The Alberta Property Rights Statutes Amendment Act, 2022 (the “Act”), came into force on December 15, 2022. The Act amends three existing Alberta statutes: the Land Titles Act, the Law of Property Act and the Limitations Act, with the effect of updating the law regarding adverse possession in order to protect registered private landowners’ property […]
How to Split Assets in a Divorce

Many people going through a divorce may experience a whirlwind of emotions and feelings. But divorce can also bring a lot of anxiety and confusion, mainly around who gets what. Splitting assets in a divorce can be a complex process. For this reason, seeking the guidance of a legal professional can help ensure that your […]
When Does the Dower Act Apply in Real Estate Transaction?

The Dower Act has been in place in Alberta for over a century and was originally designed to protect the rights of a wife who was unable to own property. If the husband decided to sell the property, the wife could not be evicted. This legislation was created in response to the possibility of a […]
New Residential Anti-Flipping Rules Implemented By Federal Government
The Federal government’s new anti-flipping tax rules were passed into law on December 15, 2022 when Bill C-32 received Royal Assent and was legislated as the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022. These rules have essentially increased the cost of house flipping in Canada. Under the Act, a “flipped property” means “a housing unit of […]
The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (the “Act“) and the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Regulations (the “Regulations”) (collectively, the “Legislation”) came into force on January 1, 2023 and affect contracts for the purchase of residential property entered into after this date. The Act prohibits non-Canadians […]
What Happens If Your Spouse Refuses to Sign a Separation Agreement in Alberta?

Most people believe that if they’re married and want to end their marriage, divorce is the easy solution. While this is true for the majority of married couples, the solution may not be so straightforward. Separation or annulment are alternatives to divorce. If you and your spouse are separating, you must have a signed separation […]
Estate Planning: What Is a Personal Directive?

The first thing that typically comes to mind when people think about estate planning is a will. Although a legally valid and up-to-date will is a necessary component of estate planning, it’s far from sufficient. A will only protects your interests after you die; it does not protect your interests if you lose capacity and […]
What Is Contested vs. Uncontested Divorce?

Divorce is among the top 5 most stressful experiences a person can go through. Even if your divorce seems “easy,” it can still be a very emotional and trying process. There are many factors to consider while also dealing with the stress of an ending relationship (no matter how good or bad). Hiring a family […]
Can You Sign a Prenup After Marriage?

Marriage is supposed to last a lifetime, but people can change over time, and, so can their relationships. And when these changes happen, some people may only find the solution they need through legal separation—and while separation might be an excellent option for many dissolving marriages, it can be a complicated process. This is why […]
Do You Need a Separation Agreement Before Divorce?

Divorce is a difficult time for everyone involved. And, your family lawyer can help alleviate the stress that often comes along with divorce. The divorce process includes many different steps—and understanding them can be challenging. Let’s explore if you need a separation agreement before filing for divorce and how the process works. What Is a […]