A family lawyer in Calgary is a lawyer who advises and represents people on divorce, parenting, support, family property and family agreements under Alberta and federal law.
A family lawyer explains which law applies, prepares and reviews agreements and court documents, negotiates with the other side and represents you in court.
The Divorce Act (Canada) governs divorce and orders for parenting and support in divorce proceedings. Alberta's Family Law Act also governs parenting and support. For parenting, its jurisdiction continues until an order is made under the Divorce Act in divorce proceedings; filing for divorce alone is not the dividing line.
Alberta's Family Property Act governs how property is divided between married spouses and between adult interdependent partners. The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act decides who counts as an adult interdependent partner.
Two courts hear family matters in Calgary. The Court of King's Bench of Alberta hears divorce and family property division. The Court of King's Bench of Alberta and the Alberta Court of Justice can both hear parenting and support matters under the Family Law Act. Read more about which court hears your matter.
Four situations usually call for advice from a family lawyer:
You have separated, or you are deciding whether to separate.
You have been served with court documents, or a court date has been set.
You want a prenuptial, cohabitation or separation agreement drafted or reviewed.
You have an urgent concern about a child's parenting arrangements or safety.
A family law lawyer and a separation lawyer do the same work: both terms describe a family lawyer who advises on the end of a relationship. Separation and divorce are different steps, and separation does not end a marriage. Read more about separated but living under one roof.
Divorce ends a marriage. The Divorce Act (Canada) governs it, and the Court of King's Bench of Alberta grants it once the marriage has broken down. The decision you face is which route fits your situation: a joint, uncontested or contested divorce.
divorce lawyer in Calgary›Parenting arrangements address time with the child and major decisions. The Divorce Act uses parenting time and decision-making responsibility; Alberta's Family Law Act uses guardianship and parenting orders. Each Act has its own provisions about the best interests of the child.
parenting, decision-making and child custody›Child support is a payment for a child's living costs after parents separate. The base amount comes from the applicable child support guideline tables and depends on the number of children and the paying parent's province of residence and income.
Special expenses and shared or split parenting can change the amount. The decision you face is how the amount is calculated for your family.
child support in Alberta›Spousal support is a payment from one former spouse or partner to the other. Entitlement is not automatic: it depends on the relationship and each person's circumstances.
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines suggest ranges but are not law. The decision you face is whether support applies and for how long.
spousal support in Alberta›Family property division deals with property and debts under Alberta's Family Property Act. Different categories receive different treatment, including exempt value. The question is which rules apply to each asset and debt.
family property division in Alberta›A family agreement is a written contract between spouses or partners. Prenuptial, cohabitation and separation agreements set terms for property, support and, in separation agreements, parenting.
A lawyer can explain the separate written acknowledgements for property agreements. The first choice is which agreement fits your stage of the relationship.
family agreements›Alberta law does not treat every common-law couple the same way. The Adult Interdependent Relationships Act uses the term adult interdependent partner for two people in a relationship of interdependence who meet any one of three conditions: they have lived in that relationship for at least three years; their relationship is of some permanence and they have a child together; or they have signed an adult interdependent partner agreement.
The Family Property Act applies to partners who meet those criteria. The decision you face is whether your relationship qualifies and which rules then apply.
common-law separation in Alberta›Your first step depends on where you are now. Each situation below names the questions to settle first.
The first weeks after a separation usually involve three questions: where the children live and when they see each parent, how household costs and support are paid, and who stays in the family home. Write down your separation date, because several family law rules count from it.
Court documents set deadlines for your response. Read the court papers closely, keep every page, and get legal advice about the deadline that applies to you.
Couples planning to marry or live together can discuss property terms in a prenuptial or cohabitation agreement and obtain advice on the requirements that apply.
Family law fees depend on the matter and the work it needs. Ask about fees and how the consultation works when you contact the office, before you book.
Calgary Legal Guidance offers free legal help to eligible clients. Legal Aid Alberta is a different service: eligibility is assessed by that organisation, and clients are expected to repay it for representation. Consultations at THEBIL Law are paid; the charge is confirmed before the meeting and paid in advance. See Calgary Legal Guidance and Legal Aid Alberta.
Ask a lawyer how the law applies to your parenting, support and property situation. Useful questions include which court would hear your matter, what documents you should gather, what your options are besides court, and how fees are charged. Read how to choose a family lawyer in Calgary.
Nne Christiana Udo is the family lawyer at THEBIL Law. The firm had 87 Google reviews on September 17, 2026. See client reviews.
Send a consultation request or call 403-457-3128. After you send the form, the office contacts you to arrange the consultation.