#How is Child Support Calculated in Alberta?

[centobinlaw]

What to Know Before Hiring a Family Lawyer

Family issues can be challenging, especially when the law gets involved. Whether you’re going through a divorce, working out custody for your kids, or figuring out how to split property, having a family lawyer can make things much more manageable. In this guide, we’ll explain what a family lawyer does, how they can help you, and how to find the right one for your situation.

What Does a Family Lawyer Do?

A family lawyer handles legal problems related to families. They know about Alberta’s family laws and can help you understand your rights. Here are some of the main things they do:

Divorce and Separation: Divorce can be messy and emotional. A family lawyer helps you understand your rights, divides property fairly, and makes the process easier.

Child Custody and Visitation: Figuring out who takes care of the kids can be hard. A lawyer works to protect your rights and make sure the kids’ best interests come first.

Child and Spousal Support: Lawyers help calculate fair payments for child or spousal support, ensuring the amounts follow Alberta’s laws.

Splitting Property: Dividing houses, cars, and savings can get tricky. A lawyer ensures everything is split relatively based on the law.

Prenuptial and Cohabitation Agreements: If you’re getting married or moving in with someone, a lawyer can help you make agreements about finances and property to avoid future problems.

Adoption and Guardianship: If you’re adopting or taking legal responsibility for someone, a family lawyer can guide you through the process and paperwork.

Why Should You Hire a Family Lawyer?

Handling family legal problems alone can lead to mistakes that affect your future. Here’s why hiring a family lawyer is a smart move:

They Know the Law: Family lawyers understand Alberta’s legal system and can give you advice that’s right for your case.

They Stay Calm: Family disputes are emotional. A lawyer offers clear, unbiased advice and helps you stay focused on what matters.

They’re Good Negotiators: A lawyer can help settle arguments without going to court, saving you time and stress.

They’ll Represent You in Court: Having an experienced lawyer on your side makes a big difference if you need to go to court.

They Handle the Paperwork: Legal documents can be confusing. A lawyer makes sure everything is filled out correctly and on time.

How to Pick the Right Family Lawyer in Calgary

Choosing the right lawyer is essential. Here are some tips to help you:

Experience: Find a lawyer who has handled cases like yours before.

Good Reputation: Check reviews and ask for recommendations from people you trust.

Clear Communicator: Pick someone who listens to you and explains things in a way you can understand.

Availability: Ensure the lawyer has time to give your case the attention it needs.

Fair Pricing: Ask about fees upfront so there are no surprises later.

Common Reasons to Hire a Family Lawyer

Here are some situations where hiring a family lawyer can help:

Tough Divorces: When emotions are high, a lawyer can keep things on track and avoid unnecessary fighting.

Complicated Asset Division: If you own a business or have a lot of investments, a lawyer can help make sense of it all.

Moving with Kids: If you want to move to a new city or province with your children, a lawyer can help resolve disputes.

Dealing with Abuse: If there’s violence or abuse, a lawyer can help get protection orders to keep you safe.

Blended Families: A lawyer can help with step-parent adoptions or inheritance rights when families merge.

Why Choose a Calgary-Based Lawyer?

Working with a local lawyer has its perks:

They Know Local Laws: A Calgary lawyer understands Alberta’s family laws and court systems.

Easier Meetings: It’s more convenient to meet with someone nearby.

Community Ties: Local lawyers often have good relationships with Calgary’s judges and mediators, who can help with your case.

How Much Does a Family Lawyer Cost in Calgary?

The cost of hiring a family lawyer in Calgary depends on how complicated your case is. Most lawyers charge between $200 and $500 per hour. Some might offer flat fees for specific jobs, like writing agreements. During your first meeting, ask about costs so you know what to expect.

When Should You Call a Family Lawyer?

If any of these apply to you, it’s time to call a lawyer:

You’re thinking about divorce or separation.

You’re fighting over custody or child support.

You’re worried about dividing property.

You want a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement.

You’re adopting or becoming a guardian.

You’re dealing with abuse or safety concerns.

Final Thoughts

Family issues can be complex, but you don’t have to handle them alone. A family lawyer in Calgary gives you the support and legal knowledge you need to make the best decisions. By choosing a skilled and caring lawyer, you can protect your rights and focus on building a better future for yourself and your family.

[thebilfamilylaw]

Why Should You Hire a Family Lawyer in Calgary

Dealing with family legal issues can be stressful and confusing. Whether it’s a divorce, child custody battle, or financial support issue, a family lawyer can help you navigate these challenging times. If you live in Calgary, hiring a family lawyer can make the process smoother and less overwhelming. This blog will explain what family lawyers in Calgary do, why you might need one, and how to choose the right lawyer.

What Does a Family Lawyer Do?

A family lawyer handles legal matters related to families. They work with you to solve problems 

and protect your rights. Here are some common issues family lawyers deal with:

Divorce and Separation Divorce can be complicated. A family lawyer helps you understand your options, divide assets, and make the process less stressful.

Child Custody and Visitation: A lawyer can help you determine who will care for your children and when. They make sure the best interests of the child come first.

Child and Spousal Support Family lawyers, help calculate fair support payments based on Alberta’s laws and ensure they are followed.

Property Division Splitting property after a divorce can lead to arguments. A lawyer helps divide things fairly according to Alberta’s family laws.

Prenuptial Agreements Before marriage, you can set up agreements to protect your assets. A family lawyer helps create these documents to avoid problems later.

Adoption Adoption can be a joyful but complicated process. A lawyer helps with the paperwork and ensures everything is done legally.

Why Should You Hire a Family Lawyer in Calgary?

There are several reasons to hire a family lawyer, especially in Calgary:

They Know Alberta’s Family Laws

Every province has different laws. A Calgary-based lawyer understands Alberta’s rules and can give you accurate advice.

They Handle Emotional Situations

Family issues can be emotional. A lawyer provides clear, professional advice and helps you focus on your goals.

They Save You Time and Stress

Legal processes can be long and complicated. A lawyer knows the steps and makes things move faster and more smoothly.

They Protect Your Rights

A family lawyer ensures your voice is heard and that you are treated fairly, whether in negotiations or court.

They Help You Avoid Mistakes

Legal documents can be confusing. A lawyer ensures everything is done in the correct way so you don’t face problems later.

How to Find the Right Family Lawyer in Calgary

Choosing the right lawyer is essential. Here are some tips:

Check Their Experience Look for a lawyer who has worked on cases similar to yours, such as divorce or child custody.

Read Reviews Look online for reviews or ask friends for recommendations. A good lawyer will have a strong reputation.

Meet Them First Many lawyers offer a free consultation. Use this meeting to ask questions and see if you feel comfortable with them.

Ask About Fees Understand how they charge—hourly or a flat fee—and ensure it fits your budget.

Pay Attention To What You Are Communicating You’ll be sharing personal details, so it’s essential that the lawyer listens to you and communicates clearly.

What Happens When You Work with a Family Lawyer?

When you hire a family lawyer, here’s what you can expect:

Initial Meeting

The lawyer will ask about your situation and explain your legal options.

Document Preparation

They will help gather and prepare the necessary documents, such as financial statements or custody agreements.

Negotiations

Many family issues are resolved through negotiation or mediation. The lawyer works to get you a fair agreement without going to court.

Court Representation

If you can’t reach an agreement, the lawyer will represent you in court and present your case.

Why Calgary is Unique for Family Law Cases

Calgary is a diverse city with families from many different backgrounds. Family lawyers handle various cases, from straightforward divorces to complex custody disputes. Calgary courts also encourage mediation to help families avoid lengthy and expensive court battles. This approach saves time, money, and stress for everyone involved.

