Straight answers
from Edmonton
lawyers.

Yes. We offer a free initial consultation for every practice area. We'll listen to what's happening, explain your options in plain language, and tell you how we can help and what it will cost — with no obligation.

It depends on the type of matter. Criminal defence matters that are out of custody typically require a $3,000 retainer to start (bail matters can be more), with further fees depending on the complexity of the matter and whether it goes to a preliminary inquiry, trial or contested sentencing. Family and civil litigation matters are billed hourly against a retainer held in trust. Wills and estate planning are flat fee, with a discounted rate for mirror wills for couples. Residential real estate has fixed fees — use our closing cost estimator for an itemized estimate. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements, and payments made by credit card carry a 3% disbursement on the amount charged. We'll always discuss fees with you before any work begins.

We accept cash (up to $7,500), cheque, e-transfer, bank draft and credit card. A 3% disbursement is charged on any amount paid by credit card — for example, a $1,000 payment by card carries a $30 credit card disbursement. To pay a retainer or other funds into trust online, use our secure trust payment page.

Yes. Payment plans are available — ask us during your consultation and we'll find an arrangement that works for you.

Yes. We offer consultations and meetings by phone or video, and remote signing of documents where the law and any third-party requirements (such as a lender's instructions) allow. You're also welcome to meet us in person at our office in Whitemud Business Park.

We serve clients in English, Punjabi, Hindi and Urdu.

Our office is at Unit 200, 9618 42 Avenue NW (Whitemud Business Park, Building 3) in Edmonton. We serve clients across Edmonton and surrounding communities, including St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, Beaumont and Fort Saskatchewan.

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm. If you or someone you know has been arrested, our criminal lawyers can be reached 24/7 at 587-974-8766.

Bring government-issued photo ID and any documents related to your matter — for example, charge papers, release documents or tickets; your purchase contract or mortgage documents; court papers you've been served with; or existing wills and agreements. If you're unsure, bring everything and we'll sort through it together.

Yes. Communications with your lawyer for the purpose of getting legal advice are protected by solicitor-client privilege. Please note that sending a message through our website does not by itself create a lawyer-client relationship, so avoid including confidential details until we've confirmed we can act for you.

Apart from identifying yourself in certain situations (such as when driving), you generally do not have to answer police questions. You have the right to remain silent and the right to speak to a lawyer without delay after an arrest or detention. Anything you say can be used as evidence, so it is almost always best to get legal advice first.

Once you retain us, we go on the record as your counsel and appear on your behalf — in most cases you don't need to attend. At the first appearance we adjourn the matter so we can obtain and receive disclosure from the Crown and begin discussions with the Crown prosecutor about your case.

Yes. The Crown can withdraw or stay charges at any time — for example, if the evidence is weak, a Charter breach is identified, or you complete diversion (alternative measures). Early legal representation gives you the best chance of that outcome.

Not necessarily. Outcomes such as withdrawals, stays, acquittals, peace bonds and completed diversion do not result in a conviction. Absolute and conditional discharges are findings of guilt without a conviction. We work toward the result that best protects your record.

It depends on the charge and court. Simple matters may resolve in a few months; trials can take a year or more. Under R. v. Jordan, delays over 18 months (Alberta Court of Justice) or 30 months (Court of King's Bench) are presumptively unreasonable and may lead to a stay.

Out-of-custody matters typically require a $3,000 retainer to get started. Matters involving a bail hearing can require more.

Fees beyond the initial retainer depend on the complexity of the matter and how it proceeds — for example, whether it resolves through a joint submission on sentence (where the Crown and defence agree on the sentence to recommend), or goes to a preliminary inquiry, trial or contested sentencing hearing.

We'll explain the likely costs at your free initial consultation, and payment plans are available. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.

No — not without legal advice. You haven't seen the Crown's evidence yet. We obtain and review disclosure first, look for weaknesses and Charter issues, and discuss resolution options with the Crown before you make any decision.

