Please don’t!! Handwritten changes to a Will may make it invalid in Alberta if the changes are not made using the same legal requirements used in making the Will. Additionally, this may lead to an increase in challenges to your Will when you pass away, costing your estate to pay higher legal fees. If you require changes to your Will, it is best to make a new Will including these changes, this guarantees your wishes are set out accurately and prevents any challenges down the road. Contact us for more information about updating your estate planning documents.

If so, you are probably thinking about these 4 things: parenting your children, child support, family property, and cash flow. In my mind, it’s important to add a 5th item to the list: estate planning. Knowing how your children will be cared for and how the law treats the estates of newly separated or divorced parents is a key part of planning and is particularly important if you have young children now. Think about what expectations you have for your children (and of the other parent), who should care for your children if both you and their other parent die while they are young and about when you should make a new will. When putting the pieces of your post-separation picture together, make sure you review any estate plan you have in place now, ask questions about what will happen if you don’t make any changes (or make a plan at all), and determine if you both agree on who should care for the children if both of you die or become incapacitated. To ensure that those you wish to provide for receive your gift without complication and that your children are well cared for, make sure you ask your lawyer about including estate considerations as part of your separation task list.

It’s important to think about the variety of options available to you. Most people are now aware that their matter does not have to go to court to be decided. Mediation is an excellent option for those wanting facilitated communication while they negotiate. For those who want guidance around options for settlement and legal information and advice as they negotiate, the Collaborative Process is a great option. The Collaborative Process is grounded in transparency, cooperation, and respect; it provides a private, non-adversarial, comprehensive, and efficient process opportunity. Your lawyer will be there to advocate for you, to draft the Separation Agreement and to provide the independent legal advice necessary for a legally binding settlement. Contact us to find out more information.

