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Find Lawyers in Calgary, Alberta for Family Law
Practice Area Overview
In Canada, family law is governed by federal and provincial laws (statue and case law) that deal with family related legal issues, including marriage, separation and divorce, custody and access, child protection, division of property, support and adoption. The area of family law often includes financial negotiations, inheritance issues and the drafting and interpretation of prenuptial contracts and separation agreements.
Primarily statute-based, family law is largely codified within statues including the federal Divorce Act, which applies to married people residing in Canada. Issues such as the division of family property, child protection and custody and support matters between people who are not married are governed by statutes which vary from province to province.
Family lawyers represent clients in court and in settlement negotiations and they prepare prenuptial, separation, divorce and custody agreements in the appropriate circumstances. Family lawyers are trained to resolve disputes between parties through a number of dispute-resolution mechanisms, including litigation (bringing a matter to court and asking a judge to make a determination) and negotiating with opposing counsel. Some lawyers are also trained in mediation (assisting the parties, in a non-partisan manner, to reach agreements on the issues).
In recent years, some Canadian family lawyers have received training in Collaborative Family Law. Collaborative Family Law is a process in which the parties and their lawyers make a formal commitment to resolve the dispute using an interest-based model rather than a ligation model. Clients engage lawyers to reach a settlement, but if the process breaks down, the lawyer must withdraw from the case. The collaborative process relies on principled negotiation techniques.
Oftentimes, a family lawyer helps clients through the most difficult time in their lives. In the middle of family legal disputes, clients’ emotions tend to run high especially in cases of physical abuse or adultery. A good family lawyer not only possesses extensive knowledge of the law but also exceptional “people skills” and the ability to help clients navigate the complex legal realities of transitioning families.
Michelle Bailey specializes in family law and is a partner at Moe Hannah LLP. In addition to resolving complex property division, Michelle is keen to preserve good will for parents as they move forward in their lives. She also provides mediation services for clients. Michelle’s first degree in Small Business Management provides her with a solid foundation for understanding the nuances and challenges involved when a family has a closely held company in the center of a family law dispute....
Traci Bannister is a Family Lawyer and Family Law Mediator and is a partner at the firm Boyes Tiefenbach Bannister Family Law Counsel LLP in Calgary, Alberta. Traci practiced as an Attorney and Family Law Mediator in South Africa for 20 years before moving to Calgary in 2012. Traci requalified as a Barrister/Solicitor in Canada and was called to the Alberta bar in June 2015. Traci is experienced in helping clients reach resolutions of disputes in all areas of family law, such as parenting dis...
Family Lawyer for 30+ years. Mediator for 25+ years. Arbitrator and parenting coordinator for 15+ years. Current Co-Chair of the Alberta Family Lawyers Association; Past President for the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) Alberta Branch; Past National Chair for the Family Law Section of the CBA; Background in psychology and corporate litigation.
Wendy E. Best has a well-established family law practice and has earned ongoing recognition as a leading family law practitioner since being called to the bar in 1980. She joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 1982 and became partner in 1986. Wendy was appointed King's Counsel in 1994. She acts primarily for high net worth individuals and families. While she settles most matters, Wendy’s practice includes litigation. She was inducted as a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawye...
Patricia Blocksom, KC has been a partner with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP since 1990. She is a skilled senior matrimonial lawyer and her practice emphasizes negotiation, mediation and arbitration resolutions to complex property, support, and custody settlements. Pat’s current practice focuses on mediation, arbitration in the family and estate law. She also advises on and prepares pre-nuptial, cohabitation and post-nuptial agreements. She has been a co-instructor for the Legal Education Soc...
John-Paul E. Boyd, KC is an accredited family law arbitrator, family law mediator and parenting coordinator. He is the principal of John-Paul Boyd Arbitration Chambers , providing services throughout Alberta and British Columbia, Canada, and counsel to the preeminent Calgary family law firm, Wise Scheible Barkauskas . He is a senior family law lawyer nationally known for his approach to family justice issues, contributions to public and professional legal education on family law, and special ...
Louise Campbell has been a lawyer since 1983. Her practice consists of family and related areas of law. Her approach is to find a resolution which is within the law that represents the concern of all parties, including economic, cultural, religious and health issues. She has been mediating since 1995 and has been Collaborative Family Lawyer since 2000. Because they are required in the resolution of family matters, she is also an excellent legal source for real estate, wills and estates. Areas...
Wanda has been practicing as a lawyer for more than 20 years and is a returning partner of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP. A family law practitioner, mediator, arbitrator and parenting coordinator, Wanda Dawson has argued successfully at every level of Court in Alberta. She has extensive training and experience in many methods of litigation and conflict resolution, including collaborative law, lawyer-assisted mediation, arbitration, interest-based negotiation, and parenting coordination. Wanda&rsqu...
A scholar, teacher and leader in the Alberta legal community, Rhoda I. Dobler’s practice spans two and half decades, and includes mediation, arbitration, collaborative law and litigation. Her positive attitude, compassion and creativity guide her conflict resolution approach, making her a valued mediator and arbitrator. An ardent believer in the importance of identifying new talent and mentoring junior lawyers, Rhoda teaches the Bar Admission (CPLED) course annually, and speaks at semin...
