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

Child Support

When it comes to child support, children typically have an automatic right to a level of financial support from both parents. With that said, several factors can affect support calculation. These factors include:

  • Earning power - a person’s capability to acquire money by leveraging their talent, skills, training, and experience.

  • Sources of income (T4, corporate income, income from self-employment, etc.)

  • Unique or Extraordinary expenses (Child-care fees, child’s health expenses, expenses for post-secondary education, etc.)

Spousal / Partner Support

Unlike child support, spouses are not automatically entitled to financial support payments from the other spouse. If you feel you should receive spousal support or are asked to pay spousal support, our lawyers will assess the economic disadvantages resulting from the marital breakdown and how they may impact any possible claims.

At Ace Law Group, our lawyers develop customized legal strategies while aiming for a reasonable support outcome.

Matrimonial Property Division

The decision to separate or divorce is not an easy one. It is not only difficult emotionally; it is also tricky from a procedural standpoint. As the division of property in family law can be complicated, you must seek legal advice early in the process of separation or divorce to ensure you understand and protect your legal rights. We aim to eliminate this stress by providing our clients with solutions that put them in a better state to move forward.

At Ace Law Group, our experienced family lawyers provide clients with the information needed to make educated decisions about the division of property upon separation or divorce. Our goal is to reduce the likelihood of adversarial litigation by focusing on finding common ground and determining meaningful solutions that can help you move forward after separation.

Adoption

From time to time, children are unable to live with one or both of their birth parents. This can be due to significant hardships or possibly an inherent inability for the parent(s) to care for the child(ren) wholly and adequately. In these circumstances, adoption can be a viable option. This alternative can ensure that the child(ren) will be accepted by a welcoming family that yearns for children and can take care of them properly.

In simple terms, adoption is the legal means by which individuals can permanently take on the responsibility of caring for and raising a child.

Independent Legal Advice

Many couples who are going through a separation or divorce have drafted a document that they believe will sufficiently address each partner’s concerns. However, it is always advisable that each partner retain their own lawyer who will act in the individual’s best interests. We recommended to hold off on signing any contract without first doing so.

What is the value in seeking out Independent Legal Advice?

By looking to seek independent legal advice, you and your partner have greater assurances that the agreement(s) will be upheld in the future and are less likely to be challenged in court. It is a possible scenario that in the absence of such protections, either party may claim that they did not understand what it was they were signing, nor fully understood their rights at the time. If that were to occur, you will both face increased legal costs and additional stress in the resolution of your family law matter.

Negotiation / Mediation

What is Negotiation?

Negotiation during divorce is a back-and-forth between you and your soon to be ex-spouse that allows you to reach a fair and equitable outcome. While many people choose to work with a mediator, that may not be necessary if you and your spouse can amicably resolve all outstanding issues.

What is Mediation?

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution that assists you and your partner in reaching a settlement that is satisfactory for both parties. We complete mediation with the help of a neutral, third-party called a mediator. Mediators can be lawyers, mental health professionals, clergy, or other professionals trained in alternative dispute resolution techniques.

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