Legal resources
Legal insights,plainly explained.
Practical guidance from GSD Law Group on family law, wills and estates, personal injury and more — written for Calgary families and businesses.
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More from the journal.
Family Law2 min read
Changing Your Name After Divorce in Alberta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Reverting to your birth name (or another name) after divorce is generally more of an administrative process than a legal battle in Alberta — but it still requires the right steps in the right order to avoid a headache with your identification documents.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
What Happens If a Real Estate Deal Falls Through in Alberta?
Whether you're the buyer or the seller, a collapsed deal raises the same core question: what happens to the deposit, and does anyone owe anyone else anything? The answer depends heavily on why the deal fell apart and when.
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Family Law2 min read
Prenuptial Agreements in Alberta: Are They Worth It?
Prenuptial agreements carry an unfair reputation as unromantic or distrustful. In practice, they're a planning tool — one that Alberta's Family Property Act explicitly allows couples to use to opt out of the default property division rules, provided they follow the right process.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Land Titles and Property Transfers in Alberta Explained
Alberta uses a Torrens land title system, administered by the Alberta Land Titles Office, which is different from the deed-based systems used in some other jurisdictions. Understanding how it works clarifies why a proper title search matters so much in every transaction.
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Family Law2 min read
Relocating With Children After Separation in Alberta
Whether it's a new job, a new relationship, or simply wanting a fresh start, relocating with children after separation is one of the most legally sensitive moves a parent can make in Alberta — and doing it without proper notice can seriously backfire.
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Family Law2 min read
How Much Does a Divorce Cost in Calgary in 2026?
The honest answer is: it depends almost entirely on how much you and your former spouse disagree — not on any fixed government fee schedule. Here's what actually drives the cost of a Calgary divorce, so you can plan realistically.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Commercial Real Estate Transactions in Calgary: What Business Owners Need to Know
Commercial real estate transactions carry more negotiated risk — and less standardization — than residential deals. Whether you're buying a Calgary property for your business, expanding your commercial portfolio, or negotiating a lease, the legal considerations differ significantly from a residential purchase.
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Family Law2 min read
Family Mediation vs. Litigation in Calgary: Which Path Is Right for You?
Not every separation needs to go to court — and in Alberta, courts actively encourage families to try alternatives first. Understanding the real differences between mediation and litigation helps you choose the path that fits your situation, rather than defaulting to the most adversarial option.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Selling Your Home in Calgary: A Legal Steps Checklist
Sellers often assume the legal work is lighter than a buyer's — and in some respects it is — but there are still specific steps a Calgary seller's lawyer handles to get you to a clean closing.
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Family Law2 min read
Grandparents' Rights in Alberta Family Law
Grandparents in Calgary who've lost contact with grandchildren after a divorce, separation, or family estrangement often ask the same question: do I have any legal right to see them? Alberta's Family Law Act provides a path — but it's not an automatic right.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Common Title Issues When Buying Property in Calgary
A property's certificate of title, registered at Alberta's Land Titles Office, tells a much bigger story than most buyers realize. Here are the title issues that come up most often — and what usually needs to happen to resolve them before closing.
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Family Law2 min read
Spousal Support Calculations in Alberta: Duration and Amounts Explained
Unlike child support, spousal (and partner) support in Alberta doesn't follow a strict, legally binding formula — but the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG) provide a widely used framework that most lawyers, mediators, and judges reference to estimate a reasonable range.
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Family Law5 min read
Prenuptial Agreements in Alberta: Everything You Need to Know Before You Say "I Do"
Getting engaged is one of life's most exciting milestones. Wedding plans, celebrations, and the joy of building a future together — it's a time filled with hope. But amid all the excitement, one conversation many couples avoid is one of the most important they can have: a prenuptial agreement.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
The Mortgage Refinancing Legal Process in Calgary, Explained
Refinancing isn't just a lender decision — it has a legal registration component at the Alberta Land Titles Office that most homeowners never think about until they're in the middle of it.
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Family Law2 min read
Child Support Calculations in Alberta: How Much Will You Pay or Receive?
Child support in Alberta is calculated under the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which apply the same way whether parents were married or common-law. While the framework is standardized, the details trip up a surprising number of parents.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Real Estate Lawyer vs. Notary in Alberta: What's the Difference?
