Top-Mistakes-to-Avoid-During-a-Divorce-in-Alberta | Kolinsky Law
                     Top Mistakes to Avoid 
During a Divorce in 
Alberta
Divorce is one of the most disruptive legal processes you can experience. Even 
minor errors can lead to lasting financial, legal, and parenting consequences in 
Alberta. Understanding common pitfalls helps you navigate separation more 
effectively.
CHAPTER 1
The Cost of Emotional 
Decision-Making
Divorce is emotional by nature, but decisions 
driven by anger, fear, or resentment often lead Strategic 
to poor outcomes. Many clients refuse 
reasonable settlements simply to "win", only to Approach
spend more time and money in court for a 
Moving forward with 
similar result.
a strategic advocate 
Alberta courts focus on fairness and the best benefits you in the 
interests of children, not punishment. A long run and 
measured approach allows your lawyer to reduces 
advocate strategically rather than react unnecessary 
defensively. conflict.
CHAPTER 2
Understanding Alberta's Specific Laws
Property Division Support Obligations Parenting Arrangements
Alberta has specific rules around how Child and spousal support calculations Courts prioritise stability and cooperation 
matrimonial property is divided during follow Alberta-specific guidelines and when determining custody and access 
divorce proceedings. requirements. schedules.
Many people assume divorce rules are the same everywhere or rely on advice from friends and online forums. Without proper legal guidance, 
individuals may agree to unfair terms or miss key entitlements.
CHAPTER 3
The Danger of Financial 
Dishonesty
Full financial disclosure is mandatory in Alberta divorces, especially where child or spousal 
support is involved.
Concealment Attempts
Hiding income, assets, or debts
Court Discovery
Dishonesty is eventually uncovered
Serious Consequences
Penalties, reopened settlements, damaged credibility
Transparency allows negotiations to proceed efficiently and protects you from long-term legal 
exposure.
CHAPTER 4
Protecting Your Children's Well-Being
What Courts Scrutinise
• Speaking poorly about the other parent
• Limiting access without justification
• Involving children in adult disputes
• Disrupting stability and routine
Alberta law prioritises stability and cooperation. Parents often underestimate 
how closely courts monitor parenting conduct during divorce.
The Critical Importance of 
Early Legal Advice
1 Initial Separation
Moving out or making informal agreements
2 Verbal Arrangements
Agreeing to custody or property terms privately
3 Escalating Conflict
Waiting until disputes intensify
4 Legal Complications
Early decisions affect your legal position
Some individuals wait until conflict escalates before contacting a lawyer, believing they can 
handle matters privately. Unfortunately, early decisions can significantly affect your legal 
position. Timely guidance often prevents costly mistakes and unnecessary litigation.
CHAPTER 5
Planning Beyond the Present Moment
Support Obligations Parenting Schedules Property Settlements
Financial commitments that continue for Arrangements that must adapt as Divisions that affect your financial 
years, potentially decades children grow and circumstances change stability and lifestyle long-term
Divorce agreements are not just about the present moment. Rushing to "get it over with" 
may result in agreements that no longer work as circumstances change. Careful planning Long-Term ThinkingToday's 
with experienced counsel helps ensure outcomes remain workable and enforceable over decisions shape tomorrow's reality.
time.
Choosing the Right Legal Representation
Alberta Family Law Daily Divorce Practice Strategic Advocacy
Expertise Firms that handle family law matters Clear advice, realistic expectations, and 
regularly, not occasionally informed decision-making
Counsel familiar with provincial 
regulations and court expectations
Not all lawyers approach divorce with the same focus or experience. Working with a firm that handles divorce matters daily allows for informed 
strategy and strong legal advocacy.
Key Mistakes: Summary Overview
1 Letting emotions control legal decisions
Acting on anger or fear rather than strategic thinking
2 Failing to understand Alberta divorce law
Relying on assumptions instead of proper legal guidance
3 Hiding or minimising financial information
Attempting to conceal income, assets, or debts
4 Ignoring the impact on children
Underestimating how courts scrutinise parenting conduct
5 Delaying legal advice
Waiting until conflict escalates before seeking counsel
6 Overlooking long-term consequences
Rushing agreements without considering future implications
7 Choosing the wrong legal representation
Working with counsel unfamiliar with Alberta family law
Move Forward with Confidence
Divorce is rarely simple, but avoiding these mistakes can significantly reduce 
stress and uncertainty. With informed choices and proper legal support, it is 
possible to move forward with stability and confidence while protecting what 
matters most.
Kolinsky Law
Founding lawyer David Kolinsky provides clear, strategic guidance through 
every aspect of Alberta family law. We help you avoid common pitfalls by 
offering assertive advocacy focused on your long-term well-being and fair 
outcomes.
Phone: +1 (780)-757-6400
Email: [email protected]
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