Divorce is one of the most difficult and stressful events anyone can experience. Lindsay’s passion is assisting people through this tumultuous experience in a manner that allows them to remain in control of their solution, minimize the conflict to which they and their children are exposed, preserve their assets and improve communication. Using mediation techniques tailored to client’s particular conflict level and matters in dispute, Lindsay maximizes the prospect for a mutually a...
Kevin has practiced almost exclusively family law for over 25 years. His more recent litigation has been at the appellate level but his practice has shifted to representing a few private clients and acting as mediator (most often with counsel present) and arbitrator (often of longer, more complicated arbitrations). His articles/papers on family law issues have been published by the Lawyer's Weekly and he is a regular contributor to the continuing legal education of Alberta's family bar throug...
Stacey has practiced exclusively in the area of family law since her call to the Bar in 2014, and between 2010 and 2014 she worked and/or volunteered with Family Justice Services (now Resolution Services) at the Calgary Courts Centre as a judicial clerk/intake worker assisting individuals with Family Law matters. Stacey believes that clients are best served through the use of alternative dispute resolution processes such as mediation and arbitration, and as such will encourage people to consi...
Sandra's international experience, multi-lingual fluency, and nuanced understanding of dispute resolution uniquely inform her approach to family law. Trained and experienced in negotiation and mediation, Sandra believes in resolving family law disputes in a solution-focused, efficient, and non-adversarial manner. Where necessary, Sandra engages in targeted litigation and has argued successfully in the Provincial Court of Alberta, the Court of Queen's Bench, and the Court of Appeal. Sandra art...
Dereck is a senior family law lawyer, having practiced exclusively in this area since being called to the Alberta Bar in 1995. Dereck holds a B.A. (Hons.) from McGill University followed by his L..L.B. from the University of Alberta. As a skilled litigator, he has appeared successfully at all levels of court in Alberta as well as in numerous arbitrations. Dereck also has extensive experience in negotiating settlements and drafting agreements. He applies a reasoned approach to his files and en...
Gary has been practicing as a lawyer for more than 20 years and is the managing partner of Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP. Gary also has extensive training as a Mediator and has participated in numerous Mediation, Arbitration and Judicial Dispute Resolution hearings. In addition to the practice areas of Wills and Estates, Mediation and Family Law, Gary is also an experienced litigator. He has appeared before all levels of Court in Alberta. Currently, Gary’s practice is focused primarily on Es...
Andrew Koeman is a family law and divorce lawyer. Andrew graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Laws (Juris Doctor) in 2009. He completed his articles with Alberta Justice and continued to work there for two years as a Crown Prosecutor in the Specialized Prosecutions Branch, focusing on complex economic crimes, before he decided to practice family law exclusively. While Andrew has experience in all areas of family law, he developed a practice with a specific focus on comp...
Renée has practiced family law exclusively since 2001. She is passionate about helping her clients find resolutions to their parenting or financial issues based on mutual respect and understanding. She is a partner at Moe Hannah LLP. Renée is a private Mediator and acts as a Dispute Resolution Officer (mediator) in the Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta. Renée also volunteers her time with law students who are completing their bar admission through the Canadian Centr...
Caroline Lee, KC is a senior family law practitioner specializing in family law and alternative dispute resolution including collaborative family law, mediation and arbitration. She joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP 1989 with an established background in all aspects of family law. Caroline became a partner in 1994 and was managing partner of the firm for six years. She was appointed King’s Counsel in 2004. Caroline has been involved as a family law teacher and lecturer with the Legal Educ...
With a focus on settlement and the best interests of the family, Alex helps his clients minimize conflict and avoid costly prolonged court battles. He is known for his bright and practical approach and for helping clients reach solutions that ultimately allow them to move forward with their lives. Alex has extensive training and experience in interest-based negotiation, mediation and arbitration. He offers creative solutions for clients in a way that best fits their needs whether that be thro...
Amanda Marsden is a senior family and estate planning lawyer with Crossroads Law who brings a unique blend of expertise. Before focusing exclusively on family law, Amanda honed her skills at a prestigious national law firm, where she delved into the complexities of corporate law, gaining valuable insights that now give her an edge in handling high net-worth property settlements for her clients. A Holistic Approach t o Family Law Beyond her legal prowess, Amanda brings a distinctive background...
Aaron Martens, KC is a family law practitioner, mediator, arbitrator and Registered Collaborative Family Lawyer. He joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 1998 and is a partner in the firm. Aaron’s experience in family law matters includes being counsel on a wide variety of family and special chambers applications. He has represented clients in trials at Provincial Court and the King's Counsel, and has made appearances at the Court of Appeal of Alberta. Aaron also does adoption work. Aaron ...
Doug is a senior family lawyer who has practiced family law for over 36 years. His practice is largely mediation and arbitration of family law disputes. Often Doug is acting as a mediator/arbitrator in a hybrid process that combines the benefit of both mediation and arbitration. In addition, Doug assists a few select clients in reaching resolution through negotiation, collaborative law, mediation, arbitration, and when necessary through litigation. Admitted to the Alberta Bar on January 10, 1...
