I am a lawyer in downtown Calgary with experience in divorce and family law, immigration law, and wills and estate planning.
Divorce and Family Law Services I Provide
• Uncontested divorces
• Separation agreements
• Prenuptial/Cohabitation agreements
• Post-Separation/Divorce wills and estate planning services
• Second opinions related to divorce and family law matters,
• Advice on topics such as child support, spousal support, matrimonial property, common law property, and child custody and access
• Advice on ways a divorce or family law dispute may impact on your immigration application or your spouse’s immigration application
• Advice for child welfare matters
While I am not taking on contested divorces and family law applications, I can provide you with a second opinion if you have concerns about the advice you are being given from your current lawyer. Also, I can refer you to other divorce and family lawyers who take on contentious matters.
Divorce and Family Law Legal Issues
Divorce and family law is a complex combination of federal and provincial legislation and court precedents. The primary source of law for divorces is the federal
Divorce Act. If a couple owns property, and they reside in Alberta, they will also be subject to the
Matrimonial Property Act of Alberta.
Child support, for both divorce and family law, is based on the federal
Child Support Guidelines. Though these are called guidelines, they are mandatory. Spousal support is less certain than child support. Often courts will consult federal guidelines for spousal support, but these guidelines do not have to be followed by the courts.
The
Family Law Act of Alberta is another important piece of legislation, especially for so-called common law couples. In many ways, this legislation is similar to the federal
Divorce Act. For common law couples, previously decided court cases help determine to what extent, if any, a common law partner might have an interest in the property of his or her partner. Legislation can also, in some cases, deal with these common law property rights.
About Russ Weninger
I am a graduate of the law school of Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Aside from practicing divorce and family law, I practice in the areas of immigration law, and wills and estate planning. I also provide notary public and commissioner for oaths services to clients.
Originally from Pincher Creek, I began my legal career in Edmonton, but moved to Calgary in 2008. My hobbies include learning Korean and Japanese, playing the piano, and studying the Korean martial art, Hapkido.
