Legal Articles
November 22, 2010
On November 1, 2010, the government implemented a new set of Rules that govern how Albertans will resolve their civil legal problems. The goal of the new Rules is to “maximize the Rules’ clarity, usability and effectiveness and to contribute […]
December 9, 2010
The life expectancy of your Will is very important. In Medicine Hat, I have seen and administered Wills that were 30 years old (and older). Lawyers are concerned the Will they are drafting for you might be the only Will […]
January 24, 2011
Being asked by a family member or friend to be the Executor (also called a Personal Representative [PR]) of their Will is a big honour. It can be hard to say no to someone who trusts you and respects you […]
March 21, 2011
A Personal Directive (PD) is an important document that should be part of your estate plan. Your PD appoints your chosen person to make non-financial decisions about personal matters for you if you lose the mental capacity to make these […]
April 25, 2011
Family lawyers often receive phone calls from grandparents or aunts and uncles who tell us that they are providing a significant amount of care for grandchildren or nieces and nephews. Often, they are providing many meals, driving children to and […]
May 20, 2011
Becoming a guardian of a child comes with a series of rights and responsibilities that are very significant in the life of the child. Where there is more than one guardian, the Family Law Act, the legislation in Alberta that […]
June 18, 2011
This article is not referring to Leonard Cohen or last call at your favourite watering hole. It is about real estate transactions where for one reason or another, the purchase price is not able to be paid on the closing […]
November 19, 2011
Clients often ask me as a family law lawyer to help them get agreements they have made themselves, formalized and signed. Sometimes these clients ask me to draft a Contract showing the agreement they have reached. Sometimes these clients have […]
January 21, 2012
Previous columns have stressed the importance of reviewing your Will regularly to ensure it is up to date. The passage of time, changes in your circumstances, and changes in the circumstances of persons named in your Will, are good reasons […]
February 18, 2012
This column continues last month’s review of the new Alberta Wills and Succession Act (WSA) and its effect on estate planning in Medicine Hat. A person can distribute their property in their Will as they wish. If, however, the property […]