Nigel established his first law firm in 1997 and has been practicing law for more than 25 years. He has appeared before all levels of Court throughout Alberta, and is familiar with all forums of Alternative Dispute Resolution. He is committed to maximizing client recovery, minimizing client exposure and realizing optimal outcomes. Nigel proudly considers himself first and foremost an advocate, and this has been his passion and a consistent theme throughout his professional career. He is also ...
Brad practices as a Mediator, Arbitrator and Collaborative lawyer. He is a partner with the family law firm of Moe Hannah LLP in Calgary, Alberta. His practice assists clients in negotiating out-of-court settlements, mediation, collaborative law, arbitration, and litigation. Brad teaches Negotiation as a sessional at the University of Calgary’s Faculty of Law. He was an invited panelist for LESA on Advanced Matrimonial Property issues and Mediation. Brad completed his LLB at the Univers...
Krysta Ostwald earned her B.A. in 1993 and her LL.B. in 1996, both from the University of Victoria. She articled with Fraser Milner and was called to the Alberta Bar in 1997. Since then she has practiced exclusively in the area of family law. Krysta worked with the firms of Laurie Allen & Associates, Turnbull Boyes and Soby Boyden Lenz, before creating Widdowson Kachur Ostwald Menzies LLP with her partners. Krysta emphasizes resolving disputes without unnecessary conflict. She utilizes ma...
Lily believes in practical resolution. She expertly guides and supports clients through divorce, focusing on purpose and resilience. Lily represents clients on a broad range of family law issues in and out of the courtroom. She helps clients resolve their matters through negotiation, mediation, and arbitration. She also appears in all levels of Court in Alberta, including the Court of Appeal. Clients appreciate Lily’s direct and personable approach. Her commitment to client interests an...
Marcus is an award-winning family lawyer in Alberta and British Columbia, holding the honour of being one of Canada's top 25 most influential lawyers and named to the prestigious Best Lawyers in Canada list. As the founder of both Crossroads Law and Coach My Case, he is recognized for disrupting the practice of law to provide a more client-centered legal experience while advocating for access to justice. Marcus is passionate about consensual dispute resolution. He believes that most family la...
Gordon Sterchi, KC articled with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2001 and became a partner in 2010. He practices in the area of family law as both a litigator and a mediator, as well as counsel for landowners in surface rights matters in Alberta. Gord is currently a member of the Calgary Flames Ambassadors and serves on their Board of Directors. He is also on the executive of the Calgary Bar Association and serves as the Vice President. He previously served on the Board of Directors with The Dist...
Sandy Vander Ziel joined Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2013 and practices exclusively in family law. She is a registered collaborative lawyer, mediator and arbitrator, as well as a dispute resolution officer with the Court of King’s Bench. She has practiced in the area of family law at local and national law firms since 2002. Sandy has significant experience with a variety of methods of Alternate Dispute Resolution including Collaborative law, lawyer assisted mediation, arbitration and in...
Jason Wilkins, KC articled with Dunphy Best Blocksom LLP in 2001 and joined the partnership in 2010. Jason practices primarily in the area of employment and family law. Jason acts for both employers and employees and enjoys the perspective both bring. Jason is experienced in all facets of property disputes, spousal support, custody/access and child support. He has a particular interest in Hague Convention (international child abduction) cases. He also maintains a civil litigation practice inc...
Mat Wirove is an accredited mediator and reputable family lawyer, recognized for his proficiency in court. With a prior background in civil litigation, Mat's versatile legal experience equips him to tackle a broad spectrum of family law matters with skill and efficiency. A Transparent, Client-Centred Approach Mat adopts a policy of openness and honesty with his clients, keeping them thoroughly informed about their case as it progresses. He understands the unique complexities of every situatio...
Jordon invites clients to contact him if they want assistance on almost any aspect of family law. Jordon can provide advice with respect to division of matrimonial property, unjust enrichment claims, spousal or partner support, child support, parenting, guardianship and custody, mobility applications, and cohabitation, prenuptial, marriage, or separation agreements. He can assist with all the research, drafting, paperwork, court appearances, and attendance at mediation or arbitration that tho...
Sarah has specialized in family law her entire legal career. She has a passion for assisting people navigate the overwhelming and stressful issues stemming from a relationship breakdown. Sarah provides her clients with honest legal advice in a timely and cost-effective manner. She understands the importance of keeping clients fully informed and does not hesitate to pick up the phone. Her clients appreciate her personal and empathetic approach. Sarah believes that her role is to empower her cl...
Michael joined Kirk Montoute Dawson LLP as an associate in August 2019. Michael graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary in 2016. During his time at the University of Calgary, he volunteered for the Innocence Project. He completed his articles at a full-service firm in Leduc prior to being called to the Alberta Bar. Michael practiced at a small firm in Edmonton for 2 years where his practice was focused on family law, real estate and wills and estates prior to returning ...
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.