If you’re dealing with legal matters such as divorce and separation, custody of your children, child support, spousal support, or property division, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed by the legal process. A family law lawyer can help you understand your legal rights, build a clear legal plan, and move your matter forward.
In this guide, we explain what family lawyers do in real life: the different practice areas, how court procedures work, what “evidence” and court documents matter, and how to approach costs. When you’re ready, you can contact our team at Bhardwaj+Co for an initial consultation and practical next steps.
Important note: This article is general information, not legal advice services for your specific situation. The right approach depends on your facts, timelines, and the applicable legislation.
What Does a Family Lawyer Do?
A family advice lawyer typically supports clients in five big ways:
Explain the law and your options
We translate Canadian family law into plain language—what applies under the Canadian Divorce Act (federal law) versus provincial family laws (for example, Alberta’s Family Law Act and Family Property Act). We help you understand what’s realistic, what’s risky, and what the court expects.
Advocate and negotiate
Most family law disputes settle without a trial. We act as your advocate, negotiate financial settlements, and work toward a fair settlement agreement or separation agreements that protect you and your family relationships.
Draft, review, and finalize legal agreements
Family matters often hinge on the quality of your paperwork: prenuptial agreements, cohabitation terms, separation agreements, parenting arrangements, and formal agreement language that actually holds up later.
Prepare evidence and financial documents
Family court decisions rely on documentation. We help you gather and organize financial documents, disclosures, and supporting evidence so the legal details don’t get lost.
Guide you through family court proceedings (when needed)
If settlement isn’t possible, we prepare applications, responses, affidavits, and court forms, and represent you through court procedures, conferences, and (in some cases) a trial.
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Practice Areas of Family Lawyers
Family law is a broad practice. Here are the most common family law legal issues we see, and what a lawyer typically does in each area.
Divorce and Separation
Divorce is the legal end of a marriage; divorce and separation also include the practical work of untangling your life: parenting time, support cases, and division of property.
A family lawyer can help by:
- Explaining the legal process from separation to final divorce judgment/order
- Drafting or reviewing a separation agreement
- Advising on timelines, court process, and next steps if negotiations stall
- Helping you avoid common pitfalls (informal “handshake” arrangements that aren’t enforceable)
How Long Does a Divorce Take in Canada?
Child Custody, Parenting Arrangements & Parenting Time
Parenting arrangements include decision-making, schedules, holidays, travel, and how you resolve disagreements.
A family lawyer can help by:
- Building a parenting proposal that supports parent-child relationships
- Drafting schedules and communication rules
- Preparing for the court’s focus on the child’s best interests
- Reducing conflict through dispute resolution instead of repeated court proceedings
Child Support
Child support is usually guided by tables and rules, but real files can get complex (income changes, shared parenting schedules, special expenses, and enforcement).
A family lawyer can help by:
- Explaining how child support is calculated and what documents are needed
- Advising on changes/variation when circumstances shift
- Helping you formalize payments in a court order or agreement
- Navigating support recalculation programs where available
What Is Child Support Under Canadian Law
Spousal Support
Spousal support depends on many factors: length of relationship, roles during the relationship, income differences, and post-separation needs.
A family lawyer can help by:
- Assessing entitlement and duration scenarios
- Negotiating a fair support arrangement
- Ensuring the agreement is enforceable and clear on review dates/changes
Division of Property
Property division can be one of the most stressful parts of a breakup. The rules differ by province, and outcomes often depend on documentation and timing.
A family lawyer can help by:
- Identifying what counts as family property (and potential exclusions)
- Organizing financial documents and valuations
- Negotiating a property settlement offer
- Preparing court materials if the settlement fails
Adoption and Guardianship
Family lawyers may also assist with adoption, guardianship, and planning for changing family configuration (blended families, step-parents, relocation issues). These matters often involve careful paperwork, court documents, and clarity around decision-making.
Family Violence and Urgent Protection Issues
Where family violence is involved, safety planning and urgent legal steps may be needed. A lawyer can help identify immediate options, connect you with referrals and community organizations, and take appropriate steps through the court where required.
