Sometimes, “till death do us part” isn’t the case for married couples. The least you can do when your marriage falls apart is to make the process as uncomplicated as it can be with the best divorce lawyers in Calgary.
Today, we’ve listed the best family law firms in Calgary that’ll supply a divorce lawyer to handle your case. We also answered some questions about divorce and divorce lawyers to educate you about the topic.
Table of Contents
The Cost of Divorce in Calgary
The costs of divorce in Calgary depend on a lot of factors, such as the complexity of the case and the level of expertise of your chosen lawyer. On average, here are the prices you can expect for a divorce.
Service coverage | Average prices |
Initial filing fee | $260 |
Uncontested divorce | $1,740 |
Separation agreement | $2,500 |
Contested divorce | $23, 730 |
Child Support | $15,950 |
The longer the process and the more frequent court sessions you have, the higher the overall expense.
As we’ve said earlier, the experience and expertise of the lawyer can also affect the costs.
Here’s a short table to tell you how much hourly rates you should prepare to pay the best divorce lawyers here in Calgary.
Type of lawyer | Average price (per hour) |
Junior counsel | $200 |
Senior counsel | $450 |
Some lawyers also require a retainer fee of around $3,500. This fee usually covers the costs for initial filing fees and the lawyer’s fee for such services.
Hourly rates and retainer fees are usually for divorces that are likely to escalate to contested divorces.
Firms with the Best Divorce Lawyers in Calgary
So, here are the best law firms to approach for your divorce. For convenience, most of our entries are focused only on family law.
1. Soby Boyden Lenz Family Law
SERVICES | Adoption & surrogacy, child support, child custody & access, division of property, divorce, emergency protection & restraining orders, family law agreements, spousal support, international family law, and LGBTQ + relationships. |
WEBSITE | https://www.sobyboydenlenz.com/ |
ADDRESS | 500, 1000 5 Ave SW #500, Calgary, AB T2P 4V1, Canada |
CONTACT DETAILS | [email protected] (403) 262-0000 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM – 4 PM |
Soby Boyden Lenz began operations in 1986 as Calgary’s first legal firm focused only on family law. They have now expanded to become one of the city’s largest family law boutiques.
They have a great reputation among colleagues and clients after three decades of practice. From their veteran litigators at King’s Counsel to their fresh, young talent, they are recognized for their passion and devotion in negotiating even the most complicated and difficult family law situations.
Their company maintains a vigilant and responsive stance as society and the law change. They stay up to speed on new advancements in order to create the most unique, modern legal solutions.
They put up a lot of effort to assist you in quickly and amicably resolving family law conflicts. However, if required, they are well prepared to litigate your case utilizing a sound, well-thought-out strategy.
What makes them different from other law firms is their capability of providing you with international family law services. They have members of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers who have experience practicing law abroad.
One of the cases where international family law is required is international child abduction. Because of their team’s fellowship with the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, they have easy access to the top family and matrimonial attorneys worldwide, which is essential for the quick settlement of cases involving international kidnapping. They might be able to help you and your kid get through this trying period.
Pros
- Provides international family law services
- Experienced lawyers
- Affordable rates
- Flexible result-based approach
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
She went above and beyond
“I used Elizabeth Stewart to represent my interests when navigating an extremely challenging situation. She went above and beyond providing thoughtful advice and offered excellent communication. I really appreciated how understanding and compassionate she is as well. She made sure I understood all my options and fiercely represented my best interests. I would highly recommend Elizabeth if you are going through a challenging transition and require legal help. She is amazing!” – Christina Carrick
My Lawyer was knowledgeable, willing to listen and address my concerns
“Based on my experience with Soby Boyden Lenz I would highly recommend them.
