Wednesday, April 16, 2014

Benefits of Divorce

Sure, being divorced may not be a conventional position to be in, but Divorce Lawyers in Calgary and around the world all agree that if a marriage is no longer healthy then there is no point of staying in it just for the heck of it, or just so people would see that you have a seemingly “perfect” marriage. In fact, getting out of a marriage that is no longer working is extremely beneficial for you.


Why Divorce is good for you
   - If you feel like your marriage no longer helps you grow as a person and that it no longer makes you feel at your best, it’s time to let it go. Here are some of the benefits that you’ll get once you get divorced with someone that you no longer love:
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  •          You will be stronger. A divorce may seem like a strong storm but you can get past it and you can be a better, healthier and stronger person. Trials will only make you realize that you are not a frail person—which would do wonders for your confidence.
  •         You can now be in control of your life. You’ll have no more worries about what your partner would say or about what your circle of friends as a couple would say about your decisions or about who you are. You will learn how to be independent again and make decisions based on what you feel and based on what you think is right    
  •     You will know better. You would no longer allow other people to step on you, or to make you feel less than who you are. This time, you will be more cautious about who you should trust and about which of the people around you are worthy to be allowed to enter in your life.
  •      You will grow as a person. While losses may be sad at first, after the initial shock, you will understand that there is a reason why you had to lose some people and why you have to still move on with life. Losses and pains would help you grow as a person and will help you understand that there’s so much about the world that you still have to learn.
  •     You’ll have more time for yourself. It’s time for you to focus on yourself again and become the kind of person you have always wanted to be. It’s time to focus on your passion and start achieving your dreams. In other words, it’s time to rebuild yourself and rebuild your life.


    An open-minded world


Calgary Divorce lawyers, as well as Divorce lawyers everywhere agree that people are more open-minded these days. The times when divorcees were considered as shameful to society are long gone and now, people understand that there are reasons why marriages don’t often last till forever. Let go of your fears and inhibitions and start seeing life with a brand new set of eyes again. Divorce is not the end of life—it is merely a new beginning for a better, brighter and happier life so don’t be scared. 

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Hiring a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst

One of the most challenging aspects of a divorce in Edmonton is dealing with the financial issues involved. Many times, lawyers may deal with the legal issues without considering the financial impact of the divorce, and this can seriously impact the financial situation of the divorcing spouses later on. This is why you should consider consulting with a certified divorce financial analyst early in the process, even if the divorce is relatively amicable.

A certified divorce financial analyst is a professional who helps one of the parties achieve an equitable divorce settlement using his knowledge of asset distribution and tax law. A CFDA must have at least two years of financial or legal work experience and must pass an examination given by the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts. It should be noted that the CFDA is not intended to supplant the services of a lawyer or negotiator; rather they work in conjunction with these professionals to ensure that any settlement reached is financially fair.

In addition, they will also look at the long-term implications of the settlement to ensure that it will not have any negative impacts down the road. For example, how will the division of assets affect the spouses’ pension once they retire? How will their financial situation be affected?
How a CFDA Can Help

The CFDA can ease the mind of their clients by explaining the financial implications of the divorce in Edmonton so that he or she can make informed decisions during the proceedings. In addition, the services of a CFDA are valuable, not just during the actual divorce process, but also in the aftermath of divorce, when the separated party is starting to pick up his or her life. For example, the CFDA can help a client draw up a budget that will help them deal with expenses such as health and life insurance costs and cost of living expenses during the post-divorce period.  
One valuable service the CFDA performs is to give their client an accurate view of what their financial situation will be after the divorce. There is often an expectation from the client that their lives will continue the way they were before the separation. Unfortunately, the divorce often takes a high financial toll and the client will have to adjust their standard of living accordingly. The CFDA will advise them on what adjustments need to be made to ensure a healthy long-term financial future, not just for them but also for their children.

Hiring a CFDA


When you are engaging the services of a CFDA to help you with your divorce Edmonton you should not only look at their qualifications but also how comfortable you are with them, since you will work closely together on many sensitive and highly personal issues. So you should take the time to interview them to see how they can help you. During the interview you should ask them about the types of clients they primarily handle as well as the other services they may provide such as financial planning. In addition, you should also ask them for a sample financial plan that they have drawn up for a client which would give you an idea of what to expect.  


Wednesday, January 29, 2014

5 Common Types of Divorce

Getting divorced only means one thing anywhere in the world, and that is to get out of a marriage at the most advantageous position possible. However, there are different types of divorce that also entail different processes and divorce documents to be submitted.   On almost all territories, the court of law is the one in-charge of deciding and formalizing the divorce. Nonetheless, requirements vary and depending on your circumstances, it might be wise to consult a lawyer first before directly filing to the court (Canadian court allows direct filing if not classified as contested divorce).

Here are the five most common types of divorce that you will surely be placed under.

Contested Divorce

This means that both parties have not reached a mutual decision regarding separation of rights (e.g. child custody, visitation, properties, alimony, etc.) and the separation is not identified as amicable. In this case, a judge holds the outcome based on evidences and testimonies presented on court. Since Canada’s Divorce Act do not cover such contests, either of the applicants will be required to file another case under family property statutes.

It is more expensive and takes longer before decision. However, this is often the only option to balance both parties’ rights.

Uncontested Divorce

Nine out of 10 divorce cases filed in Canada are classified as uncontested, meaning both parties reached an agreement. The preparation of divorce documents is easier under this type because no divorce attorney is required. It will definitely be cheaper, faster and easier not only for the estranged couple but for the child as well.

Even if both parties started contesting each other’s claims, a mediator will still try to guide them into an agreement, as family courts try to avoid trial as much as possible.

At-fault Divorce

This was extremely popular among divorcees in Canada during the 60s and 70s. However, as no-fault divorce became enacted, it has just become a secondary option only. Under this type, either party needs to present evidences and proofs that the other party is at fault of the dissolution of marriage, all for the purpose of possessing most qualified rights, like child custody and property management.

In Canada, this is only applied under court to settle allegations and decide on offenses.

No-fault Divorce

In the US and Canada, this is now the most prevalent type so as to preserve the rights of the couple’s child/children. Under this type, the court still decides on the division of rights and properties either through a mediation or formal court setting if the couple will not reach a decision. However, no proof of fault will be taken into consideration when coming up with the decision.

Because minimal divorce documents are required under a no-fault divorce, it can be taken care of even just through online proceedings.

Collaborative Divorce

This is a more complicated type where couples try to reach a resolution with the assistance of professionally trained collaborative divorce lawyers. These lawyers can no longer represent either party on a contested divorce trial. Nonetheless, the procedure will be very in-depth and complex.