Home > Practice Areas > Family Lawyer > Child Custody Lawyer Edmonton
Protecting your children’s stability while you work out who decides what and when they spend time with each parent.
A child custody lawyer Edmonton parents can talk to early helps you focus on what matters most: your children’s routine, security and relationship with both parents.
Gupta Law Services advises mothers, fathers and guardians on parenting arrangements after separation or divorce, whether you are building a plan together or facing a dispute.
Legal authority to make major decisions for a child.
Major choices about health, education, religion and activities.
The schedule for when the child is in each parent's care.
The only test Alberta courts apply to parenting arrangements.
Alberta law no longer centres on the words custody and access, although most people still use them. Three ideas have taken their place: guardianship, decision making responsibility and parenting time.
Each is decided separately. Shared decision making does not require equal time, and equal time does not guarantee shared decisions. Each is decided on its own facts, based on what is best for the child.
If you were never married to the other parent, confirm your guardianship status early. The rules differ, and your ability to make decisions or to be consulted can depend on it.
Each term covers a different part of your child’s life. Understanding the split is the first step.
The legal authority to make major decisions for a child. Parents are often guardians automatically, but the rules differ for unmarried parents, so confirm your status early.
Major choices about health care, education, religion and significant activities. It can be shared, given to one parent or split by topic.
The schedule for when the child is in each parent's care, including holidays and school breaks.
Shared decision making does not require equal time, and equal time does not guarantee shared decisions. Each is decided on its own facts.
Courts in Alberta look only at the best interests of the child. That is the single test, and it is applied to the facts of your family rather than to a fixed formula.
Practically, this means the judge is not choosing a winner. The judge is asking what arrangement best supports this child’s health, safety and development — and then writing an order that reflects it.
There is no automatic preference for mothers or fathers, and no set age at which a child chooses. If a child is in immediate danger, call 911 first and speak with a lawyer after.
Legal authority to make major decisions for a child.
Major choices about health, education, religion and activities.
The schedule for when the child is in each parent's care.
The only test Alberta courts apply to parenting arrangements.
Four steady steps, from your first call to your certificate of divorce.
We confirm your dates of marriage and separation, your children, income and property, and whether you meet the residency and separation requirements.
We draft the claim and supporting documents correctly, so avoidable delays do not slow you down.
If you were served, we explain your deadlines. In Alberta you generally have 20 days to respond when served in the province.
We negotiate terms, obtain the judgment and help you request your certificate of divorce.
A divorce judgment does not settle everything by itself. Most families also need to deal with:
For general background, see the family resources on Law Central Alberta. When children are affected, the free Parenting After Separation course on Alberta.ca is required before you file.
Led by Gagandeep Gupta
Gupta Law Services is led by Gagandeep Gupta, Barrister and Solicitor, who brings more than 25 years of international legal experience to every file. You can read more about Gagandeep Gupta and the rest of our team.
We explain things plainly, answer your questions and keep our advice practical. Our office is in north Edmonton, and we assist clients from St. Albert, Sherwood Park, Spruce Grove, Leduc, Fort Saskatchewan and across Alberta — in person, by phone or virtually depending on the matter.
Excellent service, fair fees, and real results. If you need a lawyer who actually listens and acts, choose Mr. Gupta and his firm.
I worked with Gagandeep Gupta at Gupta law services for the closing on my new home, and the experience was truly exceptional.
Thanks to Gupta Law Service, they are helpful and knowledgeable. They did good job in Real Estate Closing
Best service in the town. Gagan Gupta sir makes sure that all questions are being answered, very polite, very knowledgeable.
Very informative and well in knowledge regarding legal issues in Canada for real estate. Highly recommended
Here are some of the most common questions we receive from clients about real estate law in Edmonton and Alberta. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
The one year separation period is the main timing factor. After it is met, an uncontested divorce commonly takes a few months to process, while a contested one can take much longer. The judgment itself takes effect 31 days after it is granted.
No. If the marriage has broken down and you meet a legal ground, one spouse can apply even if the other disagrees. Disagreement usually affects the other issues, not whether the marriage ends.
You can start the application, but the court cannot grant the divorce until the year is complete unless another ground, such as cruelty, applies.
If children are affected, Alberta requires the Parenting After Separation course before you file in the Court of King's Bench. It is free and online.
Call +1 825-888-1848 or request a consultation online. Gupta Law Services, 8104 160 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5Z 3J8. This page gives general information and is not legal advice for your situation.
In Alberta, property division follows the rules set out in the Family Property Act. Generally, the value of property acquired during the marriage is divided equally between spouses. However, there are exceptions for gifts, inheritances, and property acquired before the marriage. We can help you understand how these rules apply to your situation.