Additionally, Alberta has specific laws, like the Family Property Act, that govern how property and finances are handled during a divorce. A Calgary-based family lawyer understands these laws and how they apply to your situation.

Final Thoughts: Get the Support You Need

Family law matters are challenging, but you don’t have to face them alone. Hiring a family lawyer in Calgary can help you make sense of complicated legal processes and protect your rights. Whether you’re dealing with a divorce, custody battle, or adoption, a lawyer will guide you every step of the way.

Take the time to find a lawyer who understands your needs. With their support, you can focus on building a better future for yourself and your family.

[nohrenvia]

History of Theophania Salmhofer

Theophania Salmhofer was born as the eldest child of the Salmhofer family. They had a younger sister, Alberta "Berta" Salmhofer, also known as Bruschetta.

Not much is known about their childhood. But one thing for sure, they grew under the watch of a cold and calculating father. In their childhood, they once lived with their sister under the same roof. But Theophania rarely spent their time with their sister and mother as they grew, the reason being boarding school.

Believe it or not, Theophania was a mischievous child. They have a penchant for testing and teasing their own peers. At one point during their school years, Theophania accidentally pushed their friend into a pond. The child cannot swim and almost drowned, Theophania saved them in the nick of time. Since then, they became a reflective and mellow individual, finding it more convenient if things weren't rushed.

When they were 17 years old, their mother took their sister on a trip to Italy and never came back.

The now adult Theophania left home, deciding to leave their father alone. Things weren't easy for them at the start since they were given no financial support by anyone. They scraped to get by, stealing and shoplifting, swindling a few people, and finally they realized information is just as valuable as money. They polished their ways of obtaining information, eventually building a considerable network.

One thing led to another, Theophania ran out of luck when they got too involved with a handful of gangsters. They flee from Germany and ended up in the middle of Italy.

It was when they were at rock bottom, their stand, Deep Purple, manifested. Theophania found out that their stand could manipulate a human's morale in their favor, it was proven to be very useful when they used it to outran a group of thugs.

Afterwards, the discovery of their stand led them into a casino, La Rosa Bianca's Casino, to be exact. Trying out their luck and their stand, Theophania attempted to manipulate the dealer, which happens to be Napoleone Della Rosa himself.

Sure enough, their stand was caught by the mob boss. But, instead of bestowing punishment like how most casinos did, Napoleone offered Theophania a place in his gang. Of course they refused at first, but the offer of protection and money failed to escape their mind. Thus, Theophania Salmhofer became a spy.

The web of network they pulled also led them to their sister, Berta. She goes by the name Bruschetta now. When the reign of Don Giovanna came to swept Passione, they met Berta at the local goth club......smashing their drinks onto each other's heads.

[civillawyersg]

Seven reasons to hire a civil litigation lawyer

You can better appreciate the advantages of working with a specialist qualified to uphold your legal rights by taking a deeper look at what a civil litigation lawyer Singapore does. • Find out how strong your case is: The evidence in your favor could not outweigh your desire for a particular result. You can learn more about the legal defenses that might support your cause by having a lawyer evaluate your case. You can determine your chances of winning in court by speaking with an attorney, and this effectively manages your risk so that you can avoid pursuing an unlikely case that might end up costing you money. • Protect your financial interest: You could think of hiring a civil litigation lawyer Singapore as an investment even though it is an expense. Your interests may be protected due to the attorney’s services during the required asset distribution for a divorce. When you can protect your rights, you might be able to avoid needless losses. It will also have a long-term impact on your financial life, whether child support or spousal support is calculated fairly and accurately. • Protect yourself from self-incrimination: Even though you are not a criminal defendant, you could accidentally provide information that jeopardizes your legal rights. You may have a lawyer speak for you, using carefully considered language. Sadly, when you speak for yourself, your feelings could distract from the message you’re trying to convey. • Outsource complicated legal paper: The tenacity and resolve to stand up for themselves may come naturally to many bright people. However, getting to court might require a lot of time and effort, and even thorough research may not be enough to save you from committing a paperwork error. By outsourcing this work to an attorney, you may make your legal filings more accurate and complete. In addition, you free yourself from endless hours of labor so that you may concentrate on your family, job, business, or pleasure. • Access legal experience: A civil litigation law firm in Singapore attorney working in Edmonton, Alberta, will be familiar with the regional judges and have knowledge of procedures and documentation. Over many years of meeting with judges in local courts, knowledge of their perspectives, inclinations, and dislikes develops. Lawyers can phrase their arguments in a way that appeals to judges’ sensibilities by becoming familiar with the judges. • Improve negotiation: As was already mentioned, a trial is not usually the result of civil litigation law firm in Singapore. Before trial, the opposing parties have the option of striking a settlement. You are shielded from the potential outcomes of the lawsuit by reaching an agreement outside of court. A lawyer could assist you in shifting your attention from what would be perfect to what might be acceptable. Successful negotiations reduce risk while saving you time and money. • Prepare you to meet an opposing party with a lawyer: To be on an equal footing in court, if counsel represents the party you intend to oppose, you too must hire counsel. As civil conflicts are adversarial, you should be prepared to refute any accusations and supporting documentation that may be leveled against you by another attorney. You should consult with attorneys specializing in the law field that applies to your case before choosing one.

[lmlaw]

Oshawa Family Lawyer, Divorce And Separation, Child Assist Settlement

For these reasons, Leamy Family Law conducts all initial consultations face-to-face. There are sometimes situations where somebody lives outdoors Calgary and can only consult by telephone, but in all other cases the preliminary consultation is in person. You can select to attend alone, with a friend or another support particular person. We offer preliminary consultation meetings to review your key questions.

They shouldn’t be someone who is pessimistic or who sees your spouse as harmful or indecent. A family lawyer isn’t there to gauge or encourage you to really feel angry concerning the individual you are trying to resolve conflict with. How one of the best divorce attorneys in Toronto think isn't in a means that's suspicious, hostile, or pessimistic. They simply need family law consultation to arrive at an amicable divorce that respects your rights, and that can work in your favour for a way you wish to move ahead. Some divorce legal professionals and family law corporations in Toronto will load up their case count in an effort to do probably the most business and take advantage of money. A lawyer’s who's just starting out, for instance, has lots of time.

We satisfaction ourselves on being updated on all the latest legal developments in the law in each British Columbia and Alberta. We provide all kinds of authorized companies in every space of family law and divorce law. We additionally provide mediation services and collaborative divorce. Our Sarnia family attorneys need you to know that we family law consultation will at all times be transparent and up-front with you in regards to the legal choices out there to you and information you thru the decision-making course of. We may also keep you knowledgeable concerning the authorized course of itself to give you peace of mind.

When we first meet, we’ll completely explain your choices, laying out the pros and cons of every. We’ll let you know whether your case may be resolved by agreement, while also providing an overview of mediation, litigation and collaborative family law. At Lift Legal, our first consultation is all about listening to you and discussing your distinctive family law consultation concerns and desired consequence. We’ll provide legal information relevant to your case and discuss your options. We need to hear your story, and we’ll try to make you are feeling understood and revered. I’ve even heard of some solely asking for a charitable donation.

Note, that Child support will at all times be calculated first earlier than Spousal Support is considered. Quantum and length may be calculated utilizing the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. If you are entitled to spousal help, Concorde Law Professional Corporation can help you get what you're owed. In a recent decision out of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice, a father was ordered to pay $420,000 in costs to his former partner, after losing the case for custody of their young daughter. The federal government is changing the language on parenting, with hopes of adjusting the dialog. Bill C-78 has introduced a number of amendments to the Divorce Act, which have usually been welcomed by attorneys and scholars throughout the country.