My Lawyer was knowledgeable, willing to listen and address my concerns. During the entire process I felt supported and in the end very comfortable with the results she was able to achieve.” – Jessa Manik
2. Crossroads Law
BEST FOR | Family law matters, including divorce, separation, parenting, child & spousal support, estate planning, and dispute resolution |
SERVICES | Divorce and separation, child custody / access / parenting, child support, spousal support, legal coaching, cohabitation / prenuptial / post-nuptial agreements, estate planning, family property division, mediation, and collaborative divorce |
WEBSITE | https://www.crossroadslaw.ca/ |
ADDRESS | Suite 1850, 639 5 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2P 0M9 |
CONTACT DETAILS | Tel: 1-800-466-1838 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Some weekend & evening consultations available on Saturdays and Sundays |
At a point where life has you standing at a crossroads, Crossroads Law is the reliable guide you need. Their dedicated team of lawyers are not just practitioners, but caring advocates devoted to your case. They’ve got offices in Calgary and Vancouver, but their reach extends throughout Alberta and British Columbia, bringing quality legal advice straight to your doorstep – or computer screen!
For those seeking legal professionals with an unwavering commitment to their clients’ needs, Crossroads Law stands out as a premier choice for those navigating family law matters. Their lawyers don’t just represent, they empathize, they listen, and they work diligently to handle your family law matters with utmost care and efficiency. With their proven ability in negotiating favourable settlements and formidable presence in the courtroom, they deliver holistic, client-centered services that consistently prioritize your desired outcomes.
Oh, and let’s not forget about cost! They understand that legal proceedings can often feel like a financial tug-of-war, and they’re here to ease the strain. They offer flexible payment options, ensuring that top-tier legal help is accessible regardless of the balance in your bank account.
Thinking of representing yourself in court? They’ve got your back there, too. They offer legal coaching and unbundled family law services to make sure you’re not left feeling lost in a sea of legal jargon and court procedures.
Though their office is closed on evenings and weekends, you can always reach a dedicated member of the team, providing the support you need no matter the hour. Be sure to check out the booking calendars as well, you might find weekend and evening consultations available, providing crucial support when it’s most convenient for you.
So, when life brings you to a crossroads, remember the guiding hand of Crossroads Law. They’re not just a law firm, they’re a dedicated partner, steering you towards resolution in your family matters.
Pros
- Provides practical and valuable legal services to their clients
- Long track record of winning cases
- Excellent out-of-court resolution skills
- Affordable cost
Cons
- Closed on weekends
Customer Reviews
Here’s what some people have to say about them:
“It is my pleasure to talk about Crossroads law and, especially, Camille Boyer – my representation in my matter. After years of frustration with a difficult partner, I finally decided my only option was a legal approach. In only a matter of a few short months I have gotten what I was seeking. This is absolutely only due to CrossroadsLaw. Camille Boyer did an amazing job for me. She is knowledgeable, professional, easy to work with and, most importantly to any client, gets results. I highly recommend both this firm and their staff. I couldn’t be happier!” – Allan
“Hired Matt Wirove for an ILA (Independent Legal Advice) and was super impressed with his knowledge and understanding with the matter. He was professional, respectful and very helpful. The most important thing I appreciated was that Matt did not make me feel like all he cares about is my money. He took the time to explain everything, did not rush and made me feel important. His assistant Mayra was also amazing and easy to work with! 5* to Crossroads law and Matt!” — Steven
3. MM Family & Divorce Lawyers
EXPERTISE | Divorce, wills and estate, real estate, notary services, coaching for self-represented litigants |
WEBSITE | https://mmfamilyanddivorcelawyers.ca/ |
ADDRESS | Suite 302, 888 4 Ave SW Calgary, AB T2P 0V2 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 718-9815 | [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
MM Family & Divorce Law may have a wide range of expertise, but its main focus is in helping families going through a divorce.
Its team of lawyers is led by Miguel Mejia, a seasoned divorce lawyer with significant experience in high-conflict cases. His vast skill and experience include not only litigation but also mediation and arbitration.
MM Family & Divorce Law’s team has experience in disputes concerning child custody, child and spousal support, and property division. So, individuals seeking strong representation in court for contested divorces can rely on this law firm.
While it’s well-known for its contested divorce expertise, MM Family & Divorce Law also makes domestic contract agreements that can prevent future drawn-out divorce proceedings.
This law firm even extends its help to those who want to stick with self-representation. It achieves this by providing legal coaching to the consulting clients.
Aside from its expertise, MM Family & Divorce Law also deserves recognition for its accessibility. This law firm is accessible in the sense that it offers free underground parking and has online booking forms.
