Divorce Lawyer Edmonton, AB

Who is Bhardwaj+Co?

Our firm takes pride in helping clients from all walks of life, including common law spouses, individuals in marriage who wish to pursue an amicable divorce, and spouses locked in high-conflict custody disputes. We know that a dissolution of marriage can raise various legal issues, such as real estate lawyer consultations for property transfers, criminal defence lawyers in cases involving protective orders, or even concerns about existing cohabitation agreements and prenuptial agreements. 

As lawyers, our mission is to facilitate a smooth transition—protecting your rights, assets, and emotional well-being. We bring experience in divorce cases of all types, recognizing that each path toward a divorce settlement requires understanding, clarity, and effective legal representation.

The Importance of Working with a Specialized Divorce Lawyer

A divorce action is rarely simple. Even amicable divorce scenarios can evolve into custody dispute situations or disagreements about property division. By working with a specialized divorce lawyer, you ensure your legal matters are managed effectively and that you have every legal option at your disposal. This includes exploring alternative dispute resolution methods such as divorce mediation or guiding you through litigation in the provincial court of Alberta when necessary.

1. Protecting Your Rights and Assets: A knowledgeable lawyer guides Albertans through Alberta divorce laws, safeguarding your estate, assets, and financial future. Solid legal representation helps prevent errors that might otherwise jeopardize your long-term interests.
2. Clarity in Custody Disputes: Child custody can exacerbate stress. With an experienced Edmonton divorce lawyer, you’ll develop clear legal custody arrangements and parenting plans, keeping children’s best interests front and center.
3. Guidance Through Complex Situations: For divorce cases involving prenuptial or cohabitation agreements, the right lawyer navigates the division of property. Collaborative divorce can reduce conflict, while skilled civil litigation support is critical if disputes escalate.
4. Efficient Paperwork and Negotiations: Timely paperwork filing and effective settlement discussions are pivotal for a smooth dissolution of marriage. Good legal counsel reduces risks of prolonged divorce proceedings, whether it’s an uncontested divorce or a more complex matter.
5. Emotional and Strategic Support: Beyond legal expertise, a lawyer offers emotional support, mapping out paths such as collaborative divorce, divorce mediation, or a formal hearing. This allows you to make well-informed choices during a challenging period.

Book a Free Initial Consultation with Bhardwaj+Co

We encourage you to schedule an initial consultation with one of our Edmonton lawyers to discuss your legal options. This first meeting offers insight into how we can help navigate your divorce process or any family law issues you may face.

Our Edmonton Family Lawyers’ Areas of Specialization

Our Edmonton family lawyers bring a deep understanding of family law and extensive experience in divorce-related legal matters. From child custody to division of property, we are equipped to represent spouses in a variety of divorce cases.

Child Custody

Securing the best interests of the child is paramount.

• Legal Guidance: Our family law lawyers explain your rights and clarify how legal custody or parenting schedules might be structured, even if you are common law spouses.
• Strategy & Evaluation: We account for your financial situation, period of time spent with the child, and any existing agreements.
• Negotiation & Court Representation: We aim for a mutual understanding in child custody disputes, but can advocate strongly in the provincial court of Alberta if a custody dispute arises.
• Modifications & Enforcement: Life changes happen, and custody orders may need to be revisited. We assist in seeking modifications or enforcing existing directives.

Child Support

Child support ensures children’s needs are met after a dissolution of marriage or division of property.

• Establishment & Modification: We review family law guidelines to set or adjust child support based on each spouse’s financial situation and the child’s requirements.
• Enforcement & Negotiation: If payments are missed, we explore enforcement options. We also handle out-of-court negotiation for more amicable divorce scenarios.

Divorce Mediation

Divorce mediation is an excellent path for those seeking a less adversarial resolution.

• Preparation & Representation: We guide you through paperwork, ensure your rights are clear, and propose fair settlement terms.
• Agreements & Documentation: Our Edmonton divorce lawyers assist in finalizing legal agreements that address custody, assets, and other legal issues.

Separation Agreements

When common law spouses or legally married couples decide to separate, a separation agreement is often a wise step.

• Negotiation & Drafting: We address marital relationship details and any needed division of property.
• Review, Modification & Enforcement: If your agreement needs changes or if one party fails to comply, we guide you through further legal process or court representation.

Spousal Support

Spousal support ensures fairness when one spouse might be at a financial disadvantage post-divorce.

• Eligibility & Negotiation: Our divorce lawyers clarify if you qualify for support and negotiate terms that protect your rights.
• Guidelines, Modifications & Enforcement: Alberta courts consider many factors, from length of marriage to each party’s financial situation. We can seek adjustments if circumstances shift.

Uncontested Divorce

An uncontested divorce can reduce conflict and ease the divorce process.

• Documentation & Settlement: We manage the required paperwork and ensure division of property is documented accurately.
• Review & Court Representation: If needed, we represent you before the provincial court of Alberta to finalize matters, ensuring you remain compliant with Alberta divorce rules.

Family Law Lawyers Can Provide You With Guidance in Your Divorce Proceedings

In complex divorce proceedings, professional legal counsel can help mitigate stress, address legal issues, and secure an outcome that respects everyone’s rights.

Talk with a Family Lawyer

Grounds for Divorce in Canada

Under Alberta law, the grounds for divorce typically involve establishing the breakdown of a marital relationship. In many divorce cases, couples cite a period of time spent living apart, although other conditions apply.

Separation

Most divorce filings in Alberta use separation as the primary ground, requiring spouses to live apart for at least one year. For some families, maintaining separate households can mean ongoing child custody disputes or common law considerations, which may call for a real estate lawyer if assets or property are sold or divided.

Adultery

If a spouse has committed adultery, it can accelerate the dissolution of marriage in Alberta divorce situations. However, substantial proof is needed to meet Family Law standards, and this can lead to a legal battle over credibility and fault.

Cruelty

Cruelty involves physical or mental harm that makes living together untenable. The provincial court of Alberta evaluates evidence such as medical reports or personal testimony. If proven, it can lead to a faster end to the marital relationship and urgent custody decisions.

How to File for Divorce in Edmonton, Alberta?

To start a divorce action in Edmonton, you must file the requisite paperwork—often a Statement of Claim—and meet provincial requirements. The divorce proceedings can be simplified if spouses agree on major items like property division and child custody, or may become complicated if disagreements arise.

1. Gather Documentation: Financial records, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial agreements, and details about matrimonial property.
2. Initiate the Divorce: Serve papers to your spouse, unless it’s a collaborative divorce or uncontested divorce where both parties file jointly.
3. Explore Settlement Options: Mediation or direct negotiation can lead to a quicker divorce settlement if both spouses cooperate.
4. Court Appearance if Needed: In contested divorce scenarios, the barrister representing you may present arguments before the court if disputes over legal custody, assets, or financial situation persist.

Talk to a Divorce Lawyer

Early contact with an experienced divorce lawyer helps avoid costly errors. They can provide legal advice tailored to your personal situations, ensuring you’re aware of legal options and local Edmonton protocols.

Legal Assistance Throughout Your Divorce Proceedings

From the first consultation to final representation in court, a dedicated divorce lawyer addresses all facets of the divorce process—protecting your rights, guiding you in decision-making, and handling any required paperwork.

Read Less