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When it comes to the world of Calgary business, legal challenges and opportunities can arise at any moment. Having a corporate lawyer on your team is not just an added benefit—it’s a strategic necessity. From ensuring compliance with regulations to safeguarding your interests, a corporate lawyer plays a pivotal role in navigating certain complexities. Here’s why every business should consider bringing a corporate lawyer on board.

Navigating Complex Legal Frameworks

Company laws are intricate and constantly evolving, with regulations varying across industries and jurisdictions, and a corporate lawyer helps businesses navigate these complexities, ensuring compliance with federal, provincial, and local laws. Whether it’s structuring a new entity, drafting contracts, or understanding tax obligations, their expertise reduces the risk of costly legal missteps.

Drafting and Reviewing Contracts

Contracts form the backbone of business relationships, from vendor agreements to employee contracts and client deals. An expert in their field will ensure these documents are legally sound, clear, and favorable to your company. They also identify potential loopholes or risks, providing peace of mind and protecting your interests in every transaction.

Protecting Intellectual Property

Your business’s intellectual property—whether it’s a brand, product, or proprietary technology—is a valuable asset. This is why a legal team helps secure trademarks, patents, and copyrights, ensuring your innovations and ideas remain protected. They can also address issues like IP infringement or licensing agreements, preserving your competitive edge.

Managing Risk and Disputes

Legal disputes can disrupt operations, tarnish reputations, and drain resources. A corporate lawyer provides proactive risk management strategies to avoid disputes and ensures swift resolution when conflicts arise. From negotiating settlements to representing your business in court, their expertise minimizes potential damage and keeps everything running smoothly.

Facilitating Business Growth

As your business grows, so do its needs. Expanding into new markets, securing funding, or acquiring another company involves complex legal processes. A legal team guides you through these transitions, conducting due diligence, drafting agreements, and ensuring compliance with merger or acquisition regulations.

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

From industry-specific regulations to employment laws and environmental policies, staying compliant is crucial to avoiding penalties and maintaining a positive reputation. A corporate lawyer monitors regulatory changes and ensures your business adapts accordingly, saving you from unexpected legal challenges.

Saving Time and Money

While hiring a corporate lawyer may seem like an upfront expense, their expertise saves significant time and money in the long run. By preventing legal issues before they arise and resolving them efficiently when they do, an experienced lawyer allows you to focus on growing your business with confidence.

Work with a Corporate Lawyer in Calgary

A corporate lawyer is more than just a legal advisor—they are a strategic partner in your success. Their ability to navigate legal complexities, mitigate risks, and support growth makes them an invaluable asset to your team.

Whether you’re a startup or an established enterprise, the team at McLean Legal can help ensure that your business is prepared for opportunities and challenges alike. Don’t wait for a legal issue to arise—call McLean Legal today to protect and enhance your company for the future.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

A family lawyer plays a critical role in mediation, helping clients navigate the complexities of legal disputes with the goal of reaching amicable solutions outside of the courtroom. Family law cases, such as divorce, child custody, child and spousal support, and property division, can be emotionally charged and complicated, making mediation a valuable alternative to litigation. Here’s how a family lawyer in Calgary supports and guides clients through the mediation process to achieve favorable outcomes.

Providing Expert Legal Guidance

Most Court systems these days require mediation of some sort prior to parties being able to access or book Court hearings. In Alberta, mediation is referred to in the Rules of Court as alternative dispute resolution (“ADR”) and it can take many forms, ranging from a simple four-way meeting with the parties and their counsel to free services offered through the Court system and to paid services with a third party provider.

Family lawyers bring essential legal expertise to mediation, ensuring that clients fully understand their rights and options before commencing the process. Before and during mediation sessions, a professional will explain the legal implications of different decisions they may choose to make, helping clients make informed choices, and even compromises, that serve their best interests. With such support, clients are better prepared to navigate the mediation process and reach agreements that do not comply with family law but result in an agreement they can accept given their own unique situation.

