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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

Need legal guidance for a represented adult in Edmonton, AB? Our experienced lawyers assist with guardianship and trusteeship applications to help manage financial and personal affairs. Contact us today. Guardianship & Trusteeship BOOK A CONSULT COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FAMILY LAW GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ESTATE PLANNING REAL ESTATE Legal Guidance in Challenging Times Sometimes a situation arises where an individual loses mental capacity without having had the opportunity to prepare an Enduring Power of Attorney or Personal Directive, or where a family member has never had the legal mental capacity to give instructions for estate documents (formerly called a “dependent adult,” now referred to as a “represented adult” under current legislation). In these cases, an application must be made to the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta to appoint someone to assist with decision-making, co-decision-making with the represented adult, or to manage the family member’s financial and personal affairs. If there are no appropriate or willing family members or friends, the Public Guardian may be appointed to make decisions regarding the represented adult’s care and living arrangements, while the Public Trustee may be appointed to manage financial matters. These applications are more costly, time-consuming, and invasive than preparing an enduring power of attorney or personal directive, and they become public record. Our firm has extensive experience helping clients navigate these applications to appoint a family member or friend in a decision-making role. We also assist with reviewing such appointments and applying for the passing of accounts for a represented adult, as required by the court. If you have any questions about assisting a family member or friend with these matters, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. More information about trusteeship and guardianship can be found here . For more information, please reach out to our Wills and Estates Assistant, Amanda Moroz , or call our office at 780-459-0133. You may also speak with Wendy M. Phillips-Berard or Michelle T. Roe .

Buying, selling, or refinancing a home in St. Albert or Edmonton? GOOD LAW offers over 35 years of experience in residential real estate transactions. Let us handle the legal details for you. Need a Real Estate Lawyer ? BOOK A CONSULT COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FAMILY LAW GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ESTATE PLANNING REAL ESTATE Understanding buying, selling, or refinancing your home. Buying a new home, selling your existing home, or simply refinancing, we at GOOD LAW can help. Real estate has been one of our firm’s core areas of practice for over 35 years and we have assisted in hundreds of residential real estate transactions in our area and across Alberta. Real estate transactions can be stressful. Timing is crucial for a successful real estate transaction. Ensuring you have all necessary information and documents well before closing is vital. We can help you understand each step required for a successful transaction, including the costs associated with buying, selling or refinancing your home. At GOOD LAW, while we won’t be waiting at your new home on the day you take possession, we will be working behind the scenes with your realtor and with your bank representative or mortgage specialist to ensure that all the legal details of the purchase or sale of your home are properly attended to for you. After closing, we will work with Land Titles to ensure that your transaction is complete and that the names on title are transferred. Our experience in residential real estate transaction services include: Purchase and sale transactions Mortgages and refinancing Other residential real estate matters, including advice For more information, contact our Real Estate Conveyancer, Nicole Korek, or reach her by phone at 780-459-0133. Feel free to reach out to, Wendy M. Phillips-Berard , or Michelle T. Roe . You can also find some Real Estate FAQs by clicking below to research more about Real Estate. REAL ESTATE INFORMATION Let’s Work Together At GOOD LAW, we are committed to providing clear answers to your questions without using complicated legal language. We are a friendly firm and would be delighted to discuss your case with you at your convenience. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. First Name Last Name Email Message Send Thanks for submitting!

Need help with estate administration in St. Albert? GOOD LAW provides trusted guidance on probate, wills, and estate distribution. Let us support you during this challenging time. Estate Administration BOOK A CONSULT COLLABORATIVE DIVORCE FAMILY LAW GUARDIANSHIP & TRUSTEESHIP ESTATE ADMINISTRATION ESTATE PLANNING REAL ESTATE Understanding Estate Administration We understand how difficult it can be when a loved one or friend dies, it can be overwhelming dealing with the deceased’s estate, especially during a time of grief. At GOOD LAW, we understand the complexities and emotions involved in managing these responsibilities. As experienced legal professionals, we're here to provide the support and guidance you need, whether you're an executor fulfilling a loved one's final wishes, facing the probate process or dealing with the estate when deceased died without making or having a valid Will. Did the deceased have a Will? If the deceased died with a valid Will, they are said to have died testate. The deceased’s Will contains, or should contain instructions as to who their Executor or Personal Representative will be. If the deceased died with a valid Will their estate may or may not need Grant of Probate. At GOOD LAW, we can assist you in assessing if the estate requires probate or not. What is Probate? Probate is the formal validation of a deceased's Will by the court, confirming the Executor or Personal Representative’s appointment and allowing them to manage the estate. Probate usually involves extensive paperwork and certain steps to be taken. GOOD LAW offers valuable insights and strategies to expedite probate proceedings, ensuring a smoother process for you to receive a Grant of Probate. Following probate, we can also assist you in dealing with and distributing the deceased’s estate to the beneficiaries. Did the deceased die without a Will? If the deceased died without a valid Will, they are said to have died intestate. If there is no Will, this means someone will have to apply to the court to be given permission to administer and deal with the estate. The Estate Administration Act of Alberta guides us in who can apply to administer the deceased’s estate, without the court’s permission no one can legally manage the estate. At GOOD LAW we are here to assist you in applying for, and ensuring the right person applies to receive a Grant of Administration. If there is no Will, this means there are no beneficiaries named to inherit the estate. The Wills and Succession Act of Alberta sets out who will inherit the estate after the Grant of Administration is received. Upon receiving the Grant of Administration, we can assist you in dealing with and distributing the estate in line with the Wills and Succession Act. Have you been named as an Executor or Personal Representative, or a Trustee of a Will and not sure of your duties? If you're unsure about your duties as an Executor, Personal Representative or Trustee or need assistance with estate distribution tasks, our firm is here to help. From answering your questions to guiding you through court applications, we'll work diligently to honor the wishes of the deceased and alleviate the burden on you during this challenging time. To assist you in thinking about Estate Administration, we encourage you to complete our Estate Administration Control Sheet if you are looking to hire us for probate/administration. Estate Administration Control Sheet

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. E - Brouchure Discover the heart of Collaborative Divorce and how it can transform your journey. Click below to explore our articles for a deeper understanding. Collaborative Divorce Guide Short Video 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

C NTACT Us We’d love to hear from you! For initial questions and general inquiries, Please contact our office to speak with someone on our team and to make an appointment to see Wendy M. Phillips-Berard , or Michelle T. Roe . GOOD LAW proudly serves clients in St. Albert, Edmonton, Morinville, Legal, Bon Accord, Gibbons, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Spruce Grove, Stony Plain, Leduc, and throughout the Edmonton metropolitan area. Please do NOT send any confidential information by email until you have retained our firm, as until then, your information is NOT protected by solicitor-client privilege. After filling out the contact form, be sure to check out our 5-minute call guide. It will help you know what to expect during the call and provide you with additional resources to make the most of our conversation. Let’s Work Together At GOOD LAW, we are committed to providing clear answers to your questions without using complicated legal language. We are a friendly firm and would be delighted to discuss your case with you at your convenience. Please don't hesitate to get in touch with us today to schedule an appointment. First Name Last Name Phone Email Message Send Thank you for reaching out to us. We've received your message and will review it as soon as possible. A member of our team will be in touch shortly. Consult a Lawyer When confronted with a change in your life, it’s important to know your options and understand how the law affects you and your family. 5 MINUTE CALL GUIDE 5 Giroux Rd #220, St. Albert, AB T8N 6J8 Email: info@goodlawfirm.ca Tel: (780) 459-0133