Buyers who've moved to Calgary from British Columbia — where notaries commonly handle real estate closings — often ask whether a notary can do the same in Alberta. The answer is no, and understanding why clarifies what protection you're actually getting when you hire a real estate lawyer here.
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Family Law2 min read
Common-Law Separation in Alberta: Know Your Legal Rights
Many Calgary clients are surprised to learn that separating from a common-law partner — legally, an adult interdependent partner in Alberta — triggers real, enforceable legal rights, not just an informal parting of ways.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
New Build vs. Resale Home: Legal Considerations in Calgary
New construction and resale properties raise different legal issues in Calgary's fast-growing communities. Knowing what to check for each type helps you avoid surprises after closing.
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Family Law6 min read
How to Protect Your Finances During a Separation in Alberta
Separation is one of the most emotionally difficult experiences a person can go through — and when financial stress enters the picture, the pressure can feel overwhelming. Whether your separation was expected or came as a shock, the decisions you make in the early days and weeks can have a lasting impact on your financial future.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Condo Purchase Legal Checklist for Calgary Buyers
Condo purchases involve a legal layer resale houses don't have: the condominium corporation itself. Under Alberta's Condominium Property Act, buyers have a right to review specific documents before finalizing their purchase — and this step catches problems more often than most buyers expect.
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Family Law2 min read
Cohabitation Agreements in Alberta: Do Common-Law Couples Need One?
Alberta doesn't use the term "common-law spouse" the way many other provinces do — under the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act (AIRA), the legal term is adult interdependent partner (AIP). Understanding when that status kicks in, and what it means for your rights, is exactly why a cohabitation agreement matters.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
Title Insurance in Alberta: Do You Actually Need It?
Title insurance is often presented as a routine closing add-on, but understanding exactly what it protects against — and what it doesn't — helps you make an informed decision rather than simply checking a box.
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Family Law5 min read
Child Custody in Alberta: What "Parenting Time" and "Decision-Making Responsibility" Really Mean
Separation is never easy — and when children are involved, the stakes feel even higher. If you're navigating a custody matter in Calgary, you've likely come across terms like "parenting time" and "decision-making responsibility" and wondered what they actually mean for your family's future. At GSD Law Group, our experienced family…
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Real Estate Law2 min read
How Much Does a Real Estate Lawyer Cost in Calgary?
One of the most common questions we get from Calgary buyers and sellers is simple: what will this actually cost? Here's a realistic breakdown of what's included in a real estate lawyer's fees and how to compare quotes properly.
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Family Law5 min read
Am I Entitled to Spousal Support in Alberta? Here's What the Law Says
Separation and divorce bring with them a flood of questions — and among the most common ones our team hears at GSD Law Group is: "Am I entitled to spousal support?" It's a question that carries real financial weight, and the answer is rarely a simple yes or no.
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Real Estate Law2 min read
First-Time Home Buyer Legal Guide for Calgary
Buying your first home is exciting — and, legally, more involved than most first-time buyers expect. Here's what actually happens on the legal side of a Calgary home purchase, from the moment your offer is accepted to the day you get the keys.
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Family Law5 min read
Family Lawyers Calgary: Trusted Legal Support for Divorce and Family Matters
Family legal matters can be emotionally challenging and legally complex. Whether you are dealing with divorce, parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, or property division, having experienced family lawyers in Calgary can make a significant difference in protecting your rights and helping you move forward confidently.
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Real Estate Law5 min read
Real Estate Lawyer Calgary: Trusted Legal Support for Property Transactions
Buying or selling property is one of the most important financial decisions many people make. Whether you are purchasing your first home, refinancing a mortgage, selling a property, or handling a commercial real estate transaction, working with an experienced real estate lawyer in Calgary helps ensure the process is completed smoothly and legally.
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Family Law3 min read
How to Choose the Right Divorce Lawyer in Calgary: 7 Questions to Ask
Navigating a divorce is never easy. Along with the emotional challenges, there are legal complexities that can significantly impact your future—financially, legally, and personally. Choosing the right Calgary divorce lawyer that Calgary residents trust is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during this process.
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Family Law4 min read
What Does a Family Lawyer in Calgary Actually Do?
When facing legal issues involving your family, emotions often run high and decisions you make can have long-lasting consequences. Whether you are going through a divorce, negotiating parenting, or dividing property, working with an experienced Calgary family lawyer can make a significant difference in both the process and the outcome.