Representing Client Interests

A family lawyer’s primary responsibility is to advocate for their client’s needs and goals throughout mediation. Unlike a mediator, who remains neutral, a lawyer’s role is to focus solely on what is best for their client. They help clients clarify their priorities and determine which issues are non-negotiable and where compromises can be made. This ensures that clients enter mediation with a clear understanding of their objectives and the support needed to protect their interests.

Assisting in Document Preparation and Review

Mediation often requires extensive documentation to be provided to the mediator and the other party, especially in cases involving asset division, child custody, or spousal support. Family lawyers assist in gathering the necessary documents, such as financial statements or appraisals. During mediation, if an agreement is reached, the settlement terms will then be reviewed to ensure they reflect the agreed-upon decisions and comply with the law before they are drafted in a formal, written agreement or a Court Order, as applicable. This review ensures nothing is missed as well as ensuring that the final agreement is enforceable.

Providing Emotional Support and Objectivity

Family disputes can be emotionally taxing, often clouding judgment and complicating communication. A family lawyer provides valuable emotional support, helping clients stay focused on issues and practical considerations as well a long-term goals. By offering objective advice, a professional ensures that clients approach mediation with a clear perspective, making it easier to communicate effectively and remain open to compromise where needed.

Streamlining the Mediation Process

A family lawyer helps streamline the mediation process by guiding clients through each step, from preparation to agreement; they anticipate potential legal challenges to a client’s position and prepare clients accordingly. This proactive approach helps prevent unnecessary delays and keeps mediation on track, potentially reducing costs and allowing clients to reach a resolution more efficiently than they might through litigation.

Contact a Family Lawyer in Calgary

The role of a family lawyer in mediation is invaluable, providing clients with legal expertise, representation, and guidance to navigate disputes with confidence. By protecting client interests, preparing necessary documents, and maintaining focus on practical outcomes, a family lawyer enhances the mediation process, making it a viable and effective alternative to courtroom litigation.

If you’re seeking help with mediation, divorce, child support issues, or separation agreements in Calgary, the committed team at McLean Legal Family Lawyers is here to offer the support you deserve. Reach out today to arrange a consultation, and together, we’ll strive for the best possible outcome tailored to your unique situation.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

Separation and divorce is a significant life event that often comes with complex emotional and legal challenges. One of the essential steps in formalizing the end of a relationship is drafting an agreement. This legal document sets out any terms involved, including how assets will be divided, child custody arrangements, and spousal support. Partnering with a family lawyer to create this document ensures that your rights are protected and the contract is legally enforceable. Here’s what you can expect when working with a lawyer to draft a separation agreement in Calgary.

Initial Consultation: Understanding Your Needs

The process begins with an initial consultation where you’ll discuss the details of your situation. During this meeting, the lawyer will ask questions to understand the nature of your separation, the issues that need to be addressed, and your goals for the agreement. Whether you’re dealing with child custody, division of assets, or spousal support, this consultation helps your legal team gain a clear picture of your needs. It’s also an opportunity for you to ask questions, express concerns, and learn about the legal process.

Gathering and Organizing Financial Information

A significant part of the separation agreement involves dividing your financial assets. To ensure everything is fair, both parties must disclose their financial situation. This means gathering information such as income, property, bank accounts, debts, and retirement savings. Your lawyer will guide you on what documents you need to provide and will help organize this information. Transparency is crucial at this stage to avoid future disputes.

Negotiation and Mediation

Once the relevant information is gathered, your lawyer will help you negotiate the terms of the agreement. If you and your spouse are on amicable terms, this process may be straightforward. However, if there are disputes, your representative may recommend mediation—a process where a neutral third party helps both parties reach an understanding. The goal is to ensure the terms are fair and acceptable to both sides while avoiding a lengthy court battle. During negotiations, your lawyer will advocate for your interests and ensure that the materials cover all essential areas, including:

• Property division: How assets like the family home, vehicles, and personal possessions will be divided.
• Debts: Allocation of responsibility for shared debts.
• Child custody and parenting time: Establishing where the children will live and how decisions will be made.
• Child support: Ensuring proper financial support for any children involved.
• Spousal support: Determining whether one party will provide financial support to the other.