Pros
- Expertise in all issues concerning contested divorces
- Legal agreement services available
- Offers legal coaching for individuals with self-representation
- Free parking
Cons
- Relatively small team
- Available only on weekends
- More focus on mediation than other forms of proceedings
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews to know what clients like the most about Miguel Mejia’s law firm:
“Miguel has been amazing. When handling family law, you need a lawyer who understands your plight and is able to present it in court exactly as it is.. You need a lawyer who listens, understands, presents the matter exactly the way you intend to do it but with professionalism and integrity. Miguel is all this. I would and will recommend him to all my family members and friends, and anyone I will meet who may need a lawyer.”—Gloria Ndagire
“I have been a client of Mary Ali for more than an year .She helped me with my divorce case and still helping me with an ongoing ugly child custody case. She has been very helpful and understanding ,even though my opposing councel tried to make this custody case as expensive as possible Mary has been understanding and only doing the necessary work making sure she is only charging us what needs to be charged to help us keep our cost down. Mary is the kind of lawyer who is understanding and sympathetic towards people’s situations and not just in it for the money. I highly recommend her.”—Manisha Majeed
4. Shim Law
EXPERTISE | Child custody, divorce, common law break up, child support, spousal support, emergency protection, division of matrimonial property, separation agreement, etc |
WEBSITE | http://shimlaw.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 810, 634 – 6 Ave SW Calgary AB T2P 0S4 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 476-2011 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Since 2014, Shim Law has provided Calgarians high-quality legal services in the fields of immigration law and family law. When it comes to divorce law, Shim Law helps by offering separation agreement services, mediation, and collaborative divorce negotiation and representation services.
Its large team of lawyers comes from various places from around the world, which is why it has the best Calgary divorce lawyers that are multilingual. Specifically, Shim Law offers its legal services in 10 languages.
Shim Law also offers initial consultations at $99 for those in need of divorce-related legal advice. Although this may cost a lot more as compared to its competitors’ free initial consultations, it’s still beneficial as it doesn’t have any time limits.
Do know, this promo is limited to a few family lawyers only. Luckily, all of Shim Law’s family lawyers have the skill and experience to help with uncontested and contested divorce alike.
If you choose Shim Law for your legal needs, you can answer its online forms. We suggest you also call them so that you can choose your desired lawyer and describe your case in detail without typing long answers.
They have lots of experience in family law including collaborative, mediation, and litigation. They also have a wealth of knowledge in family law litigation experience, including the Court of Appeal, Court of Queen’s Bench, and Provincial Court of Alberta.
Pros
- Fluency in other languages
- Non-time constrained initial consultation promo
- Expertise in collaborative divorce
- Legal agreement services available
Cons
- Appointment is required for weekend meetings
Customer Reviews
Shim Law has received numerous positive reviews for its various legal expertise. Here are some reviews that claim Shim Law has the best divorce lawyers in Calgary:
“Shim Law has supported me over the last 5 years dealing with a long drawn out matter. I can’t speak highly enough of the support I have received. Mani Peydayesh has provided me with so much comfort and strength in a time when I needed it the most. I am thankful for the dedication, organization and professionalism he showed me in person and in court.”—Jo Evans
“Thank you Mani Peydayesh. You helped me a lot through my tough separation process. My separation started off as difficult and was charged with hard emotions. Mani advised me to de-escalade and take the path of least resistance. I learned a lot from his approach and wisdom on family law. Mani truly cares for his clients and advises on what is best for them and not what makes him the most money. Mani was always professional, punctual and knowledgeable. Thanks again.”—Hossein Emadian
5. Phillips Divorce Law
EXPERTISE | Mediation, arbitration, child custody and access, property division |
WEBSITE | http://www.phillipsdivorcelaw.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 1925 18 Ave NE #115, Calgary, AB T2E 7T8 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 210-2612 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Phillips Divorce Law is home to John E. Phillips, a lawyer with over 30 years of practice in divorce, family law, and criminal law.