Disclosure is the evidence the Crown has in its possession — police reports and notes, witness statements, video, and forensic or breath-test records. You are constitutionally entitled to it, and reviewing it carefully is the foundation of every defence.

Legal fees depend on the type of transaction — a purchase with a mortgage, a cash purchase, a sale, a refinance, or a private or alternative-lender mortgage — and on whether it's a rush closing (less than two weeks' notice). Use our closing cost estimator for an itemized estimate including Alberta Land Titles fees and GST.

No. Alberta does not have a land transfer tax. Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees instead: $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the property value to register the transfer, and $50 plus $5 for every $5,000 of the mortgage amount to register a mortgage.

As soon as your offer is accepted — ideally before you remove conditions, so we can flag any concerns with the contract, title or condo documents. We need at least two weeks before closing for a standard transaction; closings with less notice are possible as a rush for an additional fee.

A Real Property Report (RPR) is a legal document prepared by an Alberta land surveyor showing property boundaries and the location of buildings and improvements. Under the standard Alberta residential purchase contract, the seller usually provides a current RPR with evidence of municipal compliance.

Two pieces of valid government-issued photo ID, your down payment (usually by bank draft or wire, as we instruct), your home insurance details, and any documents your lender has asked for.

At least two weeks for a standard transaction. Closings with less than two weeks' notice are treated as rush closings and carry an additional $150 fee.

In most cases, yes. We offer virtual meetings and remote signing where the law and your lender's instructions allow. Some lenders still require in-person signing — we'll let you know early.

Many lenders require either title insurance or a current Real Property Report. Title insurance protects against certain title defects, survey issues and fraud. The premium varies by insurer and purchase price, and we'll tell you whether it's needed for your transaction.

You have 7 days from the date the Notice of Administrative Penalty is issued to request a review through SafeRoads Alberta and pay the non-refundable $150 review fee. The review is then held within 21 days of the date the notice was issued. Miss the 7-day window and the penalty generally cannot be disputed — so contact a lawyer right away.

No. An Immediate Roadside Sanction is an administrative penalty under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act and does not create a criminal record on its own. However, police have discretion to lay Criminal Code charges instead — most often for a second or subsequent occurrence, a collision causing injury or death, or where a child was in the vehicle.

Not at first. An IRS: FAIL starts with a 90-day suspension during which you cannot drive at all, plus a 30-day vehicle seizure. That is followed by a longer suspension (12 months for a first occurrence) during which you may drive only if you join Alberta's Ignition Interlock Program. Driving while suspended is a serious offence. A successful SafeRoads review can cancel the penalty.

If you blow a fail or warn on an approved screening device, you have the right to request a second test on a different approved instrument. Police must tell you about this right. If they don't, it can be grounds to cancel the sanction on review.

You aren't required to have one, but reviews turn on technical issues — police procedure, disclosure, and the wording of the decision-maker's test. An experienced lawyer knows which arguments succeed and can prepare written submissions or represent you at an oral review.

Penalties depend on the type of sanction and how many times it has happened. All fines are subject to a 20% victim fine surcharge.

Source: Government of Alberta. Penalties can change — confirm your specific sanction with a lawyer.

Reviews are conducted by an independent adjudicator either in writing or orally by video-conference — not in person. The review is held within 21 days of the date your Notice of Administrative Penalty was issued, and you receive a written decision. The adjudicator can confirm or cancel the penalty.

Your initial consultation is free — we'll review your paperwork and your deadline right away.

Criminal Code impaired driving charges follow our criminal defence fee structure: out-of-custody matters typically require a $3,000 retainer to start, with further fees depending on the complexity of the matter and whether it goes to a preliminary inquiry, trial or contested sentencing. For SafeRoads Alberta reviews, we'll quote your fee up front.

Payment plans are available. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements. The $150 SafeRoads review fee is a government fee paid separately.

It depends on how far over the limit you were:

Careless driving carries 6 demerits and distracted driving carries 3. Fully licensed drivers are suspended at 15 points within two years; GDL drivers at 8.