Reviewing and Finalizing the Agreement

Once the terms are negotiated, your family lawyer in Calgary will draft the separation agreement. It’s crucial that you review this document carefully, as it will have long-term implications for your financial and personal future. Your representative will explain each section in detail, ensuring you fully understand the legal language and the consequences of the contract. If there are any concerns or changes to be made, your legal team will help make adjustments before both parties sign.

Legal Validation and Filing

After both parties sign, it becomes legally binding. Depending on the complexity of the contract and your jurisdiction, it may also need to be filed with the court to become enforceable. Your lawyer will ensure that all necessary steps are completed so that the agreement is recognized under the law.

Ongoing Support and Modification

Circumstances can change over time, and you may need to revisit the contract in the future. For instance, changes in income, employment, or living arrangements may necessitate modifications to child support or custody agreements. Your lawyer can assist with making these adjustments through a legal process to ensure they remain fair and appropriate.

Work with Separation Lawyers in Calgary

Partnering with a lawyer to draft a separation agreement offers peace of mind during a challenging time. They provide legal expertise, negotiation skills, and advocacy to ensure that your interests are protected. By working with an experienced legal team, you can navigate the complexities of separation with confidence, knowing that your contract is fair, comprehensive, and legally enforceable.

Whether you need assistance with divorce, child support matters, or separation agreements in Calgary, the dedicated team at McLean Legal Family Lawyers is ready to provide the support you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together we’ll work towards the best possible outcome for your unique circumstances.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.ons. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, offering a space where people share personal stories, opinions, and daily updates. However, in family law, the casual sharing of information on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter can have serious legal implications. Divorce, child custody, and other disputes can be heavily influenced by the content individuals post online. Understanding these consequences is essential for protecting oneself during sensitive family law matters.

Social Media as Evidence

One of the most significant ways the online world impacts family law is its use as evidence. Courts increasingly accept posts, messages, and photos as valid forms of evidence in many cases. Whether it’s a post bragging about extravagant purchases during a divorce case where one party claims financial hardship, or pictures of a parent engaging in risky behavior during a custody dispute, social media content can be scrutinized by opposing counsel.

It’s important to remember that once something is posted online, it can be difficult to remove or control. Even with privacy settings in place, content can be shared, screenshotted, or accessed by legal professionals through subpoenas. What might seem like an innocent post could later be presented in court to argue against your character, financial stability, or parenting abilities.

Divorce Proceedings and Property Division

In divorce cases, social media can provide a treasure trove of information about an individual’s financial status. If one spouse claims limited financial resources, yet frequently posts about expensive vacations, luxury goods, or lavish events, those posts could be used as evidence of undisclosed assets or to challenge claims about their financial situation. Similarly, activity could be used to dispute prenuptial agreements or identify spending habits that could affect spousal support and asset division.

It’s wise to refrain from posting about major life events or significant purchases while a divorce is ongoing. Anything that could be interpreted as evidence of hidden assets or irresponsible spending may complicate property division discussions.

Child Custody and Social Media Activity

Custody cases are another area where the online world can play a critical role. Judges prioritize the best interests of the child when determining custody arrangements, and social media can provide insight into a parent’s lifestyle, habits, and behavior. Posts showing frequent partying, drug or alcohol use, or neglectful parenting behaviors can severely damage one’s chances of obtaining favorable terms, which is why most child support lawyers would advise against it.

Additionally, disparaging comments about the other parent, even if made in frustration, can backfire. Courts frown upon parents who engage in hostile communication, especially if it is public and could potentially harm the child. Negative posts or online conflicts can be used to demonstrate that one parent may not foster a healthy relationship between the child and the other parent, potentially affecting custody rulings.

