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 […]
Co-parenting tips for holiday harmony

The first holiday following a separation is particularly challenging for families trying to establish co-parenting arrangements, according to Legal Aid Alberta family lawyers. Even long-separated families may face resistance from one parent, despite having a holiday plan in place. However, there are ways to reach an agreement that allows both parties to co-exist amicably. Always […]
How and when to use Tariff Item 13.10 – Preparation for Civil Trial
While Tariff item 13.10 is called “Preparation for Trial,” its intended use is broader than just for trials in Court of Justice and Court of King’s Bench. It can also be used for preparation for other types of oral hearings, such as: Interim oral hearing in Court of Justice Child Welfare initial custody hearing Court […]
Update on Government of Alberta consultation
The Government of Alberta’s consultation sessions regarding legal aid services have now concluded, with a total of three sessions held over the past two to three weeks. The consultation also included the invitation to provide written submissions. Participants in these sessions included representatives from Legal Aid Alberta, CDLA and CTLA, the Canadian Bar Association, Alberta […]
Ask a Lawyer: Travel and co-parenting during the holiday season

The holiday season is upon us, and for many Alberta families experiencing separation or divorce, there are questions about holiday travel with children, from domestic to international trips. As families navigate the complexities of co-parenting during the holiday season, understanding the legal considerations can help ensure a smoother experience for both parents and children. Legal […]
National Addictions Awareness Week: Drug Treatment Courts Breaking the Cycle of Addiction and Crime

This week marks National Addictions Awareness Week. Legal Aid Alberta supports fairness in the criminal justice system through active involvement in Alberta’s therapeutic courts. Our dedicated staff duty counsel lawyers play a crucial role in Drug Treatment Courts across the province, representing Albertans accepted into the programs and helping them break free from the cycle […]
New online feedback form; standards compliance at LAA
LAA is introducing a standardized online form on our website for clients, roster lawyers and others to share their feedback about LAA services. This form replaces the [email protected] email and will ensure the proper team reviews of submitted concerns, allowing for more efficient tracking and managing of feedback. As part of the rollout, Lawyer Portal […]
Emergency Protection Orders and support for family violence complainants and respondents
Legal Aid Alberta plays an important role in addressing domestic violence. In addition to providing training to family violence prevention organizations and police services across the province, LAA lawyers assisted Albertans with more than 2,000 Emergency Protection Order applications last year. Roster lawyers are a key part of the Emergency Protection Order Program. Roster […]
Remembering those who have paid the ultimate price, honouring those who continue to serve and protect our democratic rights
While Legal Aid Alberta’s staff and roster lawyers, along with their support staff, work tirelessly to ensure that disadvantaged Albertans are able to enjoy their legal rights and the freedoms guaranteed under The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, we recognize that these liberties have come at a cost. Canadians have paid with their lives […]
Certificates for cross-examination of witnesses at trial (s 486.3 CC)
When LAA receives a court order for s 486.3 counsel, a certificate is created for a roster lawyer to conduct cross-examination of the specified witness or complainant at trial. The scheduled trial date will be in the “Next Court Appearance & Time” field on the certificate as well as the “Certificate Start Date” and “Certificate End […]