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Family Law Solutions

Comprehensive Family Solutions for Your Legal Needs

At Duncan Craig LLP, we understand that family is at the heart of our clients’ lives. Navigating family-related legal matters can be emotionally and legally complex, with decisions that have long-term consequences for all involved. Whether you are dealing with separation, divorce, child-related matters, or financial arrangements, our experienced family lawyers in Edmonton provide strategic guidance and practical solutions tailored to your unique situation.

Experienced Family Lawyers Committed to Your Best Interests

Our team has extensive experience handling family matters at all levels of court. However, we recognize that litigation is not always the best path forward. Whenever possible, we explore alternative dispute resolution methods to achieve fair and efficient outcomes, helping families minimize stress and avoid costly legal battles.

Alternative Dispute Resolution & Mediation in Edmonton

In the Court of King’s Bench, alternative dispute resolution is a mandatory requirement before proceeding to court. Our lawyers help clients navigate this process effectively, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. Resolving family disputes outside of court can often lead to more amicable, cost-effective, and efficient solutions. As part of our commitment to client-focused legal services, we offer alternative dispute resolution (ADR) including family mediation and arbitration.

For couples looking for a collaborative approach, we support the Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association process and have a trained collaborative practitioner to guide you through the Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association process. This method involves working with specially trained collaborative practitioners to work through the relevant issues for individual families to resolve conflicts constructively, avoiding litigation. By engaging in structured, face-to-face discussions, spouses can work together to reach agreements that prioritize their family’s well-being.

Tailored Family Law Solutions for Every Situation

At Duncan Craig LLP, our goal is to provide confidential, compassionate, and effective family law solutions that prioritize your needs, and the best interests of any children involved. We focus on achieving timely and cost-efficient resolutions while ensuring our clients’ rights are protected every step of the way. As a full-service law firm, we offer a multi-faceted approach to the corporate and tax issues and estate planning that arise in property resolutions.

Our Family Law Solutions Include:

Divorce Proceedings

Providing comprehensive legal representation for contested and uncontested divorces and joint applications for divorce.

Collaborative Divorce Process

Helping couples resolve disputes outside of court through a structured, cooperative process.

Mediation Services

Facilitating productive discussions to resolve family disputes amicably.