Protecting Yourself

To minimize the risk of social media damaging your case, it’s essential to take a few precautions:

• Avoid Posting Personal Information: Refrain from sharing updates about your case, finances, or personal life while a family law matter is ongoing.
• Review Privacy Settings: Ensure that your privacy settings are strict, though keep in mind that even private posts can sometimes be accessed.
• Think Before You Post: Before sharing anything, consider how it might be interpreted by a judge or opposing counsel.
• Advise Family and Friends: Inform those close to you that their posts about you could also impact your case. Ask them to avoid discussing sensitive matters online.

Protect Yourself with a Child Custody Lawyer in Calgary

In the digital age, social media can complicate family law cases in unexpected ways. What you share online could become evidence in court, influencing decisions about divorce, property division, child custody, and more. By exercising caution and being mindful of your online presence, you can protect your legal standing and minimize the risk of negative outcomes in your family law matters.

From divorce and separation agreements to child support lawyers in Calgary, the team at McLean Legal Family Lawyers are here to support you with all your needs. Get in touch with our team today to arrange a consultation, and let’s work together to find the best solutions for your situation.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

Remarriage can be a significant life event, bringing about new beginnings and changes in family dynamics. However, when it comes to child support, the legal implications of remarriage can be complex and often misunderstood. Many people wonder how remarriage might affect existing child support obligations, whether for the paying parent (obligor) or the receiving parent (obligee). This blog aims to provide a clear understanding of how remarriage intersects with such matters, and how a Calgary child support lawyer can help.

Child Support Obligations and Remarriage

At its core, child support is a legal obligation of a parent to contribute financially to the upbringing of their family. This obligation is based on the parent’s income, the needs of the child, and the standard of living the child would have enjoyed if the family had remained intact, – and, importantly, this duty does not change simply because one or both parties remarry.

When a parent who is paying support remarries, the new spouse’s income is typically not considered in calculating payments, as child support calculations are based solely on the biological parents’ incomes. Courts focus on the parent’s ability to pay, not the financial situation of the new household, and therefore, the paying parent’s obligation to support their child from a previous relationship remains unchanged, regardless of their new marital status.

Impact on the Paying Parent

For the paying parent, remarriage can sometimes lead to concerns about whether their new spouse’s income might be factored into calculations. Generally, the answer is no, because the new spouse is not legally obligated to support family members from a previous relationship, and their income is usually excluded from the equation.

However, there are exceptions. For example, if the paying parent is making a claim for undue hardship to allege that he/she cannot pay the prescribed amounts indicated in the Federal Child Support Guidelines for some reason(s), then the Court will consider the income generated by the spouse or co-habiting partner when assessing child support obligations.

Impact on the Receiving Parent

For the receiving parent, remarriage does not typically impact the amount of child support they receive, and the obligation of the paying parent continues regardless of a new marital status. The rationale is that support is intended for the child’s benefit and is not meant to support the custodial parent’s new household.

However, if the remarriage substantially improves the receiving parent’s financial circumstances—perhaps through a higher household income or reduced expenses—this could potentially be a factor in a court’s decision if the paying parent seeks a modification of the support order. For example, if the receiving parent’s new spouse covers a significant portion of household expenses, the court might consider whether a reduction in child support is appropriate.

Modification of Child Support Orders

While remarriage alone does not automatically trigger a change in child support, it can be a factor in making a request for modification. Either parent can petition the court for a modification if there has been a significant change in circumstances, such as a substantial increase or decrease in income, changes in needs, or a change in the custodial arrangement.

Courts will evaluate these requests on a case-by-case basis, considering all relevant factors, including any financial changes resulting from remarriage. It’s important to note that modifications are not granted automatically; the requesting party must demonstrate that the change in circumstances justifies a different amount.

Work With a Child Support Lawyer in Calgary

Remarriage brings about many changes, but its impact on child support obligations is often limited, as child support is fundamentally about ensuring the financial well-being of the child, and the legal system prioritizes this goal above the financial dynamics of a new marriage. Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, understanding how remarriage might influence your situation is essential for navigating this new chapter in life with clarity and confidence.

