Your trusted ally in your joint divorce

Joint Divorce in Alberta

When both parties are willing, a joint divorce can often ease the emotional burden typically associated with divorce and quicken the pace of proceedings. At DLegal, we take great pride in facilitating this process in a way that honors the dignity of both individuals, allowing them to move forward with a sense of closure.

When standing next to your partner on your wedding day, you imagine your bond will last forever. Unfortunately, not all relationships work out, and when you realize your marriage has run its course, the last thing you want is a messy divorce. The good news is that not all divorces end up in nasty court battles, and many Albertan couples opt for a joint divorce to end their marriage amicably and on good terms.

At DLegal, we understand your situation and our compassionate divorce lawyers will do everything they can to ensure that your divorce goes as smoothly and drama-free as possible.

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Joint Divorce in Calgary

A joint divorce, also known as a collaborative divorce, is a type of divorce procedure where both spouses work together to dissolve their marriage amicably. It involves mutual agreement on key issues such as the division of assets and personal property, child support and custody, alimony and spousal support, and any other relevant matters about the dissolution of the marriage.

Unlike traditional divorce proceedings, which may involve unpleasant courtroom battles, joint divorce aims to promote cooperation and communication between spouses to reach a fair and mutually acceptable resolution.

At DLegal, we are committed to making divorces as quick and painless as possible. We are experienced divorce lawyers and will ensure that collaboration takes top priority to conclude your joint divorce as swiftly as possible.



Difference Between a Joint Divorce and an Uncontested Divorce

While both joint divorce and uncontested divorce involve a mutual agreement between spouses, they differ in their approach and level of cooperation.

In a joint divorce, both spouses collaborate closely to make a joint divorce happen, working with the assistance of their lawyers to reach a settlement agreement. An uncontested divorce, on the other hand, may involve minimal communication between spouses, with one party initiating the divorce and the other consenting to the terms without active participation in the negotiation process.



Is a Joint Divorce Right for You?

A joint divorce may be a quick and easy divorce process, but it may not be ideal for every couple.

Ideal for Amicable Couples

A joint divorce is well-suited for couples maintaining amicable relationships despite deciding to end their marriage. Effective communication, cooperation, and commitment to resolving issues without animosity make it an ideal option.

If You Are Willing to Collaborate

Successful joint divorces rely on both spouses collaboratively reaching mutually agreeable solutions. Openness to negotiation, compromise, and finding common ground on matters like asset division, child custody, and financial support is essential for this approach.

You Want to Avoid Conflict

If you want to avoid conflict and maintain a respectful relationship, a joint divorce provides a less adversarial alternative to litigation. Collaborative work helps reduce hostility, which is particularly beneficial for positive co-parenting post-divorce.

Your situation is not quite simple, but not too complex

While generally suited for straightforward cases, joint divorce can be effective in complex situations with transparency, cooperation, and problem-solving. Whether dividing significant assets or dealing with unique family circumstances, joint divorce accommodates diverse needs with proper legal guidance.

How To Get a Joint Divorce

Getting a joint divorce in Alberta involves several steps, each aimed at facilitating open communication, negotiation, and reaching a mutually agreeable settlement. We know every detail of every step and will guide you through the whole process. Here’s what the process typically entails.

Meeting the Requirements

To initiate a joint divorce in Alberta, both you and your spouse must meet certain requirements. Firstly, either you or your spouse must have been a resident of Alberta for at least one year before filing for divorce. Additionally, and this is important, you and your spouse must agree on all issues related to the divorce, and there should be no contested matters. This collaborative approach is designed to streamline the process and minimize the involvement of the court.

Drafting a Joint Court Paperwork

A crucial step in a joint divorce is crafting a joint statement of claim for divorce and other paperwork. This documents your agreement on key issues. The divorce paperwork shows your commitment to cooperation and guides the development of a comprehensive settlement. Covering aspects like property division and child custody, the paperwork is then reviewed by both you and your spouse before submission to the court.

Filing and Finalizing the Divorce

Even in a joint divorce, certain legal procedures must be followed. The completed court forms must be filed with the Alberta courts. The court will then review the documents to ensure they comply with the law and meet the best interests of you, your spouse, and any children involved. Once the court approves the documents, a judge will issue a divorce judgment. This judgment formally ends the marriage and outlines the terms of the divorce settlement.

What Do You Need for a Joint Divorce?

For a joint divorce, both you and your spouse need to reach a settlement on the division of all your family assets, debts, income, joint bank accounts, and other financial obligations. Additionally, you should be prepared to discuss and agree upon key issues such as child custody, visitation schedules, and spousal support.

Clear communication and documentation are crucial to successfully navigating the joint divorce process. That is why many families also complete separation agreements to effectively formalize all the details of the settlement before they even start the formal divorce process.



What is a Separation Agreement?

A separation agreement is a legally contract that outlines the terms of separation between spouses, including matters such as division of property, parenting, child support, and spousal alimony. While it is not a requirement for divorce, it can provide a framework for a joint divorce by resolving key issues in advance.



How Long Does a Joint Divorce Take in Alberta?

The length of time it takes for a joint divorce to be concluded can vary depending on several factors, including the complexity of the issues involved, the efficiency of the parties in reaching agreements as well as the court’s schedule and workload. On average, a joint divorce tends to be quicker than a contested divorce, but it can still take a couple of months to conclude.



Benefits of Sound Legal Advice

Divorces are never easy, no matter how amicable the situation. At DLegal, our aim is to make the process less painful by guiding you through all the legal requirements with care and compassion. Our experienced joint divorce lawyers will ensure that your documents are prepared accurately and that your rights are protected fairly. We ensure that communication is open and clear and help navigate any potential disputes that may disrupt the process to preserve the cooperative atmosphere.

We know the Alberta courts system and have drafted hundreds of comprehensive divorce settlements that are clear, fair, and balanced. We are here to streamline the process and minimize complications for you. Our ultimate goal is to make your divorce go as smoothly as possible without any hiccups so you can start your new life as soon as possible.



Fees*

Divorce Lawyer Calgary

Amicable Divorce Without Children / Spousal Support $1495
Amicable Divorce With Children OR Spousal Support $2245
Amicable Divorce With Children AND Spousal Support $2445
Consultation on contested family matters $350/hour**

* The flat rate applies to a standard joint or uncontested divorce package and does not include GST, disbursements (such as process server and court filing fees), and extra services.

** Depending on your situation, we offer 50% on the first hour

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Anna Dunaeva

Anna perpetually works to surpass her clients' expectations. Through continuous communication, Anna delivers on her commitment to keep clients at the centre of her practice.

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