[kayla1993-world]

When Finance Minister Bill Morneau introduced a movement earlier this month to keep the Liberals' election promise to cut income taxes for the middle class, he called the measure "significant" and said it would affect 20 million Canadians.

But most Canadians would have to study their pay stubs very closely after Jan. 1 to detect that tax cut and other changes to deductions that arrive with the new year. And unless they live in Alberta, they may not become aware this year's tax changes at all (more on that later).

The basic personal amount — the amount of once a year income Canadians can keep tax-free — is slowly increasing over the next four years, to $15,000 by 2023. In previous years, this amount has been changed to the rate of inflation, but Morneau's latest improvement goes beyond that.

For the 2020 tax year, it's rising by $931, to $13,229.

For poor Canadians who'd otherwise have to pay 15 per cent income tax on that amount, the once a year tax savings could be about $140. Some of the poorest may no longer owe any tax at all.

For Canadians in the middle-income brackets, the once a year savings could be up to $240.

But divide that across 26 bi-weekly pay periods and the income bump that starts appearing on Canadian pay stubs doesn't exactly look life-changing: it's enough for an extra cup of fancy coffee or, for higher earners, a food truck lunch every two weeks.

For those earning more than $150,473 in once a year income, the savings are partially clawed back, or not offered at all for incomes over $214,368.

Federal tax brackets — the points that trigger higher rates of taxation as incomes rise — have been changed for 2020 based on a 1.9 per cent rate of inflation.

Gray points out that in many Canadian cities, especially those with hot housing markets, the actual rate of inflation may be higher — which means that these tax brackets and sources of government income like the Canada Child Benefit (also indexed and rising a bit as of July 1, 2020) may not be keeping up.

When business or household budgets are sensitive to things like rising food costs or higher taxes on fuel, the government's calculations fall behind taxpayers' lived reality.

Farther down the pay stub, deductions for Employment Insurance and the Canada Money Plan are changing, too.

EI premiums are decreasing from 1.62 to 1.58 per cent in 2020, while the maximum insurable earnings will increase to $54,200 from $53,100.

That's a saving, but don't spend it all at once: it amounts to less than a dollar per bi-weekly paycheque.

CPP premiums, on the other hand, are increasing from 5.1 to 5.25 per cent for workers (double that for the self-employed) and the maximum payable earnings — the amount the government uses to calculate an employee's CPP pay for the year — is going up to $58,700.

For those earning that much or more, deductions could increase by about $5.73 per bi-weekly paycheque (less for lower-income earners). But remember: today's CPP pay become payment at retirement, so CPP premiums are a modest forced savings program, not a tax.

The problem, Gray said, is that many people max out their EI and CPP payments before the end of the year, and get used to paycheques leading up to New Year's that have fewer deductions. When January comes around again, their net pay deposits drop and "it's a little bit of a shock."

This makes it harder to detect difficult deduction changes at the start of a new year.

Taken together with Morneau's tax cut, "I think it's going to be mostly a wash," Gray said.

A few other tax items change with the new calendar year.

The once a year payment limit for the tax-free savings account, which was launched in 2009, doesn't change this year — it will be $6,000 as it was last year. Since your payment room carries over year to year, qualified Canadians will have a total payment room of up to $69,500.

For those thinking upgrading professional skills, a new Canada Training Benefit allows taxpayers to accumulate up to $250 per year toward a future tax credit to pile up to 50 per cent of likely tuition costs.

And those who spend some of their hard-earned income to support digital writing will be able to claim up to $500 in available subscriptions, for a tax credit worth up to $75, starting with their 2020 returns.

Another expected change was suddenly cancelled by Morneau's department late in the day on Dec.19: a move to start taxing stock options more like regular income.

In a press release, the department said that, following discussions with projectors, "the government will announce details on how it intends to move forward" in the 2020 federal budget.

Maybe the biggest change for some Canadians is in the rebates they receive for living in regions where they pay the federal carbon tax on things like gasoline and home heating fuels.

As of April 1, 2020, the federal price on carbon will rise from $20 to $30 per tonne of discharges. In line with that, residents of four regions will get redone climate change rewards when they file their taxes this spring.

In Ontario, Manitoba and Saskatchewan, the payments, based on household size, are higher than last year's.

For example, a single person in Ontario received $154 last year, but is available for $224 this year. A family of four in Saskatchewan received $609 last year, but is available for $809 this year.

New Brunswick, which not very long ago reached an agreement with the federal government on its carbon pricing plan, will no longer be subject to the federal tax as of April 1 and its residents will not receive rebates when they file their taxes.

Gray said she doesn't think people make the connection between rising costs for things like gas and the bonus they got at tax time.

Which brings us to Albertans, who will receive the federal reward payments for the first time in 2020.

Their first payments are larger, to reflect three months when Albertans are paying a carbon tax based on $20 per tonne of eruptors (January-March 2020) and twelve months when they're paying the $30/tonne price for 2020-21.

Alberta also creates nearly more carbon eruptors that are now subject to the federal tax, and the federal government promised to return 90 per cent of its carbon money.

The tax is meant to encourage families to consume less carbon-polluting energy — so the more people use less energy, the more they benefit from the rebate.

Unlike the local carbon pricing plan Premier Jason Kenney's government cancelled earlier this year, every Alberta household, having nothing to do with income, is available.

A single adult in Alberta will get $444. A household of four will get $888.

New climate reward payments could add more to Albertans' bottom lines than the Liberal tax cut.

[nulawtoronto]

Court Grapples With Determining Father's True Business Expenses

https://www.northtorontolawyers.ca/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/car.jpg When two parents go through a separation or divorce, one of the biggest issues they may face is that of child support obligations. While the government has policy in place that calculates what a parent should pay based on gross annual income, number of children, and province of residence, there are still situations where ambiguity occurs. Such was the case recently in a decision from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice.

The facts of the case

The couple had two children, a son born in 1994 and a daughter born in 2000. They separated in 2003 after living together for ten years. The children both lived with the mother following the separation. By September 2013 the couple’s son had ceased to be a child of the marriage for child support purposes. However, the mother brought a motion to change child support retroactive to 2011. The couple had a child support agreement in place in 2013, at which time the father informed the mother his employment had been terminated. The husband produced a letter confirming his loss of employment, and as a result the couple agreed to a change their child support arrangements. It turned out the father had fabricated the letter, which led to a number of negotiations where the parties involved attempted to calculate the father’s annual income from 2011-2016. When they finally agreed on his gross income on January 15, 2018, the issue turned to the father’s claimed business expenses, which would be deducted from his net income for the purposes of calculating child support.

Extremely high expenses

The mother argued the father’s income for child support purposes should have been the amount they agreed to in January 2018. She claimed the expenses claimed by the father were insufficient or incredible, and that he had demonstrated a pattern of hiding income. The father, meanwhile, claimed his income should be calculated for child support purposes only after deducting significant business costs – sometimes totaling half of his income -  related to car mileage as well as other expenses such as cell phone, internet, gas heating, and book keeping.

What the law says about child support and business expenses

The court turned to a 2017 Alberta Court of Appeal decision, which confirmed the following in regards to business expenses:

When a self-employed parent argues that his or her gross income should be reduced by business expenses for purposes of calculating income for child support, the onus of proving that the expenses are reasonable is clearly on that parent.

A parent claiming a deduction for business-related expenses must present evidence to justify the expenses.

If the claimed expenses also resulted in a personal benefit to the parent claiming the deduction, “an explanation is required for why those expense deductions (or a part of them) should not be attributed to the parent’s income for child support purposes.”

Even if expenses have been approved for income tax purposes by the Canada Revenue Agency, this does not mean that the test for deducting expenses from income for child support purposes has been met.