The skilled and dedicated professionals at McLean Legal Family Lawyers are here to support you with all your family law needs, from child support to separation agreements and more. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation, and let’s work together to find the best solutions for your situation.Lawyers are here to support you with all your family law needs, from child support to separation agreements and more. Reach out to us today to arrange a consultation, and let’s work together to find the best solutions for your situation.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.e can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

Child support agreements and Orders are crucial in ensuring the well-being of children after the separation or divorce of their parents. However, as the child’s circumstances change over time, these agreements and Orders may need to be modified. In Calgary, modifying these documents should be done formally to ensure that both parties know the new arrangements and to reduce potential strife between them. This blog addresses how to proceed in making the necessary modifications.  

Understanding the Need for Modifications

The first step in altering a child support agreement or Order is recognizing why the change is necessary and is it a change that is “material.” In other words, a significant change that affects a child. Examples of material changes could include changes in either parties’ income, employment status, living arrangements of either parent, an important change in the child’s life such as a transition from kindergarten to elementary school, changes in needs of the child, or changes in section 7 expenses. It’s essential to document these changes thoroughly as they form the basis for negotiating, making or requesting a modification from the Court.

Attempting to Reach New Terms in an Agreement or Order

The Court requires parties to participate in some form of alternative dispute resolution prior to being able to bring a Court application. This can take many forms, including a four-way meeting between counsel and the parties, private mediation or mediation/arbitration, or Court-assisted mediation (called a Dispute Resolution meeting or an Early Intervention Case Conference) or mediation/arbitration (called Judicial Dispute Resolution). Modifications work best when the parties can reach an agreement themselves as opposed to having some unrelated Third Party (either privately hired or the Courts) impose terms upon them.

If parties have a Separation Agreement, they can draft an amendment to this document with such mandatory schedules as may be legally required, and then this should be followed up with the filing of a Consent Order codifying the terms of the modifications. If they do not have a Separation Agreement or also have an existing Order in place, amendments can be made by consent and the filing of a revised Order with the Court.

Drafting Revisions to an Agreement or existing Order

When drafting a new agreement and/or revising an existing Order, ensure that it is abundantly clear what paragraphs are being amended and that they are written in plain language that is easy for anyone reading it to clearly understand. If amending child support provisions, it is recommended that you consult with a child support lawyer during this process to ensure that the wording also complies with Canadian family law and adequately addresses the entitlements of the child to financial support.

Filing the Revised Order with the Court

Any Order that revises a previous one must be filed with the Court as this provides that it will be legally enforceable. In the case of revisions that affect child support, if your original Order was registered with Alberta Maintenance Enforcement, then you must also provide that organization with the revised, filed Order so that they may update their records.

Applying for a Court-Ordered Modification

If the parties have already attempted some sort of mediation but it was unsuccessful, one party may need to apply to the court for a modification of the existing agreement and/or Order. This involves filing an application that is supported by an affidavit that outlines evidence of the material change of circumstances that justify the modification. The other party will be given an opportunity to respond to the application before the hearing date that will be set.

Attending the Court Hearing

Once the application is filed, the Court will schedule a hearing where both parties can present their various positions with regard to the modifications. During the hearing, the judge will consider the evidence and arguments from both sides before making a decision; keep in mind that the judge’s primary concern is the best interest of the child, and the decision will reflect this principle.

Receiving the Court’s Decision

After the hearing, the Court will either issue an immediate decision regarding the modifications sought or reserve a decision; in which instance the parties would be required to return to Court on another occasion for that decision. If the Court grants the modification, a new Court Order will be issued, reflecting the changes, and both parties must then comply with the new terms.

Partner with a Child Support Lawyer in Calgary

Modifying a legal agreement or Order in Calgary involves a structured process to ensure that changes are legally justified and in the best interest of the child. Whether through mutual agreement or Court intervention, it’s essential to approach the modification with thorough documentation and, preferably, legal guidance.