Cohabitation/ Pre-Nuptial/ Post-Nuptial Agreements
  • Cohabitation Agreements –Drafting agreements to protect financial interests at commencement of or during a common-law or adult interdependent relationship, and to assist in estate planning.
  • Common-Law & Adult Interdependent Relationships – Advising on legal rights and obligations for unmarried couples.
  • Prenuptial (Prenup) and Postnuptial (Postnup) Agreements – Drafting agreements to protect financial interests at commencement of or during a marriage, and to assist in estate planning.
  • Enforcement of Domestic Contracts – Reviewing domestic agreements for estate planning or separation purposes and providing guidance on whether a contract is legally enforceable.
Property Disputes following Separation
  • Division of Matrimonial & Family Property – Ensuring protection of exempt assets and a fair distribution of family assets and debts in separation and divorce matters.
  • Tax Consequences in Family Matters – Advising on tax implications related to divorce, support payments, and property division (including tax deferral solutions).
  • Separation Agreements – Drafting legally enforceable agreements to clarify financial and personal responsibilities.
  • Constructive Trust Actions – Addressing financial disputes between former partners where property interests are unclear, including unjust enrichment.
  • Common-Law & Adult Interdependent Relationships – Advising on legal rights and obligations for unmarried couples.
  • Exclusive Possession Applications – Resolving the question of temporary occupancy of the family home and associated occupation rent.
  • Valuation Issues – Including corporations, farms, agriculture enterprises, family businesses, lands and pensions.
  • Joint Ownership – Negotiating the division of property held jointly.
  • Family Pet Disputes – Assisting parties negotiate ownership and/ or sharing of family pets (i.e. Cats, dogs, birds).
Child, Spousal and Partner Support
  • Child Support – Retroactive, arrears, ongoing and future pursuant to the Federal or Provincial Child Support Guidelines.
  • Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) – Addressing issues arising with registration, enforcement, and calculation issues.
  • Child Support Recalculation Program.
  • Standing in the place of a parent -reviewing and negotiating questions of child support by non -biological parents.
  • Section 7 Child Support – Negotiating extraordinary expense claims (including post secondary, extra curriculars, daycare and medical expenses).
  • Adult Interdependent Partner Support / Partner Support – Unmarried/ common law couples.
  • Spousal Support – Married couples.
  • Alimony – (correctly known as spousal or partner support).
  • Income Determination – (i.e. self employed, imputing income, corporate owner’s income).
Parenting and Guardianship
  • Guardianship – Assisting parents or family members in securing legal rights as guardians.
  • Parenting Time, Access & Parenting Plans/ Custody & Decision-Making Responsibility – Advocating for fair and child-focused parenting arrangements consistent with the best interest of the child.
  • Paternity and Parental Rights – Addressing legal parentage and child support obligations.
  • Shared parenting – Negotiating details of shared parenting plans (i.e. week on/ week off or otherwise).
  • Drafting and negotiating authorizations, travel consent, relocation agreements, and resolutions to school-related conflicts.
  • Name Change – Assisting with requests for name change by children or parents.
Estate Solutions and Transfer of Intergenerational Wealth
  • Addressing estate planning and inheritance issues related to family matters.
  • Protecting Family Trusts, corporate interests and inheritance through negotiated agreements.
Financial Disclosure
  • Assisting with requests for financial disclosure for income or property purposes.
Adoption and Surrogacy
  • Adoption Lawyers in Edmonton – Guiding families through the legal process of adoption, ensuring compliance with Alberta’s adoption laws.
  • Step-parent Adoption – Assisting blended families with the adoption process.
  • Addressing agreements and negotiating issues arising in surrogacy arrangements and assisted reproduction.
Grandparent/ Extended Family Contact with Children
  • Assisting grandparents in securing contact (access) with grandchildren and protecting their legal rights.
  • Assisting parents with navigating requests for contact with extended family.

Why Choose DCLLP for Your Family Law Solutions?

  • Collaborative Divorce Process – Helping couples resolve disputes outside of court through a structured, cooperative process.
  • Client-Centered Approach: Every family is unique, and we tailor our solutions to best support your personal situation.
  • Proven Courtroom Experience: While we prioritize resolution outside of court, we are fully prepared to advocate for you in litigation when necessary.
  • Skilled in Mediation & Collaborative Processes: We offer flexible dispute resolution options to help you reach settlements efficiently and with minimal conflict.
  • Comprehensive Legal Support: Our firm’s multidisciplinary approach ensures that your family-related matters are handled with the depth and expertise they deserve.

Book a Consultation for Your Family Law Solutions in Edmonton

If you are facing a family-related legal matter, having the right guidance can make all the difference. Contact Duncan Craig LLP today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced family lawyers in Edmonton. We are here to provide clarity, support, and strong advocacy for you and your family.

Contact us today

Group leader

Diane C. Ferrante
Managing Partner
Phone: 780.409-4419
Fax: 780.428.9683
dferrante@dcllp.com

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Darren - DCLLP Cares

DCLLP Cares

At Duncan Craig LLP, relationships and community are more than values—they are the foundation of who we are. For 130 years, our firm has provided trusted legal services while also dedicating time and resources to supporting Albertans and the communities we serve.

Our lawyers and staff are proud to give back by supporting charitable organizations, scholarships, and sponsoring unique community events every year. We believe in leading by example – paying attention to where immediate support is needed and help make a difference. It’s a culture of giving that extends beyond financial contributions and reflects our commitment to enhance our strong, resilient communities in Edmonton and beyond.

Learn more about our impact
Stollery
Mustard Seed
Hope Mission
Food Bank
Pilgrims
Alberta Cancer Foundation
Catholic Social Services | Sign of Hope
Kidney
Alano Club
Edmonton Community Legal Centre
Second Chance Animal Rescue Society
Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society

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A donor-advised fund ensures Duncan Craig LLP will make community contributions in perpetuity. Read the article in the June edition of Business in Edmonton.