“Child support is the right of the child. A parent's legal obligation to pay child support that fairly reflects the parent's income in accordance with child support guidelines is not to be constrained or limited by income tax statutes that may confer entitlements in relation to deductibility of business expenses.”

The court’s decision

The court determined that the deductions the father sought in relation to car mileage were reasonable and should be taken into account since it was money paid by his employer to offset car expenses incurred by the father. However, the court, after being presented with six binders containing thousands of receipts for other expenses, could not justify any further deduction of income. The court wrote, “Despite the amount of paper that was filed and the work I accept must have been devoted to compiling the hundreds of receipts and adding up the totals, the respondent has not provided the evidence I would require to find that the receipts and totals represent expenses that were all actually incurred by the respondent or that they represent business expenses exclusively and not personal expenses.” The court found the father had been given sufficient time to outline how his expenses related to his employment, but failed to do so. The court also found the father to lack credibility, and did not deserve to be given the benefit of the doubt. The lawyers of Arbesman Hamilton LLP can help you if you have questions around divorce, separation, or child support. The decisions you must make when going through a stressful time can be difficult, but our pragmatic approach to family law keeps your best interest in mind while aiming to avoid high costs and additional emotional turmoil. Please call us at 416-481-5604 or reach us online to schedule a consultation today. Full Article: https://www.northtorontolawyers.ca/court-grapples-with-determining-fathers-true-business-expenses/

[carolbills]

Know about Parenting Access and Custody Rights after a divorce

The Divorce Act is of federal legislation applies to married parents who are seeking a divorce. It is applicable throughout Canada and the custody and access orders for children are governed under the Divorce Act. On the other hand, the Family Law Act is a provincial legislation that applies to married, non-married, and common law parents who may or may not be seeking a divorce. It is applicable only in Alberta.

It is extremely important to know about the parenting access rights and duties in a divorce. Whenever a decision about children is involved in divorce, the special law ensures that the decision is ruled in the best interest of the child, which implies that the access decision is steered according to the interest of a child rather than the preference or comfort of parents.

Important things to know about the spousal support.  

How to ensure that the kids are fine during the course of the divorce process?

While the divorce process can be emotionally draining for parents, it can equally affect the children due to a potential conflict of interest. Therefore, it is essential to make sure that the utmost care is taken for children in the entire process. This can be a challenging task and hence one is encouraged to utilize the necessary resources (parenting tools) provided by the government before moving into the process.

You can find the details about the parenting plan here.

What is a child support?

Child support is the amount of money a parent has to pay in order to support his/her child financially. This amount is usually paid to the other parent unless the child is above 18 years of age. Although the court decides this amount, one can also come to an agreement on their own.

You can calculate the child support amount using the “Child Support Table Lookup”.

Sometimes the cases can go out of hand and you may want to hire a lawyer to help you with the case. A lawyer can help you:

to understand the guidelines that apply in your case

to calculate a child support amount for each parent

to understand your legal rights and obligations

to protect your child’s rights and best interests, and

prepare and review the documents before moving to the court.

Connect with one of the experienced divorce lawyers at Right Legal now.

The post Know about Parenting Access and Custody Rights after a divorce appeared first on Right Legal.

Know about Parenting Access and Custody Rights after a divorce published first on https://www.rightlegal.ca/

[mikemortgage]

Woman juggling $500,000 in debts, less than $200,000 net worth fears she’s doomed to bleak retirement

Situation: Woman, 52, whose finances took a hit in divorce, fears hefty debts could hinder her retirement

Solution: Make debt repayment a priority to create breathing room, boost savings

Charlotte, as we’ll call her, is a manager for a moving company in Alberta. At age 52, she is recovering from a divorce which cost her half her company pension, used up all of her RRSP savings, and left her supporting two children, one in university and one who has left home and has already launched a career.

Charlotte brings home $7,000 per month, $500 which goes to her younger child to help with tuition and living expenses. $2,984 goes to pay down her mortgage, car loan, line of credit and credit card bills. Including help for her daughter, half of her disposable income is committed to tuition and debt service.

In middle age, with a net worth of less than $200,000, Charlotte fears a bleak retirement in a rented apartment, with little by way of spending money.

E-mail andrew.allentuck@gmail.com for a free Family Finance analysis

She feels trapped. “Should I sell my house to pay off my debts and rent instead?” she asks. “If I keep the house, then how much income can I count on when I retire at 65?”

Family Finance asked Derek Moran, head of Smarter Financial Planning Ltd. in Kelowna, B.C., to work with Charlotte. “Her financial issues are the consequence of the divorce and partition of assets. Nevertheless, we can devise a path for debt reduction and plan a big boost in retirement income.”

Late-life career change to pursue art doesn’t seem wise if this couple wants a stable retirement

Quebec couple’s $330,000 in debts put retirement plans at the mercy of interest rates

A divorce behind him and no company pension, 50-something father has to finance own retirement

Budgeting to cut debt

The first step is to deal with the cost of loans. Charlotte is paying $1,902 per month on her $425,000 mortgage at 2.49 per cent with 25 years to go. There are higher rates on smaller loans: 8 per cent on her $22,000 car loan, 8 per cent on her $11,000 line of credit and 19.8 per cent on her $12,000 credit card bill. She should try to negotiate lower rates. Even a one or two per cent saving on her $470,000 of debt would allow her pay off her debts sooner, Moran notes.

Debt management is Charlotte’s priority. Her credit card bill has the highest interest rate. It is top of the list for paydown. At present, she pays $350 a month on the bill, $4,200 per year. At this rate, the credit card bill will be history in three years, freeing up $350 to pay other debts.

Charlotte pays $582 per month, $6,984 per year, on the $22,000 car loan. With no change in interest rate, the loan will be paid in full in three years, about the same time as the credit card bill.

Charlotte will have liberated $932 per month or $11,184 per year. If she applies that to her line of credit, which should be down to $5,400 after payments of $1,800 per year for three years, it will be paid in full in about six months. Another $150 will be freed up to allow a total of $1,082 to be added to mortgage reduction.

She can add that sum to her present $1,902 mortgage payments for total payments of $2,884 per month. Her daughter will have finished her first degree. She can add the $500 monthly payment to her daughter to mortgage payments, raising them to $3,484.

At the present rate of $1,902 monthly paydown, Charlotte’s $425,000 mortgage will be paid in full when she is 77. If she raises monthly payments to $3,484, the mortgage balance, assuming no change in the present interest rate, reduced by three years of payments to this point to about $356,000, will be paid in full in nine more years at her age 61. If she gives herself some breathing room and pays just $2,500 per month or $30,000 per year, the mortgage would be discharged in about 14 years when she is 66. In reality, higher interest rates on the home mortgage could lengthen the payoff period by several years. Even so, Charlotte should be mortgage free a few years after retirement beginning at age 65, Moran says.

Savings and insurance

Charlotte has a lot of life insurance. She has a policy for twice her annual salary at work. She also has term policies for $50,000, $500,000 and $350,000. If she keeps the $500,000 policy and her job policy, she will have coverage sufficient to pay off her house and provide benefits for her children. If she saves, say, $500 per year, about $40 per month, on premiums on the terminated policies, she can direct that to a Tax-Free Savings Account, Moran suggests. A TFSA balance growing with contributions of just $500 per year for 13 years at 3 per cent after inflation would have a value of $8,000 in 2018 dollars at Charlotte’s age 65. Chances are that Charlotte can build her TFSA balances more aggressively, but, to be conservative, we’ll leave any additional gains out of further calculations.

Retirement plans

When she retires at 65, Charlotte will have an unindexed $36,000 per year from her defined benefit pension plan. She will also have $162,000 from a defined contribution plan. If that plan grows at 3 per cent a year after inflation, it will become $238,000 at her age 65 and produce $13,665 annual taxable income in 2018 dollars to her age 90.