See demerit points for 45+ common offences →

Often, yes. Demerit points and convictions can increase your insurance premiums for years — frequently costing more than the fine itself. A lawyer can often negotiate a reduced charge or fewer demerits, and you usually won't need to attend court.

Fully licensed Alberta drivers face a suspension at 15 or more demerit points. Drivers in the Graduated Driver Licensing program face a suspension at 8 or more points. Demerits remain on your record for two years from the conviction date.

In most cases, no. With your authorization, a lawyer can appear on your behalf, negotiate with the prosecutor and resolve the ticket without you attending.

If you don't respond by the date on your ticket, you may be convicted in your absence, and unpaid fines can lead to further consequences such as being unable to renew your registration or licence. Respond before the deadline.

It can. Traffic convictions appear on your driver's abstract, which insurers review when setting premiums. Avoiding a conviction, or reducing it to a less serious offence, can protect your rates.

Your initial consultation is free. We'll review your ticket and tell you what's realistically achievable — and what it will cost — before you decide to proceed. Submit your ticket online for a free estimate. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.

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.

Often the same day. An EPO application is heard without notice to the other party and can be granted by a judge or justice of the peace at any time, including after hours through police.

After an EPO is granted, the Court of King's Bench reviews it within a matter of days. The respondent can attend and give their side. The judge may confirm the order, change its terms, or revoke it.

Follow the order exactly — even if you disagree with it — and do not contact the protected person unless the order allows it. Contact a lawyer immediately so your evidence can be prepared before the review hearing.

No, an EPO is a civil court order. However, breaching it can lead to arrest and charges, and the same events may separately lead to a criminal investigation.

Yes. An EPO can restrict contact with children and other family members named in the order. If parenting arrangements are affected, we can help you address them at the review hearing or through separate family court proceedings.

Generally two years from the date you knew, or ought to have known, that you suffered an injury or loss caused by someone else, with an ultimate deadline of ten years. Some claims have shorter notice periods, so get advice promptly.

The Alberta Court of Justice (Civil) hears claims up to $100,000. Larger claims proceed in the Court of King's Bench.

No. The vast majority settle through negotiation or mediation. We prepare every case as though it will go to trial, which often leads to better settlements.

Don't ignore it. You have a limited time to file a defence — otherwise the other side may obtain judgment against you without a hearing. Contact us right away with the documents you received.

Civil litigation is billed hourly against a retainer held in trust. After a free initial consultation, we'll give you a candid view of the likely cost compared to what's at stake, and payment plans are available. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.

Often in part. Alberta courts generally order the unsuccessful party to pay a portion of the successful party's legal costs, but this rarely covers everything. We factor likely cost awards into our advice.

Yes. Alberta recognises holograph wills — wills written entirely in your own handwriting and signed by you — even without witnesses. However, they often contain ambiguities or omissions that cause problems later, so a professionally drafted will is strongly recommended.

No. Since the Wills and Succession Act came into force in 2012, marriage no longer revokes a will in Alberta. However, divorce, or the end of an adult interdependent relationship, generally revokes gifts to the former spouse or partner. It's wise to update your will after any relationship change.

An enduring power of attorney covers your financial and legal affairs. A personal directive covers personal and health care decisions — such as medical treatment and where you live. Most people should have both.

Alberta's court filing fees for probate are based on the estate's net value and are capped at $525. Legal fees and other costs of administration are separate and depend on the complexity of the estate.

Choose someone you trust who is organised, willing to take on the role, and ideally lives in or near Alberta. You can name more than one person and should name an alternate in case your first choice can't act.

Contact us to discuss your situation. Witnessing requirements for wills are strict, and we'll recommend the signing arrangement that best ensures your will is valid.

Wills and estate planning are offered at a flat fee, quoted up front after your free initial consultation. Couples who want mirror wills receive a discounted rate rather than paying for two separate wills. All fees are subject to GST and applicable disbursements.

Mirror wills are two separate wills — usually for spouses or partners — with matching terms. Typically, each person leaves everything to the other, and then to the same beneficiaries (such as your children) once both have passed. Each will remains a separate legal document that either person can change.