Explore key topics for legal support staff through this comprehensive program, including family property spreadsheets, understanding ADR processes, trial preparation (including summary and expedited trials), mental health strategies, effective communication, and a guide for legal support staff on reviews of lawyers’ charges. Tailored to equip legal support professionals with strategies to effectively support both lawyers and clients, these programs also consider best practices and tools to maintain digital file organization. These on-demand programs were originally presented on June 6, 2024. The total running time for each presentation ranges between 35 minutes to 1 hour, 17 minutes.

Prepared by leading family law practitioners, the Alberta Family Law Practice Manual guides you through a family law file from start to finish, whether the file proceeds through collaborative law, mediation, arbitration, or court. Highlights include comprehensive information on divorce, matrimonial property, child and spousal support, and trials.

Prepared by leading family law practitioners, the Alberta Family Law Practice Manual guides you through a family law file from start to finish, whether the file proceeds through collaborative law, mediation, arbitration, or court. Highlights include comprehensive information on divorce, matrimonial property, child and spousal support, and trials.

Recent amendments to the Divorce Act and resulting jurisprudence have significantly shaped the legal framework surrounding relocation and mobility rights, bringing greater clarity in many areas while also introducing nuanced procedural and substantive requirements. This paper explores what has changed, what remains constant, and how lawyers can interpret and apply the updated legislation effectively. Key themes include the evolution of the best interests of the child test under Gordon v Goertz, distinguishing relocation from a mere change in residence, and navigating the statutory burden of proof. These materials were presented at LESA’s On the Move: Navigating Relocation and Mobility Rights in Family Law webinar on July 16, 2025.

These materials provide a comprehensive overview of the legal assistant’s role in preparing for trial, from the preparation and filing of commencement pleadings to the creation and use of trial materials. Each stage demands meticulous attention to detail and adherence to the relevant practice notes, directions, and Rules of Court. This paper is part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law for Legal Support Staff program in Edmonton on June 6, 2024.