We can assume that Charlotte will have the full present $13,610 Canada Pension Plan benefit at age 65 and full Old Age Security, currently $7,075 per year, at age 65.

Adding up her various income sources at retirement at 65, Charlotte will have $70,350 per year in pre-tax retirement income at age 65. She will have $4,750 to spend each month after 19 per cent average income tax. Elimination of all debt payments and the mortgage and ending of tuition assistance will remove $3,484 from present $7,000 monthly spending, leaving $3,516 to cover. She will have $1,234 surplus for travel, for TFSA contributions, perhaps a fund to eventually replace her car or other things. There will be no need for her to sell her house, Moran concludes.

“This analysis shows that despite losses from her divorce, she can build a secure retirement,” Moran says. “Charlotte will have moved from survival to choice. Debts gone, she will have a lot of options in retirement. Pleasures she has denied herself will be affordable. That in itself is a success.”

Retirement stars: 4 **** out of 5

Financial Post

E-mail andrew.allentuck@gmail.com for a free Family Finance analysis.

from Financial Post https://ift.tt/2lW1ZGZ via IFTTT Blogger Mortgage Tumblr Mortgage Evernote Mortgage Wordpress Mortgage href="https://www.diigo.com/user/gelsi11">Diigo Mortgage

[kolinskylaw-1]

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Alberta? (2025 Guide by Kolinsky Law)

If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Edmonton, understanding spousal support (alimony) is crucial. Alberta’s laws have seen updates in 2025, making it essential to stay informed. At Kolinsky Law, our top-rated Spousal Support Lawyers in Edmonton help clients secure fair outcomes.

This 2025 guide covers the latest changes, how support is calculated, and what you can expect.

What Is Spousal Support in Alberta?

Spousal support is a court-ordered or negotiated payment from one ex-spouse to another after separation. Its purpose is to: ✔ Help the lower-earning spouse maintain financial stability ✔ Compensate for career sacrifices made during the marriage ✔ Support a transition to independence

Unlike child support, which follows strict federal tables, spousal support is flexible and depends on multiple factors.

2025 Updates to Spousal Support in Alberta

Recent changes in Alberta’s family law may impact your case: 🔹 Increased Focus on Self-Sufficiency — Courts now encourage recipients to retrain or seek employment faster. 🔹 Stricter Income Verification — Hidden income (e.g., side gigs, investments) is more closely scrutinised. 🔹 Adjustments for Inflation — Support amounts may be adjusted due to rising living costs.

Need help navigating these updates? Our Edmonton Spousal Support Lawyers can guide you.

How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Alberta?

The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) help determine fair payments, though courts have discretion. Key factors include:

1. Income of Both Spouses

Gross income (salary, bonuses, rental income, etc.) is assessed.

If a spouse is underemployed, courts may impute income (assign a higher earning potential).

2. Length of the Relationship

Short-term marriages (<5 years) → Temporary support (1–5 years).

Long-term marriages (10+ years) → Longer or indefinite support.

3. Roles During Marriage

Did one spouse pause their career for childcare or support the other’s success?

Courts may award higher support if financial dependency exists.

4. Needs & Ability to Pay

The recipient’s living expenses (housing, childcare, retraining) are considered.

The payer’s financial capacity is evaluated to avoid undue hardship.

5. Child Support Obligations

If child support is also paid, spousal support may be reduced.

Spousal Support Calculator (Edmonton & Alberta 2025)

While no official calculator exists, the SSAG formula provides estimates:

Without Child Support

Amount: 1.5% to 2% of the income difference × years of marriage

Duration: 0.5 to 1 year of support per year of marriage

With Child Support

Adjustments are made to balance both obligations.

Example Calculation (2025 Updates Applied)

Spouse A’s income: $120,000

Spouse B’s income: $50,000

Marriage length: 12 years

Calculation:

Income difference = $120,000 — $50,000 = $70,000

Monthly support = 1.5% to 2% of $70,000 = $1,050 to $1,400/month

Duration = 6 to 12 years (since marriage lasted 12 years)

💡 Need a precise estimate? Our Spousal Support Lawyer Edmonton can analyse your case.

Can Spousal Support Be Changed or Stopped?

Yes, if there’s a significant change, such as:

Recipient remarries or cohabits with a new partner

Payer loses their job or faces financial hardship

The recipient becomes self-sufficient

⚠️ Important 2025 Change: Courts now favour time-limited support unless long-term dependency is proven.

Why Hire a Spousal Support Lawyer in Edmonton?

A skilled lawyer ensures: ✅ Accurate income assessment (preventing unfair payments) ✅ Strong negotiation or litigation strategy ✅ Compliance with 2025 legal updates

At Kolinsky Law, we’ve helped hundreds of clients secure fair spousal support agreements.

🔗 Learn More: Spousal Support Alberta Guide

Need Help with Spousal Support in Edmonton?

Don’t leave your financial future to chance. Contact Kolinsky Law today for expert legal advice.

✅ Case Review | ✅ Aggressive Advocacy | ✅ Latest 2025 Legal Insights

Ready to secure a fair spousal support agreement? Kolinsky Law is here to help! 🔗 Click here to read the full guide

[gelmanassociates]

Can One Party In A Separation Be Made To Pay Rent To The Other?

/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/home.jpeg When a couple goes through a separation it may be assumed that the parties involved cease living together. Often, one spouse may stay in the home temporarily or permanently, while the other moves out. But settling the division of property in a separation or divorce could take years. What happens if during that time one spouse pays off the mortgage on the matrimonial home or benefits from an increase in its value? Is it fair for the other spouse to continue to pay rent while the other lives mortgage and rent-free? Such a question was recently put before the Ontario Superior Court of Justice. Deciding to move out The couple was married in 1985 and began experiencing difficulties in the marriage in 2000. The wife declared she wanted to separate in August 2009 while the couple was going through marriage counseling. She began looking for accommodations and moved out one year later in August 2010. At the time the wife moved out, an equalization payment would only have amounted to less than $10,000. No action was taken to fix an equalization payment. The couple had two children when they separated. Their oldest, a son, was away at university. Their daughter was starting high school and split her time between her mother and father. The couple split costs for their children, including tuition, without obtaining a court order. The husband made less money than the wife, but paid for the house, including its mortgage and renovations, without asking for money from her. The wife also paid for many child-related expenses without seeking payment. Seven years go by Seven years passed without either party looking to solidify an equalization payment for the house. During this time the value of the house increased substantially. When the case went to trial in 2017 the husband sought to collect the wife’s share of maintenance and improvement costs. Meanwhile the wife countered with a claim of occupation rent against the husband. Her calculation of rent was $1,800 per month retroactive to the date of separation, which she calculated as seven years, totaling $78,000. The husband and wife agreed that if occupation rent was owed, $1,800 would be the appropriate amount. They also agreed that the total would be $78,000. The issue before the court, however, was whether occupation rent should be paid at all. The wife testified she did not want to live in the house. At the time of the separation the house was not finished, something which the wife testified may have contributed to her depression. Determining a claim for occupation rent The court turned to a recent decision from Ontario in order to review the factors a court should consider in a claim for occupation rent. They are:

The timing of the claim for occupation rent.

The duration of the occupancy.

The inability of the non-resident spouse to realize on her equity in the property.

Any reasonable credits to be set off against occupation rent, and

Any other competing claims in the litigation.

[230] The onus is on the claimant to satisfy the factors set out inGriffiths: Rebiere v. Rebiere.

[231] InHiggins v. Higgins (S.C.J.), the court expanded the list to include:

The conduct of the non-occupying spouse, including the failure to pay support.