Know that the experienced and dedicated team at McLean Legal Family Lawyers is committed to assist you with all family matters including, child support, separation agreements, and other concerns. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together we can explore your options.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal Family Lawyers can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, spousal support, divorce, mediation, and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation issues, commercial/corporate services, and real estate transactions. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

At McLean Legal Family Lawyers in Calgary, we understand that ensuring consistent and timely child support payments is crucial for the financial well-being of your family as unpaid obligations by a payor parent can create significant strain and stress. Here, we will explore nine effective strategies to help you pursue the collection of unpaid child support.

Understand Your Legal Rights

The first step in pursuing unpaid child support is understanding that, under Canadian law, this is a legal obligation, and non-payment of support for children is taken extremely seriously by the Courts. Firstly, familiarize yourself with the child support order or agreement already in place, and the specific amounts owed so that you can then take action in an informed and appropriate manner. 

Document Everything

Keeping detailed records is essential when pursuing unpaid child support. Document all communications with the non-paying parent, including emails, texts, and phone calls. It is also recommended that you maintain a chart/log of all missed payments and any partial payments received, by month. These records will be valuable evidence if the circumstances escalate and you need to work with a family lawyer in Calgary.

Communicate with the Non-Paying Parent

Before taking formal legal action, consider attempting to resolve the issue through direct communication with the non-paying parent. The payor may be facing temporary financial difficulties or other challenges that have prevented him or her from making payments; remember that open, respectful communication can sometimes lead to a mutually-agreeable solution.

However, ensure that any agreements that are made following these communications are documented in writing, at the most simple with an email or text requesting the payor to confirm the terms of the agreement or, more formally, by having the agreement reflected in a Consent Order that will then be filed with the Court.

Seek Legal Advice

If direct communication fails to resolve the issue, seeking legal advice is the next step. At McLean Legal Family Lawyers, our experienced team can provide you with the guidance and support needed to navigate the complexities of child support enforcement. We can help you understand your options and develop a tailored strategy to pursue the uncollected payments effectively.

Utilize Enforcement Agencies

In Alberta, the Maintenance Enforcement Program (MEP) is automatically included as the enforcement mechanism in all Court Orders for child support collection and enforcement.  However, a recipient of support is still required to contact MEP, open a file, and swear a statement attesting to any existing arrears of support, by month. Once a file is opened, MEP ensures that child support payments are made to its office, it keeps a record of all payments and defaults of payments, and forwards all payments received to the recipient of support.

Keep in mind, however, if support is due on the 1st of each month, it will take MEP around 7-10 days to ensure the payment clears before forwarding payment to you. If a file goes into default for too long, MEP can take steps to enforce child support orders such as garnishing wages, seizing assets, intercepting federal payments (like tax refunds), and suspending driver’s licenses or passports. MEP’s collection and enforcement of child support orders is free for anyone who is a recipient of support and you can call in at any time and make inquiries about the status of your file.

Enforcement outside of MEP

If a recipient of support has never filed with MEP for collection, or wishes to remove themselves from MEP to attempt to take enforcement proceedings faster than MEP would get to it, then lawyers can be of assistance. It is important to note, however, that once you remove yourself from MEP, then MEP will be unlikely to permit you to re-apply for their assistance.  It is too much of an administrative burden for a recipient of support to constantly enter and exit the program and it also makes it challenging for the payor of support to know whom to pay.

Enforcement outside of MEP is also not free – steps that MEP might take longer to get to can be taken by your lawyer but you will have to pay your chosen lawyer’s hourly rate through a retainer.

Explore Contempt of Court

If the payor parent is in violation of court-ordered child support, it is possible to file an application for contempt of court. This application requests that the court enforce an order by imposing sanctions upon the payor parent for non-compliance. Penalties could include fines, restrictions on the payor parent being unable to file any applications of their own with the Court until the contempt is corrected, or even jail time (in severe cases).

While penalties may be a wake-up call for a payor parent, chances are that if he or she wasn’t paying child support, another order including penalties is unlikely to be effective, either.  Thus, other actions would need to be explored.

Explore Wage Garnishment

Once a determination of arrears has been made by a Court, the totality of the arrears can be registered as a writ of enforcement (a debt owing) with the Alberta Personal Property Registry.  Once that writ has been filed, wage garnishment can be a very effective tool for collecting unpaid child support if you know who the payor parent’s employer is. This legal process involves deducting the owed amounts directly from the non-paying parent’s paycheck (at source with their employer).