Choose a compassionate, non-court option for divorce in Edmonton, AB, with GoodLaw's Collaborative Divorce services. Prioritizing respect, fairness, and family well-being, we specialize in resolving separations and divorces amicably. Our voluntary, face-to-face approach aims for lasting solutions in matters like child custody, estate, and civil disputes. Experiencing a divorce ? BOOK A CONSULT COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FAMILY LAW GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ESTATE PLANNING REAL ESTATE Are you navigating a relationship breakdown? Our compassionate team at GOOD LAW is here to support you through this emotionally challenging journey with care, support and efficiency. Understanding Collaborative Divorce Collaborative Family Law represents a fresh approach for couples navigating a relationship breakdown or separation, offering a means to resolve disputes amicably and equitably without the need for court intervention. What sets this method apart is its unwavering focus on minimizing the adverse effects on children and enhancing quality of life post-separation, making it particularly impactful in family matters. This innovative approach places a premium on respectful and fair dealings. Collaborative Family Law isn't just limited to divorce; it extends its benefits to a range of situations, including parenting disputes, estate issues, and civil conflicts. Its core tenets are dignity and fairness, striving to ensure that all parties involved emerge from the process with their integrity intact. However, it’s important to note that the Collaborative Family Law process isn’t universally suitable. Its success hinges on the willingness of all parties to engage in face-to-face dialogue and commit to a fair resolution in good faith. This approach is designed for those who are determined to prevent permanent damage to relationships, even in challenging circumstances. Collaborative Family Law empowers individuals to take control of their futures, fostering constructive dialogue and mutual respect in the pursuit of equitable solutions. Discover the heart of Collaborative Divorce and how it can transform your journey. Click below to explore our articles for a deeper understanding. More About Collaborative Divorce Commonly asked questions about Collaborative Divorce What Are the Benefits of Collaborative Divorce? Control In Collaborative Divorce, you and your spouse agree not to go to court. This gives you and your spouse control of the process and outcome, versus litigation, where a judge makes the final decision. Collaboration Instead of the win–lose court setting, the entire collaborative team ensures that both spouses work with, not against, each other, toward mutually beneficial solutions for critical issues. Communication One barrier in litigation is the lack of effective communication between spouses. In the Collaborative Divorce process, spouses learn a framework for effectively communicating their concerns and goals and brainstorming outcomes. Better for Children Collaborative Divorce gives children a voice in the process, alleviating the potential for future trauma that sometimes persists for generations. Private Problems and assets are kept private within the Collaborative Divorce process. Less Stressful Collaborative Divorce allows spouses to control pace and timing, improves communication between spouses, keeps control of the outcome with the spouses, and promotes respect and healthier long-term communications. Learning Effective Communication Skills Communication skills acquired during Collaborative Divorce may have positive applications outside of divorce as well. To hear more about how Collaborative Divorce works, please click here to watch a short video. How Is Collaborative Divorce Different from Other Methods? Collaborative Divorce promotes respect and keeps spouses, not the courts, in control of the outcome. It addresses each couple’s unique concerns and allows for creative solutions, as opposed to litigation, which is driven by the general rule of law meant to apply to all. Because clients agree not to go to court, the process is more open and less adversarial. The goal is to enhance communication throughout the process and lay the foundation for a healthier relationship after divorce. You and your spouse will receive the benefit of both of your lawyers’ opinions throughout the process, at the appropriate time. Your lawyers will jointly prepare the formal agreement and divorce documents, and you will receive independent advice from you own lawyer. In addition to legal counsel, the team may include Divorce Coaches, Financial Specialists, and Child Specialists. A Divorce Coach helps each spouse manage the pain and stress of changing relationships and improve communication while focusing on goals for the present and future. A neutral Financial Specialist helps you and your spouse with tax issues, pension valuations, developing financial options for your family’s future well-being, and a variety of other financial matters as needed. A neutral Child Specialist can provide expert advice to you as you develop a parenting plan customized to meet the unique needs of your family. He or she can also talk to your children to gain their perspective. Collaborative Divorce Alberta Association has created a helpful document explaining the Collaborative Process. What Training and Qualifications Do Collaborative Divorce Professionals Have? Minimum Standards for Collaborative Professionals The Association of Collaborative Family Professionals (ACFP) in Edmonton outlines the following requirements for professionals wishing to be recognized as Registered Collaborative Family Professionals in family-related disputes: 1. General Requirements for Collaborative Professionals: Must be a member in good standing of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals (IACP). Must be a member in good standing of ACFP (Edmonton). Must adhere to ACFP (Edmonton)'s mission statement, protocols, and policies. 2. Minimum Standards for Registered Collaborative Family Lawyers: Must be a member in good standing of the Law Society of Alberta. Completion of a two-day Introduction to Collaborative Practice training course, including interdisciplinary training. Completion of a 30-hour training course in interest-based negotiation. Completion of a 40-hour training course in mediation of divorce and family conflicts. Must meet continuing education requirements set by the Board for Registered Collaborative Divorce Professionals. 3. Minimum Standards for Registered Collaborative Mental Health Professionals or Coaches: Must hold a Mental Health Professional license in good standing with relevant governing body. Background, education, and experience in various areas including family-systems theory, family dynamics in separation and divorce, and child development for Child Specialists. Completion of a two-day Introduction to Collaborative Practice training course. Completion of at least one 30-hour training course in mediation or interest-based negotiation. Accumulation of 15 hours of training in various relevant areas. Completion of a minimum of three hours of training in family law in Alberta. Must meet continuing education and professional association requirements set by the Board. 4. Minimum Standards for Registered Collaborative Financial Professionals: Must hold a professional license or designation in good standing with relevant governing body. Background, education, and experience in financial aspects of divorce and related areas. Completion of a two-day Introduction to Collaborative Divorce training course. Completion of at least one 30-hour training course in mediation or interest-based negotiation. Accumulation of 20 hours of education or practical experience in financial fundamentals of divorce. Accumulation of 15 hours of training in various relevant areas. Must meet continuing education and professional association requirements set by the Board. Upon meeting specific standards and completing required training, professionals may attain a "qualified" status, provided they undertake to fulfill remaining requirements within specified timeframes. All clients and team members must be notified of this qualified status. About Our Lawyers We're a devoted team of lawyers focused on respectfully resolving your divorce. With our St. Albert based lawyers we aim to finalize your divorce quickly and with as little inconvenience as possible. READ MORE ABOUT US

