Family Law
Family Lawyers in Edmonton
Family matters are emotionally challenging. Our team guides you through every step with care and professionalism — explaining your rights in plain language and working toward practical outcomes for you and your children.
Verdicta LLP's family lawyers in Edmonton help clients through separation, divorce, parenting arrangements, child and spousal support and the division of family property — with compassionate, practical advice for families across Edmonton and the surrounding area.
How we help
- Separation & divorce
- Parenting time & decision-making
- Child support
- Spousal & partner support
- Family property division
- Separation agreements
- Adult interdependent partners
- Adoption
- Emergency Protection Orders
Family law in Alberta
Several laws may apply to your situation, depending on whether you were married, living together, or have children:
- Divorce Act (federal) — governs divorce, parenting, and child and spousal support for married spouses.
- Family Law Act (Alberta) — addresses parenting, guardianship, and child, spousal and partner support, including for unmarried parents and adult interdependent partners.
- Family Property Act (Alberta) — governs division of property between married spouses and, since 2020, adult interdependent partners.
- Adult Interdependent Relationships Act — defines when unmarried partners have legal obligations to one another, generally after three years of living together, or sooner if you have a child together or signed an agreement.
Separation and divorce
You don't need to be divorced to resolve parenting, support and property. Many couples reach a separation agreement through negotiation or mediation, which can later be incorporated into a divorce. To obtain a divorce in Canada, the most common ground is living separate and apart for at least one year.
Parenting
Every parenting decision is made in the best interests of the child. We help you build a practical parenting plan covering parenting time, decision-making responsibility, holidays and relocation. In Alberta, parents in most court proceedings involving children must complete the Parenting After Separation course.
Child and spousal support
Child support is calculated under the Federal Child Support Guidelines (or the Alberta equivalent), based primarily on the paying parent's income and the parenting arrangement, plus a share of special expenses such as childcare and activities. Spousal and partner support depends on factors like the length of the relationship, each person's roles and incomes, and the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines.
Dividing family property
Under the Family Property Act, property acquired during the relationship is generally divided equally, with certain exemptions for property owned before the relationship, gifts and inheritances. Strict time limits apply to property claims after separation or divorce — get advice early.
Resolving matters in or out of court
We favour practical solutions: negotiation, mediation and collaborative agreements are usually faster and less costly. When court is necessary, we represent you in the Court of King's Bench or the Alberta Court of Justice.
Facing an urgent situation involving family violence? See our Emergency Protection Orders page.
Family Law
Help with your specific matter.
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Divorce & Separation
Separation agreements, contested and uncontested divorce under Canadian and Alberta law.
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Parenting & Custody
Parenting time, decision-making responsibility, guardianship and relocation.
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Child & Spousal Support
Calculating, negotiating, varying and enforcing child and spousal support.
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Property Division
Dividing homes, pensions, businesses and debts under Alberta's Family Property Act.
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Have a question that isn't answered here? Call 780-229-4559 or see all FAQs.
How long do you have to be separated to get a divorce in Alberta?
The most common ground for divorce in Canada is living separate and apart for at least one year. You can separate while living under the same roof in some circumstances, and you can resolve parenting, support and property before the divorce is granted.
How is child support calculated?
Child support is set by the Child Support Guidelines, based mainly on the paying parent's annual income, the number of children and the parenting arrangement. Special or extraordinary expenses — such as childcare, medical costs and some activities — are usually shared in proportion to income.
Do common-law partners have rights in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta uses the term 'adult interdependent partner'. You generally become one after living together in a relationship of interdependence for three years, sooner if you have a child together, or by signing an agreement. Adult interdependent partners can claim support and, since 2020, division of family property.
Do we have to go to court?
No. Many families resolve matters through negotiation or mediation and sign a separation agreement. Court is available when agreement isn't possible or when urgent orders are needed.
How much does a family lawyer cost?
Family matters are billed hourly against a retainer held in trust, because every file is different. We'll explain the likely cost after a free initial consultation, and payment plans are available. Fees are subject to GST, and disbursements are an additional charge.
What is a separation agreement?
A separation agreement is a written contract between separating spouses or partners that resolves parenting, support and property. When properly prepared, with each party getting independent legal advice, it can avoid the need for court and later be relied on in a divorce.
Charged, buying, or in a dispute?
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Speak with a lawyer who will give you straight answers and a clear plan.
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