Divorce Lawyers in NW Calgary

We are here to help you navigate the process of getting a divorce. Our law firm has handled many divorces over the years, and we know that a divorce can be a difficult and painful experience that can drag on for years without the right legal advice.

Navigator Law is here to help you through a difficult time in your life and guide you through what a life-changing event such as a divorce means for you legally. Let our experienced legal team work with you to ensure you are able to get you fair share or retain as much as you deserve.

We offer a wide range of family law legal services related to separation and divorce and can represent you if your divorce goes to trial.

The Divorce Process

If you are legally married to your spouse, to end the relationship legally means going through a divorce. You must have a legally valid reason to file for divorce.

Grounds For Divorce

According to the Divorce Act, there are 3 legally acceptable reasons to get a divorce.

• 1. Separation. When two spouses have been living apart for at least 12 months, they are eligible to file for a divorce. If you and your spouse haven’t been able to physically live apart due to financial constraints or family considerations, you have to prove to the court that you have been separated for a year.
• 2. Adultery. If your spouse has sex with someone other than you, you can file for divorce as soon as you find out. You will have to provide evidence of the adultery, which can include an affidavit (sworn statement) by the person who has committed adultery.
• 3. Cruelty. Cruelty includes any form of physical or verbal abuse or drug or alcohol addiction. You must be able to prove to the court that the abuse has occurred. While an instance of abuse only has to happen once, it must be so severe that living with your spouse is no longer possible.

Common Legal Divorce Issues

As part of the divorce process, there is a wide range of legal issues you and your ex-spouse will need to sort out. Sometimes, the divorce process can be fairly uncomplicated and you are able to agree on dividing property between you, parenting after the divorce, and any spousal support. This is called an uncontested divorce and is a much easier, faster, and less expensive process than when you and your soon-to-be ex-spouse can’t agree on the terms of the divorce. For these types of amicable divorces, you probably won’t even need to physically go to court.

Getting a divorce can be an emotional rollercoaster where conflicts can easily occur. Having an experienced divorce lawyer or family lawyer by your side can help prevent conflicts from escalating and can help you settle conflicts effectively before they result in expensive and time-consuming delays.

Each marriage is different and there are no cookie-cutter solutions. A divorce lawyer can help you navigate your unique situation and challenges.

Division of Property and Debt

Dividing all the debt and assets that you own is one of the common sources of conflicts between a married couple getting a divorce. Your assets include your home, vacation properties, other pieces of real estate that you own or have bought together. Matrimonial property also include physical things such as furniture and vehicles and other assets such as business investments, stocks, shares, and pensions.

If you and your spouse have a valid prenuptial agreement in place, that agreement typically sets out how assets and debt is divided.

Children and Parental Rights

As a parent, you have an obligation to financially provide for your children, no matter what arrangements are made about child custody. Child support will depend on how many children you have, who the children will live with after the divorce, and how much each spouse earns.

Spousal Support

Often, one of the spouses is entitled to spousal support following a divorce. Also referred to as alimony, the purpose of spousal support is to compensate a spouse who has been put at a financial disadvantage because of a divorce and to support a spouse until he or she can become financially independent. Spousal support also helps with costs related to child care that isn’t accounted for with child support.

Wills and Estate Planning After Divorce

After a divorce, you typically need to update or make changes to your Will and estate planning. Navigator Law can help you with every aspect of your divorce, including Wills & Estates.