Who gets custody of the pets in a divorce in Alberta?
Most people consider pets part of the family, but the law says otherwise. Legal Aid Alberta lawyers Sheila Raffray and Chuck Easton explain. Division of property and assets is an essential step in a divorce proceeding. Things can get more complicated when children and custody arrangements are involved. But what happens to pets? […]
How does bail work in Alberta?
Albertans are innocent until proven guilty. But upon arrest, and prior to having their day in court, they are at a distinct disadvantage. What does it mean to be “out on bail?” We hear it all the time in movies, but most Albertans are unsure of their rights and how to exercise them […]
Woman to woman: Two Legal Aid Alberta lawyers on the role of women in law, leadership and fair justice
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyers Katie Clackson and Krista McFadyen on why it’s important to see more women in the courtroom, and the role of women, equality, inclusion and empathy in a healthy justice system. Women have long played a transformative role in the legal profession in Canada, advancing access to justice, strengthening public […]
Who speaks for the kids? Representing children in family court
Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Douglas McLachlan explains how children and youth are represented in court. For most Albertans, Family Day is a chance to take a break and spend quality time with our loved ones. But for many families, reality is much different, especially when a child’s safety or home environment is at […]
Separating fact from fiction in the Canadian legal system
Legal Aid Alberta staff criminal duty council Cameron Mitchell joined Global Edmonton to help unpack some of the facts from the fiction, from arrests and police interrogations to what to what to expect in the courtroom.
Duty Counsel: Your first line of defence
Going to court can be a stressful experience for anyone. Fortunately, Canadians have a Charter right to legal representation and legal aid organizations across the country provide duty counsel lawyers free of charge to Canadians who need on-the-spot legal advice. In Alberta alone, Legal Aid Alberta duty counsel provided assistance 135,000 times in courtrooms all […]
The role of youth duty counsel in the justice system
The Youth Criminal Justice Act ensures that young people are treated fairly – and differently than adults – if they come into conflict with the law and face criminal charges. Legal Aid Alberta staff lawyer Nancy Cush, who has more than 25 years of experience in this area of law, appeared on the Global […]
Reuniting families in child welfare cases
Regardless of a family’s background, there can be times when circumstances in a home put a child’s well-being at risk. In those instances, the child can be removed from the home until the parents are better able to care for the child. That’s where Legal Aid Alberta lawyers like Doug McLachlan come in. McLachlan appeared […]
Legal Aid Alberta serves Albertans 24/7
Demand for Legal Aid Alberta never rests. Just as police work around the clock, Legal Aid Alberta lawyers are also on the job 24 hours a day to protect Albertan’ rights and ensure the Rule of Law is followed. Legal Aid Alberta Staff Lawyer Jana Skarsen appeared on Global News Morning Edmonton to discuss […]
Ask a Lawyer: Mental health and the justice system
Mental Health Week is May 5 – 11, raising awareness of the fact that many people – regardless of demographics – struggle with different forms of mental health issues throughout their lives. Legal Aid Alberta staff and roster lawyers practicing all areas of law come into contact with individuals affected by mental health issues. […]