Here for the kids: Legal Aid Alberta represents children in high-conflict parenting disputes
Access to Justice Week webinar on Feb. 7 will help educate Albertans on importance of child representation and children’s legal rights During high-conflict family matters, parents and guardians are often at the forefront, leaving children vulnerable to decisions made on their behalf. So, who protects the kids? Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) family lawyers help preserve […]
Navigating holiday travel and coparenting
As the holiday season approaches, many families experiencing separation or divorce face important questions regarding travel with children. Co-parents must consider various legal and logistical factors whether planning a trip to Disneyland, Newfoundland, or a local holiday concert. In December, Alberta’s family courts tend to be overwhelmed with cases involving co-parenting, holiday schedules, and travel […]
Family Day is different for everyone: Legal Aid Alberta’s recommendations for those going through family breakup
LAA family lawyer shares top five tips for navigating separation and divorce Family Day is usually a time of togetherness. It’s a time for celebrating families from all walks of life. If you look around, no two families are the same. Each unit comes with their own unique set of circumstances – […]
Family violence still rising: Legal Aid Alberta faces increase in requests for emergency protection orders
Applications for emergency protection orders have risen by 17 per cent in the last four years. Alberta continues to see a spike in family violence, with emergency protection order (EPO) applications up 17 per cent since 2018. Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) staff lawyers working within the Emergency Protection Order Program (EPOP) report 2,267 opened files […]
Access to justice milestone: Legal Aid Alberta surpasses 120,000 bail hearings for Albertans held in custody
Justice of the Peace Bail Program ensures Albertans have proper legal representation at no cost during one of the most difficult points in their lives. This year marks over 120,000 bail hearings completed by Legal Aid Alberta (LAA) lawyers. Imagine this: you’re driving, and the police pull you over. They take your cell phone and […]
Family Day is no holiday for many Alberta families and children embroiled in long-drawn-out legal disputes
An insider look at some of the challenges Alberta families are facing right now from a family lawyer on the frontlines of the justice system. For many Albertans, Family Day is a time to connect and appreciate time spent with loved ones. But this isn’t the case for all. Sadly, there are […]
It’s harder than going to jail: How new drug treatment courts are breaking the chain of crime and addiction
Legal Aid Alberta has helped open new Drug Treatment Courts in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Red Deer and Grande Prairie this year, bringing a new collaborative approach to courts in smaller cities to help break the cycle of crime and addiction. The Lethbridge Drug Treatment Court marks its first anniversary this month. The Medicine Hat court opened soon after, and […]
October 27 is Duty Counsel Day: Time for Albertans to know and celebrate their legal rights
Anyone can end up in court. When the stakes are high, frontline duty counsel lawyers are there for you. Not commonly known to Albertans, every day in courtrooms across the province, duty counsel lawyers — the unsung heroes of the justice system — provide free legal services to ensure access to justice and fair treatment. They’re the legal team you didn’t know you have. October 27 is […]
Legal Aid Alberta offers free public webinar to bust myths about Indigenous people and the law
There is a common misconception that Indigenous people “get off easy,” and Legal Aid Alberta lawyers want to set the record straight. “Considering the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in our prisons, I can’t imagine where that idea comes from,” said Jessica Buffalo, LAA staff lawyer who works in the Calgary Indigenous Court. She […]
Sweeping changes to divorce law in Canada and what it means for Canadian parents and children
Amendments to the Divorce Act geared toward putting the needs of the child first Significant changes to Canada’s Divorce Act are coming into force March 1. These new laws are designed to promote children’s best interests, reduce family violence, help reduce poverty, and make the justice system more accessible and efficient. Legal Aid Alberta […]