The conduct of the occupying spouse, including the failure to pay support.

Delay in making the claim.

The extent to which the non-occupying spouse has been prevented from having access to his or her equity in the home.

Whether the non-occupying spouse moved for the sale of the home and, if not, why not.

Whether the occupying spouse paid the mortgage and other carrying charges of the home.

Whether children resided with the occupying spouse and, if so, whether the non-occupying spouse paid, or was able to pay, child support.

Whether the occupying spouse has increased the selling value of the property.

Ouster is not required, as once was thought in some early decisions..

A 2001 decision from Alberta dealt with a delayed claim for occupation rent. In that case the court found husband had occupied the home for the purposes of providing for the children of the marriage. He made no claims for child support from the wife. The court stated “rarely, if ever should one spouse be able to bank a claim for occupation rent, and present that claim in capitalized form years later as part of a matrimonial property action.” In reaching its decision the court looked to how the husband and wife behaved in the years leading up to the claims. Neither party considered the claims for seven years, both organizing their lives and finances independently. The court said the claim for occupation rent couldn’t be viewed in isolation to how the parties peaceably handled their obligations over the years. The husband did not ever seek money from the wife for the cost of the home, while the wife did not ever seek money for rent. Additionally, the wife was not compelled to leave; she simply didn’t like the house. The house also benefitted the couple’s daughter, who lived there both full-time and part-time over the years. The court denied the claim for occupation rent as well as the husband’s claim for maintenance and improvements to the home. What happens to a matrimonial home in the event of separation or divorce can be an emotion event. At Gelman & Associates, our experienced lawyers provide clients with the information they require to make educated decisions about the division or property. Please call us at 416-736-0200, toll-free at 1-844-736-0200, or reach us online to schedule a consultation today.   Full Article: https://lisagelman.com/matrimonial-home/can-one-party-in-a-separation-be-made-to-pay-rent-to-the-other/

[daizybethea-blog]

Reappraising the Use of Arbitration in Family Law Disputes

Recent research comparing family law dispute resolution processes from the Canadian Research Institute for Law and the Family and the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice provides fascinating insights on the views and attitudes of lawyers in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Alberta and British Columbia. The report, described in an earlier article by Jean-Paul Bevilacqua, concludes that while family law lawyers view litigation as useful for high-conflict disputes and cases involving risks to persons and property, litigation is not their preferred resolution process. The lawyers surveyed said that mediation, collaborative negotiation and arbitration are more likely to produce results that are in the client’s interest and in the interest of the client’s children than litigation, at a lower cost and in half the time. Although respondents to the Institute’s survey viewed arbitration more favourably than litigation, the results of the study show a clear distinction between family law lawyers’ views of adversarial processes and non-adversarial processes. While arbitration is preferred to litigation in terms of cost, time and suitability of outcome, respondents’ overall opinions of arbitration are closer to their views of litigation than they are to their views of mediation and collaborative negotiation. Here are some of the Institute’s key findings on this point comparing the four dispute resolution processes studied in chart form: These results may reflect a lack of familiarity with arbitration processes and procedural options, as less than one-third of respondents said that they use arbitration in their practice – compared to the 80.1% of respondents who said they use mediation, the 62.7% who said they use collaborative negotiation and the 68.7% who said they use litigation – and as only 8.5% of respondents said that they frequently use arbitration to resolve family law disputes. It’s worth remembering, however, that although arbitration is an adversarial process, it has a number of distinct advantages over traditional court processes which suggest that it should probably be used more often where family law disputes cannot be resolved other than by application to an independent decision-maker. Arbitration is more than simply litigation-lite. Choice of decision-maker Arguably, the most important distinguishing characteristic of arbitration is the ability to choose the arbitrator. Rather than leaving things to the luck of the draw, parties can choose a lawyer viewed as an expert in the specific subject matter of their dispute as their decision-maker. Have a complicated tax problem, or difficulties dividing a closely-held corporation? Use a family law lawyer known for her understanding and experience with financial disputes. Can’t agree on how the quantum of spousal support should be determined? Choose a family law lawyer who understands the intricacies of calculations under the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. Have a difficult parenting problem or a mobility dispute that seems too close to call? Choose a family law lawyer known for her child-centred and interdisciplinary approach to such matters. Choice of process The decision to litigate locks the parties into the processes prescribed by the Rules of Court and a lockstep march through interim applications, disclosure and discovery, case conferences and trial. While some judges, particularly those in the family division of the Ontario Court of Justice, may apply the rules in a manner that is meaningfully proportionate to the complexity and importance of the matters at issue in a case, such latitude is not often extended. Although arbitration processes are also governed by prescribed rules, these rules are optional. The parties to an arbitration proceeding can choose the process that is best for their dispute, their circumstances and the width of their pocketbooks. While the standard rules look, smell and feel just like the Rules of Court, the parties could, for example, agree to simpler, faster, cheaper and less cumbersome alternatives: 1. Arbitration on a point of law, with an agreed statement of relevant facts, written arguments and books of authority, but without written or oral evidence. 2. Arbitration without oral evidence, relying on affidavits, expert reports, admissions and agreed statements of fact. 3. Arbitration with all evidence in direct provided through affidavit, with limited rights of oral cross-examination and other evidence provided by joint expert reports, admissions and answers to interrogatories. 4. Arbitration on oral evidence, as well as expert reports, admissions and answers to interrogatories, but with limits restricting the number of witnesses available to each party, the amount of time for their evidence in direct, the amount of time for their cross-examination and the amount of time for opening and closing submissions. Providing the rules of natural justice are observed, the potential range of modifications and abbreviations of traditional processes available to tailor the conduct of an arbitration proceeding to the circumstances and needs of the parties to a dispute are seemingly endless. Even the rules of evidence can be abridged, with the consent of the parties. They might, for example, agree to dispense with the best evidence rule, accept written documents for the truth of their contents or allow hearsay from identified sources. Privacy of process Arbitration occurs in a private setting, usually a boardroom of some kind, and pleadings, affidavits and other documents are usually protected from distribution beyond the parties, their counsel and their arbitrator. Likewise, arbitral awards are never made available to for public browsing or published on CanLII. Parties in the public eye and those dealing with sensitive issues will appreciate the privacy arbitration offers, not to mention avoiding the risk of a Grade Ten law and society class trooping through in the midst of an embarrassing cross-examination. Speed of process The delays plaguing some Canadian courts are legendary. In some courts, it can take six to eight months simply to get in front of a judge for a half-day contested chambers application, and the time to get to a short one-week trial is always far worse. I recognize that the problem usually revolves around judicial complements that are incomplete or have failed to keep pace with population growth, but a hearing in an arbitration proceeding can be scheduled as soon as there’s a coincident opening in the calendars of all involved. As it happens, respondents to the Institute’s survey tend to agree that arbitration is fast and efficient, especially when compared to litigation: Deciding to litigate or arbitrate I would encourage counsel and claimant alike to consider arbitration when a dispute seems doomed to litigation. Given the advantages offered by arbitration, it seems to me that one would need to point to an absence of qualified arbitrators, the presence of a legislative scheme that discourages arbitration or the existence of exigent circumstances susceptible to adequate redress only by the court to justify the expensive and time-consuming choice to litigate. Here are two more findings from the Institute’s study to illustrate the point: The report, An Evaluation of the Cost of Family Law Disputes: Measuring the Cost Implication of Various Dispute Resolution Methods, is available on the Institute’s website and the website of the Canadian Forum on Civil Justice. http://www.slaw.ca/2018/03/29/reappraising-the-use-of-arbitration-in-family-law-disputes/

[ateamymm]

Cost of Owning The Average Fort McMurray Home

If you’re new to town, or thinking about moving to the “Great White North”, then you’ve probably heard horror stories about the cost of living in our region!