Goodlaw Firm, based in St. Albert, Alberta, specializes in Collaborative Divorce, Family Law, Estate Planning, Estate Administration, and Residential Real Estate. With nearly 50 years of combined legal experience, our team offers client-focused services, emphasizing clear communication and practical solutions. We are committed to guiding clients through legal challenges with empathy and professionalism. Guiding Life's Transitions with Compassionate Legal Solutions BOOK A CONSULTATION At GOOD LAW, our focus is on healthy families. Understanding the emotional dynamics and delicate nature of family disputes is central to our practice. Our dedicated team is here to support you as you navigate toward clarity in and resolution of the legal matters affecting your family. About Us GOOD LAW has been proudly serving St. Albert and its neighboring communities, including Edmonton, Morinville, Legal, Bon Accord, Gibbons, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, and the entire Edmonton metropolitan area—for nearly 40 years. We’re here to provide insight into the law and empower you, no matter what life throws your way. With decades of legal experience, our team is ready to offer practical guidance and help you navigate the complexities of your legal matters. READ MORE Practice Areas We specialize in key legal areas crucial to families in the St. Albert area: buying/selling homes, relationship transitions, estate planning, and administration. In addition to helping people navigate life's challenges and changes, we are pleased to offer notarial services by appointment. Our lawyers are also notaries public and are available to assist you with any notarial needs. Whether you're in need of advice or a notary public, our team is here to provide personalized options tailored to your situation. We stay updated on the latest legal developments to offer the most effective guidance, so you can focus on your family’s future with confidence. COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE ESTATE PLANNING FAMILY LAW ESTATES ADMINISTRATION REAL ESTATE GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP Our Team We’ve carefully built a team of exceptional people to help you. Everyone at GOOD LAW is committed to assisting you with your legal matters and to ensuring your have the information you need to make the important decisions that arise as life changes. Wendy M. Phillips-Berard Lawyer and Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer View profile Michelle T. Roe Lawyer and Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer View profile Michael C. Good (Retired) View profile VIEW MORE PROFILES Reach out to us as you embark on your path to a brighter future . We’d love to help you get there. BOOK A CONSULATATION

Planning for the future? GOOD LAW in St. Albert helps with wills, enduring powers of attorney, and personal directives to protect your wishes and loved ones. Learn more today. Estate Planning BOOK A CONSULT COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FAMILY LAW GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ESTATE PLANNING REAL ESTATE Plan for your future with ease. Our estate planning services include simple wills, enduring powers of attorney, and personal directives, giving you control over your affairs and peace of mind for your loved ones. Wills, Enduring Powers of Attorney, & Personal Directives Your Will A Will appoints one or more executors, now commonly called Personal Representatives, who will distribute the property in your estate as you direct, upon your death. It also allows you to appoint guardians to care for your minor children after your death. Those you appoint as Personal Representatives do not have any power to administer your estate until you die. Without a Will, your estate will be distributed in accordance with the legislation in effect at the time of your death. You should review your Will every few years and any time your family status changes. Your Enduring Power of Attorney An Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows you to appoint one or more decision-makers who can stand in your place to deal with your financial matters, including real estate and investments. An EPA can be designed to take effect immediately or only when it has been determined that you no longer have the mental capacity to manage your financial affairs (for example, in cases of coma, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other mental disability) or that you are physically infirm. The determination of mental capacity can be made by your family doctor, by the unanimous opinion of two medical doctors, or in some other fashion if you desire. The attorney can be your spouse, with your children as alternate or co-attorneys, or anyone else living in the province whom you trust to act in your best interests. Under the legislation, an attorney does not need to be in Alberta, although it will be easier to look after your financial affairs if the attorney also lives in Alberta. Your Personal Directive A Personal Directive (PD) allows you to appoint one or more decision-makers who will make decisions on your behalf concerning any personal matters, including your health care or your placement in a long-term care facility, in the event that you are mentally incapable of making decisions yourself. The decision-maker, called an agent, can be your spouse, with your adult children as alternate or co-agents, or anyone else you trust to make personal decisions keeping your best interests as the priority. Personal decisions include giving consent, refusing to give consent, or withdrawing consent for any personal matter that is non-financial, including some of the following: Health care Accommodation With whom you may live or associate Participation in social, educational, and employment activity Any other matter that is included in the regulations When it comes to health care, a PD (which is similar to what was formerly known as a living Will) will provide direction to your agent(s) in circumstances under which decisions about the above matters must be made. When considering making a PD, we suggest that you consult with your family doctor to discuss the medical strategies and procedures that may be relevant to you and how this document may work with a Goals of Care Designation (also called a greensleeve) that you create with your medical professionals. The purpose of Wills, EPAs, and PDs is to have advocates for your care and to have your wishes carried out with clear instructions so as to prevent a legacy of unnecessary family tensions. Feelings of guilt may prevent a loved one from acting on the basis of the patient’s wishes and best interests, especially with regard to the withdrawal of life support. Having these documents in place also puts your appointed decision-makers at ease, knowing that they will be making decisions with the benefit of your forethought and guidance in a situation in which you may no longer be able to directly communicate your instructions. For more information, contact our Estate Planning Assistant, Amanda Moroz , or reach her by phone at 780-459-0133. Download our Estate Planning Questionnaire now to facilitate the preparation of your new will, enduring power of attorney, or personal directive. Estate Planning Questionnaire