Those deductions are paid into Court and after approx. a month or so after starting this process, the Court will commence sending the monies collected to you directly or, if you have a lawyer, to your lawyer’s office for your attention.

Consider Filing Against Real Property

In some cases, filing a writ of enforcement against the payor parent’s real property (i.e. a residence or any investment properties) can be an effective strategy. That filing will prevent the property being mortgaged, prevent a mortgage renewal/refinace or from being sold without the debt owed to you being repaid. It may take some time until one of these situations arises so you need to understand that payment may not be received in the short term.

Stay Informed and Persistent

Patience and persistence is key when pursuing unpaid child support. Legal enforcement can be a lengthy process, but with determination and the right strategies, you can secure the payments your child is entitled to.

Your Family Lawyers in Calgary

At McLean Legal Family Lawyers in Calgary, we are committed to helping you achieve a fair and just resolution in child support matters. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring that your family’s financial needs are met. If you need assistance with unpaid child support, contact us today to schedule a consultation, and together we can explore your options.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, divorce, mediation and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation, commercial/corporate, and real estate law. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.

The path to the adoption of a child can be both exhilarating but also legally complex. At McLean Legal Family Lawyers, we understand that each adoption case is unique, and our dedicated family lawyers in Calgary are here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Whether you want to adopt within Alberta or internationally, our team is committed to making the process as smooth and understandable as possible.

Understanding the Adoption Process

Adoption is a legal method of transferring all parental rights from one person or couple to one or more other individuals. The process involves several major steps that ensure the child’s well-being is being met in accordance with legal standards. Here in Calgary, our family lawyers specialize in explaining these steps in clear, straightforward language to help you understand each phase of your adoption journey. Figuring out the type of adoption that suits your family best is crucial. Options include:

• Private adoption;
• Public adoption through foster care;
• and international adoption

Each type has its own set of administrative requirements and processes. Our lawyers can help you evaluate which option fits your family’s needs and guide you through the procedures and paperwork.

Legal Guidance and Representation

Our team provides a wide variety of legal services to help the average person get through the complexities of adoption. We ensure all necessary legal documents are correctly filed, for each applicable jurisdiction, and can represent your interests during court appearances. Our goal is to manage the legal details so you can focus on preparing for the arrival of your new family member.

We also offer support in more complex scenarios, such as obtaining the consent of biological parents or understanding the legalities involved in adopting a child from another country. These situations need sensitive handling and deep knowledge of family law, both of which are strengths at McLean Legal Family Lawyers.

Post-Adoption Support

Adoption is not just a legal process but a lifelong commitment. After the adoption is finalized, one may find that additional legal needs may arise. 

Our family lawyers in Calgary remain available to assist with any post-adoption questions or concerns, whether they relate to adjusting the child’s legal documents, dealing with issues of inheritance, or maintaining relationships with biological family members.

Simplify the Adoption Journey in Calgary 

At McLean Legal Family Lawyers, we are dedicated to supporting your family’s experience during the adoption process. Our experienced family lawyers in Calgary are here to offer the legal expertise and compassionate advice you need to successfully navigate this significant life event. With our professional guidance, you can focus on what truly matters: welcoming a new member into your family.

If you are considering adoption or have already begun the process and need legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help ensure that your adoption is handled with care and professionalism.

There is a brighter future ahead with McLean Legal Family Lawyers. As your dynamic, multi-service family law firm in Calgary, McLean Legal can offer you personalized legal services tailored to your particular circumstances. We endeavour to resolve matters quickly and with minimal conflict, offering calm, professional, and realistic advice. Given our years of experience in family law, we can assist with your child support, divorce, mediation and separation agreements, as well as civil litigation, commercial/corporate, and real estate law. With over 30 years of experience and success, we’re the Calgary family lawyers that offer you a brighter future. Book your free consultation by calling 587-353-2632.