Do I need to be separated for a year before divorcing in Alberta?

Living separate and apart for one year is the most commonly relied-upon ground for divorce in Canada. Other grounds exist. Many of the practical issues — parenting, support and property — can be addressed before the divorce itself is finalized.

What is the difference between parenting time and decision-making responsibility?

Parenting time refers to the time a child spends in each parent's care. Decision-making responsibility refers to who makes significant decisions about matters such as education, health care and religion. They are decided separately and can be allocated differently.

How is child support calculated in Alberta?

Child support is generally determined using the applicable child support guidelines, which look at the paying parent's income, the number of children and the parenting arrangement. Special or extraordinary expenses may be shared in addition to the base amount.

Do we need a separation agreement if we agree on everything?

A written agreement records what you have agreed, reduces the risk of later disputes, and is generally required if you want the terms to be enforceable. Independent legal advice for each party strengthens an agreement.

Can we resolve our matter without going to court?

Often, yes. Negotiation, mediation and written agreements resolve many Alberta family matters. Court is used where agreement is not possible or where an urgent order is needed.

What should I bring to a family law consultation?

Any court documents you have received, recent income information, a list of assets and debts, and a summary of the parenting arrangements currently in place. Bring your questions too — the consultation is for you.

Calgary Family Lawyers

Family Lawyer in Calgary, Alberta

Three Dimensions Law helps individuals and families in Calgary resolve legal issues arising from separation and divorce, including parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, division of family property, and separation, cohabitation and prenuptial agreements. Our family lawyers work with clients throughout Calgary and Alberta, whether the matter can be settled through negotiation or requires a court application. If you are separating or facing a change in your family circumstances, you can request a consultation to talk through your situation and understand the options available to you.

Request a Consultation (403) 837-5108

Common Matters

Family Law matters we handle

Divorce and separation

Ending a marriage or an adult interdependent relationship, including the procedural steps required in Alberta and the issues that must be resolved along the way.

Parenting arrangements

Parenting time, decision-making responsibility and the practical schedules that allow both households to function.

Child support

Determining income, applying the applicable child support guidelines, and addressing special or extraordinary expenses.

Spousal and partner support

Whether support is payable, and if so, in what amount and for how long, based on the circumstances of the relationship.

Family property division

Identifying, valuing and dividing family property and debt, including homes, pensions, investments and business interests.

Family agreements

Separation agreements, cohabitation agreements, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements drafted or reviewed with independent legal advice.

Understanding the issue

Family law matters are rarely only legal

A separation touches finances, housing, parenting routines, extended family and often a business. The legal framework sets the boundaries, but the right outcome depends heavily on the circumstances of the household and what each person needs the arrangement to achieve.

That is why we start by understanding your situation in full before recommending an approach. Two clients with similar legal issues frequently need very different strategies.

Resolution outside of court is often possible

Many family matters in Alberta resolve through negotiation between lawyers, mediation or a written agreement, without a contested court hearing. Where agreement is not achievable — or where there is urgency — a court application may be the appropriate step.

We will explain both paths honestly, including the likely time, cost and disruption of each.

How Three Dimensions Law can help

Explaining how Alberta family law applies to your circumstances in plain language
Negotiating parenting, support and property arrangements with the other party or their counsel
Drafting and reviewing separation, cohabitation and prenuptial agreements
Preparing and responding to court applications where an agreement cannot be reached
Advising on disclosure obligations and the financial information required

What to expect

01
Consultation
You tell us what has happened and what you need to resolve. We identify the legal issues involved.
02
Information and disclosure
We help you gather the financial and factual information the matter requires.
03
Strategy
We set out realistic options — negotiation, mediation, agreement or court — and agree on an approach.
04
Resolution
We move the matter forward through the chosen path and document the outcome properly.

Who you may work with

Louis F. Fombon
Lawyer
Dipika Ramessur
Lawyer

Calgary and Alberta relevance

Our office is in downtown Calgary at 816 7 Ave SW, Suite 500, and we act for clients throughout the city and elsewhere in Alberta. Matters of this kind are governed by Alberta legislation and are heard, where court is required, in the Alberta Court of Justice or the Court of King's Bench of Alberta depending on the nature and value of the claim.

We will tell you at the outset which forum and framework applies to your matter, and what that means for timing and cost.

Areas we serve

Further information

Related services

Legal Questions

Family Law questions we are often asked

Request a Consultation

Speak with a Calgary family law lawyer.

Tell us what you are dealing with and we will explain the options available to you.

Request a Consultation Call (403) 837-5108