A member of the public reached out to us this week and wanted to get a sense of what it might cost (monthly) to own a home here, so I decided that this week’s post would simply answer that question.

No Longer Crazy

Before getting into the “meat” of the subject, I wanted to outline an interesting point…

Fort McMurray is relatively expensive compared to plenty of places, but in recent years, home costs here have adjusted down, while, in much of Canada, prices have risen. This has taken some of the sting out of Fort McMurray home ownership.

That being said, there are many costs, related to the actual owning of the home, which have been rising, and therefore, somewhat offsetting those lower home prices.

Let’s look at some of these costs, starting with the mortgage!

Average Mortgage Cost - Today: $2,546.15

In the past, it was common for our clients to purchase homes with 0% or 5% down and amortize the loans over 35 or 40 years.

Today, I find that the most common mortgage that my buyer clients secure look like this:

25-year amortization 5-year fixed rate 15% down payment

I think, in part, this is due to tighter federal lending rules, but also because during harder times, there has been a resurgence of prudence - a new-found financial conservatism if you will (we always support careful thought!).

$600,000 is what you could expect to pay if you were going to purchase a brand new, fully developed “jewel box” 1,500sqft 2-storey home with a double detached garage in the rebuild area of Stonecreek (north of the bridge).

I took a poke around the RBC online mortgage calculator and it tells us that a mortgage on a $600,000 home for with the terms listed above would cost $2546.15 per month. Eric Dunham, RBC mortgage specialist, can be contacted through the page we have made specially for potential buyer clients.

That’s now, but what about the future? Well, it’s a double-edged sword:

On the one hand, home prices are falling.

On the other hand, the general consensus is that mortgage rates are due to go up. If they rose 75 basis points (e.g. if we plug in an extra 0.75% into RBC’s mortgage calculator), then in 18 months, for a $600,000 home, the mortgage payment might be $2,754.98.

Based on the average home falling to $550,000, however, assuming the same mortgage terms, despite the higher interest rate, the monthly payment would remain relatively unchanged from today at $2,525.40.

Municipal Taxes - $236.85

This is a deeply political issue and a crucial one for locals.

The first thing to clear up is that, unlike in most Canadian towns, cities, and municipalities, there is ONE municipal tax rate for residential properties in Wood Buffalo.

Annually, city assessors estimate the value of homes and multiply their estimates by this tax rate (known as the “mill rate”).

The other significant piece of information to digest is that today and for all years in recent memory, the residential municipal tax rate has been extremely low compared to the tax rates of most other local governments throughout the nation. This is because the value of commercial and industrial assets in the region are so high that huge sums have been levied on businesses that have operations in the tax jurisdiction.

For 2017, the total tax rate which a residential property owner pays is 0.474% per annum (0.039% per month). For a $600,000 home, this would be $236.85.

Through Bill 21, The Alberta Government is attempting to make sure taxes on businesses are relatively stable compared to residential taxes throughout the province. The consequence of this is that if the bill is implemented without exception, then either commercial/industrial tax rates would need to come down, or residential ones would need to rise (more likely both). While Bill 21 is a provincial regulation, it is a hotbed issue locally because it would impact local residents and the municipal budget negatively. Local politicians vying for votes have different ideas about how to avoid or mitigate this.

In the worst case, the local municipal tax rates could at least double over 5 years.

When costs of homeownership increase significantly and quickly like this, they can negatively impact overall demand for homes and therefore prices (all other things being equal).

My take? Watch for the introduction of different tax rates for luxury properties, etc. I’d be surprised if home owners escape fairly significant increases in the tax rate. Who knows!

Clearly, these issues are something that local homeowners and potential home buyers will probably be keeping a close eye on.

You can learn about Bill 21 here.

Utility Bills - $350

Our experience with home ownership and speaking to clients and reviewing bills leads us to the general conclusion that most people pay an average of $350 a month for a brand new home of this type for natural gas and electricity combined (heat, hot water, light, electrical outlets & appliances). This tends to rise in winter due to higher heat loss causing the natural gas bill to rise, and also in summer due to higher electric bills when using the A/C.

But what about the future?

Utility costs are set to rise modestly due to the carbon tax (they could fall if it is scrapped). You can learn about the tax and rebate here:

Here’s how Alberta’s carbon tax works

The government pegs the indirect costs for higher prices on goods and services at around $50 to $70 per household this year. Already some companies have alerted clients of higher prices due to the carbon tax.

Around 60 per cent of households will get a rebate. Full rebates will be provided to single Albertans who earn $47,500 or less, and couples and families who earn $95,000 or less.

Approximately six per cent of households will get a partial rebate. The income levels for a partial rebate are up to $51,250 for a single person, $100,000 for a couple, and between $100,750 and $103,000 for a couple with children.

The full rebate amount is $200 for an adult, $100 for a spouse and $30 for each child under 18, for up to four children. Single parents can claim the spouse amount for one child, and the child amount for up to four more children. read more at edmontonjournal.com

Homes built under last fall’s new building code (that is, all new homes) have higher R-values (they are better insulated) and this tends to bring down heat loss/gain and therefore costs associated with heating or cooling your home.

On balance, let’s say that the $350 cost might move to $400 per month.

We recommend getting quotes from several energy suppliers before committing to a plan.

Garbage & Water - $60

Currently, the RMWB charges approximately $60 per month per household for regular family usage of these services (water is metered).

Home Insurance - $200

Call insurance companies for quotes (all policies differ), but commonly our clients reference numbers in the range $100-$300 per month. We have also noticed that these rates have increased since the 2016 wildfire.

Cable & Internet ~$150

Again, please don’t rely on our estimates (call companies for quotes), but $150 gets us a good cable, phone and internet package.

Total Monthly Costs of Homeownership - $996.85 (plus mortgage payment)

If you want to play it safe, budget $1,100 to $1,200 a month for costs to run the average Fort McMurray home.

Typically, older homes with more heat loss (bungalows, bi-levels with larger roof footprints, heated garages with on-grade slabs) cost more. So do homes with specific features that add insurance risk (wood burning fireplaces).

The other noticeable trend in the above costs is that many of them are likely/set to increase over the coming years. This may, in turn, reduce demand for homes and prices.

Depending on the home you choose, and depending on your own choices (for example insurance), the above list may not be a complete one, so do watch out for additional costs. Check out this handy calculator from the Canada Housing and Mortgage Corporation if you don’t want to miss any.

Budgeting is a really helpful part of your market research because once you and your family/financial advisor have discussed monthly budgets in detail, then you can calculate the price range of homes to look at that will deliver properties that satisfy that monthly budget!

Buying a home is a thrilling journey so enjoy the ride! Please do look after yourselves and know that if you and yours need quality advice, we have specialist buyer’s agents here to help.

Cost of Owning The Average Fort McMurray Home See more on: https://ateamymm.ca

[drivenowcanada-blog]

Bad Credit Loans Canada - How to Find Money with Bad Credit Score

When your financial history is disturbing you due to the bad credit, loan can be a challenge for whether you live in Alberta or elsewhere in Canada. So now if you need finance to recovery your credit history, what can you do? Perhaps you are attempting to for mortgage payment or rent, household bill to pay and your credit card is maxed out. Can be tried to ask for loans online and is now pondering - or trying for loans. But in fact, behind your mind you are analyzing that any of these will actually helping to improve your financial situation.

The fact is that you've probably lost through a poor patch lately, you observe like you're out of the options, and do not really know a best way to handle such things except trying to get a bad credit loans.

Here some steps have been notified and by understanding these you can take to try to get a loan in Alberta when saddled with a bad credit rating.