Bhardwaj+Co: How We Help Clients Move from Conflict to Resolution
Not every family law matter needs litigation. In fact, many people benefit from a staged approach:
Dispute resolution options
- Negotiation (lawyer-to-lawyer settlement work)
- Family law mediation (a neutral mediator helps both sides reach agreement)
- Collaborative divorce (structured settlement model with trained professionals)
- Arbitration (a private decision-maker resolves issues—rules vary)
- Parenting coordination/counselling supports (where available)
Litigation and trial (when settlement isn’t possible)
If the other side won’t cooperate, hides information, or a serious dispute needs a judge’s decision, litigation may be appropriate. Litigation can include:
- Starting a court application (or responding)
- Disclosure demands, interim applications, and court conferences
- Preparing evidence, written arguments, and courtroom strategy
- Attending key hearings and, occasionally, a trial
We approach litigation strategically: escalate only when it’s necessary, and keep settlement open whenever it serves your goals and protects your family.
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What to Expect from the Legal Process
Family court can feel intimidating. Here’s what it usually involves:
1. Information gathering and legal plan
We start by identifying your main legal issues and priorities: parenting time, custody and support, division of property, and immediate safety or financial concerns.
2. Documents and disclosure
Most family law disputes turn on documents. Examples include:
- Income records (pay stubs, tax returns)
- Banking and debt statements
- Property documents and valuations
- Messages/emails relevant to parenting or support
- Other records that support your position (evidence)
3. Negotiation and agreement drafting
If settlement is possible, we aim for a well-written settlement agreement—clear, enforceable, and built to reduce future disputes.
4. Court proceedings (if required)
If the settlement fails, your file may enter the court process:
- Filings and responses
- Conferences, motions, and interim orders
- Courtroom appearances before a judge
- Final hearing or trial in rare cases
Hiring a Family Lawyer: Costs and Fees
People often avoid contacting a lawyer because they’re worried about cost. The reality is: clarity early can prevent expensive mistakes later.
Common fee structures include:
- Hourly rate: you pay for the time spent on your matter
- Retainer fee: an upfront amount held in trust and billed against
- Flat fee: sometimes available for defined, limited tasks (e.g., drafting a simple agreement)
- Unbundling (limited-scope services): you hire a lawyer for specific steps—reviewing a separation agreement, preparing court documents, coaching for a hearing, etc.
Contingency fee arrangements are common in personal injury, but are generally uncommon in family law and may be restricted depending on the issue and jurisdiction. A lawyer consultation is the best way to confirm which fee model fits your situation.
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When Should You Contact a Family Lawyer for Help?
Consider reaching out when:
- You’re separating and need a separation agreement quickly
- Parenting arrangements and parenting time are in dispute
- You need child support or spousal support established or changed
- You suspect missing financial documents or an unclear property division
- You’re facing intimidation, family violence, or urgent safety concerns
- You’ve been served with court documents, and deadlines are approaching
- You want to avoid litigation but need structured dispute resolution support
Even one initial consultation can give you a clearer roadmap, realistic outcomes, and practical next steps.
Choosing the Right Family Lawyer: What Matters Most
A strong family lawyer should combine:
- Clear communication (plain-language legal advice)
- Strategic thinking (dispute resolution first when appropriate)
- Solid drafting skills (legal agreements that hold up)
- Courtroom experience (when litigation is unavoidable)
- A professional network for referrals (financial experts, counsellors, community organizations)
No two family relationships are the same—your strategy should reflect your family configuration, your goals, and the legal relationship you’re trying to preserve (especially when co-parenting).
How Bhardwaj+Co Can Help
At Bhardwaj+Co, our team helps clients in Edmonton and Leduc navigate family law with practical, plain-language guidance. Whether you’re working toward a separation agreement, need help with parenting arrangements and child support, or require representation in family court, we focus on strategy, clarity, and forward momentum.
Ready for next steps? Contact our office to book an initial consultation:
Edmonton: (780) 222-2386
Leduc: (780) 986-3487