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Family Law5 min read
Can a Parent Travel Outside Canada With the Kids Without My Permission?
When parents separate or divorce, travel with children can become a significant concern—especially when one parent wants to take a child outside the country. If you are dealing with this situation in Calgary, it is important to understand your legal rights and obligations before any travel plans are made.
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Family Law2 min read
What Happens to Property During Divorce in Alberta?
Property division is often one of the most complex and financially significant aspects of divorce in Alberta. Many couples are unsure about what happens to their assets—and who gets what. This guide explains the basics of property division in Alberta and how working with an experienced Calgary family lawyer can protect your financial future.
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Family Law5 min read
How to Talk to Your Children About Divorce: A Guide for Calgary Parents
Divorce is never easy — but for parents in Calgary, one of the most challenging parts is explaining it to their children. Whether your children are toddlers or teenagers, how you communicate this major life change can significantly shape how they cope, adapt, and thrive in the months and years ahead.
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Family Law3 min read
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid During Divorce in Calgary
Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in life. Emotions run high, timelines feel uncertain, and the decisions you make during this time can have long-term financial and personal consequences.
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Wills & Estates5 min read
Personal Directives in Alberta: Making Your Wishes Known if You Can’t Speak for Yourself
Estate planning is not only about what happens after death. Just as important is planning for situations where you may be alive but unable to make decisions for yourself.
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Wills & Estates5 min read
Enduring Powers of Attorney in Alberta: Planning Ahead for Financial Decision Making
Many people focus on having a Will in place, but planning for incapacity during your lifetime is just as important. In Alberta, an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPA) allows you to choose who will manage your financial and legal affairs if you are ever unable to do so yourself.
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Wills & Estates6 min read
Understanding Probate and Estate Administration in Alberta
When someone passes away, managing their estate can be complex and emotional. In Alberta, probate and estate administration ensure that the deceased’s wishes are carried out and that assets are distributed according to the law.
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Wills & Estates5 min read
Planning Your Will in Alberta: What You Need to Know
Creating a Will is a vital step in protecting your family, your assets, and your wishes. A well-prepared Will ensures your estate is handled efficiently, reduces potential family conflicts, and provides clarity for your loved ones during a difficult time.
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Family Law2 min read
Contested vs Uncontested Divorce in Alberta: Which Is Right for You?
When couples decide to end their marriage, one of the first legal distinctions that arises is whether the divorce will be contested or uncontested. Understanding the difference is essential if you are considering hiring a family lawyer in Calgary.
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Personal Injury3 min read
What to Do After a Car Accident in Calgary: Legal Steps That Protect Your Claim
Car accidents happen unexpectedly, and in the moments that follow, confusion and stress often lead to costly mistakes. If you have been injured in a collision, knowing what steps to take can significantly impact your ability to pursue compensation.
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Family Law2 min read
Decision-Making and Parenting Time Laws in Alberta: What Calgary Parents Need to Know
When parents separate or divorce, one of the most emotionally sensitive issues is how to structure decision-making responsibility and parenting time. Understanding how Alberta courts determine parenting arrangements is critical.
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Family Law3 min read
Do I Need a Family Lawyer in Calgary for Separation or Divorce?
Separation and divorce are emotionally and legally complex processes. Many individuals in Calgary question whether it is necessary to retain a family lawyer in Calgary or whether they can manage the process on their own.
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Family Law2 min read
Understanding Divorce Laws in Calgary: What to Expect in 2026
Divorce is both a legal process and a major life transition. For individuals in Calgary, understanding how divorce works in Alberta can help reduce uncertainty, cost, and conflict. This guide explains what to expect from the divorce process in Calgary in 2026.
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Family Law2 min read
Parenting Rights in Separating Spouses: What Parents Need to Know
When parents separate or divorce, Parenting issues are often the most emotionally charged and legally complex matters they face. In Calgary, parenting disputes are resolved through Alberta’s family court system, guided by family law principles...
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Personal Injury3 min read
How to File a Personal Injury Claim in Alberta: A Complete Guide for Calgary Residents
If you have been injured because of someone else’s negligence, the physical pain is often only part of the challenge. Medical bills, time away from work, and ongoing recovery can place serious strain on individuals and families.
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