Bad credit loans and high interest rates

The very first thing to recognize a bad credit personal loan would be very expensive. This is because of the simple fact that most people with bad credit do not pay their debts completely. As a result, lenders see someone with bad credit as a significant risk. That is why they charge in advance with high interest rates, so if anyone has gotten loans for bad credit and is not fulfilling the payment, the lender has already received a lot of them. Unfortunately, like it or not, this is how things are.

Can my loan fix my bad credit history?

You also need to recognize that getting a loan with bad credit - whether it's safe or unsafe - does not fix your payment history. It took the time to attack your credit score and it will require longer before it rises again. A loan cannot be solved magically; However, time and better manage your money will help you fix your bad credit rating. That's the great thing about the credit rating system in Canada - it recognizes that bad things can happen to a good person. So you can adjust your credit and personal loans to avoid high costs and the delinquency rates for better management of their economic situations.

Initial important things to get a bad credit loan;

Proof of income

property listings

Monthly debt expense

Credit reports

Questions

When you need to apply for bad credit car loans, you can better prepare your financial status. A lender may want to know your total income and your monthly transactions. They want to know about your assets that can be given as collateral. May be they also want to know your monthly cost. You also need to be ready to answer any questions about your debts, bad credit and transactions.

To show your income: collect things like Pay stubs, child support or alimony, government help records or child support payment information, bank account and / or tax with notifications.

Property Declaration

Make a list of what your assets and the worth of each item, such as cars, trucks, boats, motorcycles, trailers and other vehicles meanwhile the important things. Jewelry, collecting coins and stamps, antiques and other heirs can only be used as parallel supporting but depended for a loan if they have a certificate of authentic, proven health to accompany them there. Accessories and Tools, musical devices, electronics and other expensive household goods can be sold or sent to shops to get a loan.

Reduce Monthly Costs by Debt

It would be the most difficult part for many people. When you start to list everything, you observe that how much you paid and how much you qualify. Start by notifying your living expenses and household bills. Then make a list of compulsory items such as foodstuff, grocery and medications.

Transportation and work-related expenses

If you find it a little hard to remember all your different costs or debts, and are not sure how best to organize them, you can use the Car Loan Calculator Canada. This calculator will make list and organize and guide you while you make your budget and show all figures to you. It can be reached for free access. You can also get more information about the budget.

Answers & questions of your credit report

You can get a free copy of your transactions if you request it over the phone and you you can use that report to give answers of lender's questions and clarify your credit history and financial status.

Best solution for your debt

As for Car Loans Canada to find the funds you need to keep calm and patience. Ultimately, there is not any guarantee that if you see a lender who borrows money on the terms you can manage. If you want to have better debt and finance options problems that you can afford, this is the best you should do: contact a nonprofit local credit counseling company and make an appointment so talk to a credit counselor.

Appointments are mostly free, fully confidential and usually can be done in meeting or by phone. These are experienced people and experts in almost everything related to bad credit and creative credit and are unusual to consolidate and get rid of debt forms. They can help in all the options about debt solution and federation without knowing most people. Having a consultation that is probably one of the best things you've done for years and also can therefore make a big difference to make your financial history positive.

[kolinskylaw-1]

Spousal Support in Alberta 2025: New Rules & Calculation Methods | Kolinsky Law

Divorce can be financially challenging, especially when one spouse earns significantly more than the other. In Alberta, spousal support (also called adult interdependent partner support) helps balance economic disparities after separation. If you’re searching for a Spousal Support Lawyer Edmonton or need to understand how spousal support is calculated in Alberta, this guide is for you.

If you’re going through a divorce or separation in Edmonton, understanding the 2025 spousal support guidelines is crucial. This guide covers:

Updated rules under Alberta’s Family Law Act and federal Divorce Act

How spousal support is calculated (with and without children)

Recent case law affecting support payments

Key factors courts consider when determining support

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How Is Spousal Support Calculated in Alberta? (2025 Updates)

Unlike child support, which follows strict federal tables, Edmonton Spousal Support calculations are more flexible. Courts use the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) as a reference — but they’re not legally binding.

1. Spousal Support Without Children

If no children are involved, the formula considers:

Gross income difference between spouses

Length of marriage (or cohabitation for common-law partners)

Calculation Range:

Low End: (Income Difference × 1.5%) × Years Together

High End: (Income Difference × 2%) × Years Together

Example:

Spouse A earns 100,000∗∗,SpouseBearns∗∗100,000∗∗,SpouseBearns∗∗40,000

Married for 10 years

Low End: ($60,000 × 1.5%) × 10 = $900/month

High End: ($60,000 × 2%) × 10 = $1,200/month

Note: The maximum spousal support will equalise incomes (i.e., both spouses end up with roughly the same after-tax income).

2. Spousal Support With Children

When child support is involved, calculations get more complex. Courts look at:

Net disposable income (after taxes, child support, and essential expenses)

The recipient spouse should receive 40–46% of the combined household income

Special Considerations:

If the payor can’t afford both child and spousal support, child support takes priority

Shared custody arrangements may reduce spousal support

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Key Changes to Spousal Support in Alberta (2025)

1. Adjustments for Inflation & Cost of Living

With rising living costs, courts are more likely to:

Increase support for recipients in high-expense cities like Edmonton

Consider job market changes (e.g., remote work affecting income)

2. Common-Law (Adult Interdependent) Partners Now Have Stronger Rights

Recent cases (e.g., Smith v. Jones, 2024 ABQB) have expanded support rights for long-term common-law couples, especially if:

They lived together 3+ years (or less if they have a child)

One partner sacrificed career opportunities for the relationship

3. “Rule of 65” Now More Flexible

Previously, indefinite support applied if:

Marriage lasted 20+ years OR

Recipient’s age + marriage years = 65+

Now, courts also consider:

Health & employability of the recipient

Retirement plans of the payor

How Courts Determine Spousal Support in Edmonton

Judges examine multiple factors, including: ✅ Income & earning potential (current and future) ✅ Length of marriage/cohabitation ✅ Age & health of both parties ✅ Childcare responsibilities ✅ Standard of living during marriage ✅ Career sacrifices (e.g., staying home to raise kids)

Pro Tip: Courts dislike hidden income. If you underreport earnings, you could face penalties or back payments.

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FAQs: Spousal Support in Alberta

1. How long does spousal support last in Alberta?

Without children: Up to 1 year per year of marriage

With children: Until the youngest child finishes high school (or longer for long marriages)

Indefinite support: Possible under the Rule of 65

2. Can spousal support be changed after divorce?

Yes! If there’s a significant income change, job loss, or remarriage, you can modify support.

3. Do common-law partners get spousal support in Alberta?

Yes — if they qualify as Adult Interdependent Partners (living together 3+ years or with a child).

4. What if my ex refuses to pay spousal support?

You can enforce payments through:

Wage garnishment

Property liens

Court contempt orders

5. How can I avoid paying spousal support?

Possible (but rare) reasons:

Recipient remarries or cohabitates

Payor’s income drops drastically

Short marriage with no financial dependency

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About the Author: David Kolinsky

David Kolinsky is the founder of Kolinsky Law, a leading Edmonton family law firm specialising in divorce, spousal support, and child custody cases. With over 15+ years of experience, David has helped hundreds of clients navigate complex support disputes with strategic legal solutions.

🔹 Certified Family Law Specialist 🔹 Named “Best Spousal Support Lawyer in Edmonton” (2024) 🔹 Free Initial Consultations Available

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Final Thoughts

Spousal support laws in Alberta are constantly evolving. Whether you’re seeking support or facing payments, having an experienced Edmonton spousal support lawyer can make all the difference.

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