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62595.05Part 12 of the Rules is not a closed system. It is a set of family-specific overlays grafted onto the broader civil rules, and the way those two layers interact is where a great deal of practical advantage lives particularly under the Family Focused Protocol. This paper explores two related objectives. The first is to make the case for reading Part 12 with the rest of the Rules in mind, anchored in Rule 12.3. The second is to walk through some of the rules outside Part 12 that family lawyers can, and arguably should, be using more often, and to consider how the Family Focused Protocol has reshaped both the procedural landscape and the remedies actually available to parties. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Essentials program in Edmonton on May 22, 2026.
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62595.04The Divorce Act and Family Law Act impose a duty on lawyers to discuss alternative dispute resolution processes. This paper explores the legislation giving rise to the duties on us to use Alternative Dispute Resolution and any musings in caselaw on these duties. It also reflects on what to expect from a typical mediation; how to speak with your client and the other lawyer about mediation; and the benefits the mediation and mediation/arbitration processes can provide you and your client. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Essentials program in Edmonton on May 22, 2026.
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62595.03Having a basic understanding of the child welfare system will enhance the practice of any family law practitioner. This paper explores the basic explanations of the relevant statutes in Alberta followed by discussions of how applications under the Family Law Act and Divorce Act intersect with the federal and provincial child welfare statutes. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Essentials program in Edmonton on May 22, 2026.
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62595.02The Divorce Act and Family Law Act are the foundational legislation to address family law disputes in Alberta. They give priority emphasizing the best interests of the child(ren) of separated families and, to the extent possible, shielding children from conflict related to the issues arising from separation. This paper explores some key considerations from family law legislation and highlights a few key cases to use as a starting point when conducting research. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Essentials program in Edmonton on May 22, 2026.
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62595.01The Alberta Family Property Act addresses the division of property between spouse, whether married or adult interdependent partners, based upon a deferred community of property regime. This paper explores the key clauses of the Family Property Act, including factors to consider, exemptions, when parties can deviate from the Act, limitation periods all the while highlighting the importance of unambiguous drafting in property agreements. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Essentials program in Edmonton on May 22, 2026.
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62554.01Coercive control often hides in plain sight and how it's handled in family law files can shape a client’s future. This paper explores helpful tools to recognize coercive control and post-separation abuse, with a focus on practical strategies for presenting persuasive evidence in court and avoiding common missteps along the way. These materials were presented at LESA’s Coercive Control in Action: Real World Examples and Legal Responses webinar on March 10, 2026.
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62560.05The main pillars of family law that are addressed in agreements are family property division, support, parenting and estate rights. This paper explores the legal consequences of addressing family law issues in various domestic contracts. It includes an overview of family law agreements in Alberta identifying issues and legislation for lawyers to be aware of, and sticky areas that require extra attention when drafting and providing independent legal advice. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Agreements program in Edmonton on January 29, 2026.
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62560.04Family law counsel play a vital role in guiding clients through the negotiation, drafting, execution, and enforcement of family law agreements. This paper explores practical considerations for family law counsel, organized around key ethical and professional considerations that commonly arise when negotiating, drafting, and executing family law agreements. Each section identifies a specific area of risk, explains the underlying professional obligations, and offers concrete practice tips to help lawyers navigate these challenges effectively. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Agreements program in Edmonton on January 29, 2026.
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62560.03This paper discusses some of the areas family law practitioners should actively cultivate within their professional networks, such as corporate law, tax law, estate law, and trust law. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Agreements program in Edmonton on January 29, 2026.
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62560.02The goal isn’t just to reach a deal; it’s to reach a deal that neither party can or wants to break. This paper explores everything from “agreement in principle” (hereafter referred to as an “AIP”) to a fully executed agreement, and beyond. We’ll examine three key stages of turning the AIP into an enforceable agreement, managing attempts to renegotiate; and, building enforcement mechanisms that work. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Agreements program in Edmonton on January 29, 2026.
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62560.01Most family law cases are settled before trial and often this is through negotiated settlements. This paper explores mediation with counsel, or with a third-party mediator, with many of the concepts applied in a collaborative process. It also addresses Arbitration as it is increasingly common for parties to engage in Mediation/Arbitration. These materials are part of a collection presented at LESA’s Family Law Agreements program in Edmonton on January 29, 2026.
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62574.01The Hague Convention can present complex challenges for legal professionals. This paper provides an overview of key Hague processes, including the applicability of the convention, the articles of the convention, habitual residence, undertakings, temporary orders for custody, and execution of a judgement. These materials were presented at LESA’s A Practice Guide to the Hague Convention on International Child Abductions webinar on January 14, 2026.