He also has a strong approach in mediation and arbitration to help those who want to settle things outside of court. John highlights his experiences as Chair of the Law Enforcement Review Board, aka head arbitrator of high-conflict disciplinary issues of the police force, and as Crown Prosecutor.
And with his background in criminal law, John E. Phillips also takes on cases like child welfare litigations. All of these benefits make Phillips Divorce Law a sound option for collaborative and contested divorces alike.
But what really sets Phillips Divorce Law from others is that it has handled cases for diverse couples. John E. Phillips is even actively involved in movements benefitting aboriginal families and Metis Nation communities.
John E. Phillips may already be among the longest-running divorce lawyers in Calgary, but he still offers a free initial divorce consultation. During this consultation, you’ll also discuss the best course of action to minimize your expenses.
Pros
- Expertise in both contested and uncontested divorce
- Suitable for child welfare-related disputes
- Additional criminal law expertise
- Diverse clientele
- Free initial consultation
Cons
- Unavailable on weekends
- No online appointment forms
- Solo practitioner
6. Leamy Family Law
EXPERTISE | Divorce & separation, child custody & parenting, child & spousal support, married & unmarried property division, deparation agreements,prenuptial & cohabitation agreements, adoption |
WEBSITE | https://www.leamyfamilylaw.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 4603 Varsity Dr NW #207, Calgary, AB T3A 2V7 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 270-7200 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Leamy Family Law claims to minimize the costs and emotional stress by putting relationships first during the divorce.
First of all, it minimizes emotional stress as it offers all types of divorce law services, including but not limited to child support and parenting, child and spousal support, property division, and separation and prenuptial agreements.
It also does negotiation and mediation to make even uncontested divorces as low-stress as possible. In the worst-case scenario, Leamy Family Law can also bring your case to court.
Second, Leamy Family Law guarantees to provide transparent billing. With this, it can avoid having hidden charges and overpriced services.
To further minimize costs, Leamy Family Law also offers legal coaching services. This cost-effective service is applicable for those who are planning to do self-representation due to a lack of funds.
To avail of any of Leamy Family Law services, clients can either call or email this law firm. This law firm also has a convenient online form that allows you to choose which lawyer you want to handle your case and to schedule your initial consultation.
Pros
- In-house mediators are available
- Legal agreement services available
- Transparent billing
- Convenient online booking forms
Cons
- The free initial consultation is limited to 30 minutes
- No arbitration services
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews to know more about Leamy Family Law’s services:
“Patrick is a warm person yet very professional. Meticulous to details. Always answers email within a day. Updates his clients whenever necessary. He handled my divorce from Alberta to the Philippines and was very good at it, with the distance and all. If only I can divorce so often (I’m widowed, not planning on getting married), I will still choose Patrick as my divorce lawyer. Complementing Patrick is his wife Nadia, the office administrator. She is so friendly, always willing to go the extra mile. Thank you, Patrick and Nadia for my first divorce experience and for your excellent support.”—Amy Chaves
“Patrick exemplifies true professionalism in his trade. He is highly knowledgeable, fair and balanced – will play devil’s advocate to help you understand and explain your unique legal case. Highly competent and a clear communicator, he will guide you admirably through the court process. I wish I had known of his practice during my original divorce proceedings; my only regret is that I hadn’t hired him then!”—Chris Jacobson
7. Stanley Law Office
EXPERTISE | Family and matrimonial law, immigration and refugee law, real estate, trust and wills |
WEBSITE | https://stanleylawoffice.ca/ |
ADDRESS | Stanley Law Office Suite 202, 2323 – 32 Avenue, NE Calgary, AB T2E 6Z3 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 475-5835 | [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Saturday: 12:00 NN – 5:00 PM |
Stanley Law Office is a one-stop law boutique offering diverse legal services. So, those who are in need of help with divorce and family law, immigration law, real estate law, and wills and estates law can approach this firm.
When it comes to family law, Stanley Law Office aims to put family values and child well-being at the heart of its procedures. So, this law office is great for those facing either contested or uncontested divorce.
Unfortunately for divorce clients, Stanley Law Office only has a few experts when it comes to family law. So, you may find yourself competing with clients who need help with commercial law and immigration law.
Luckily, the firm is open on weekends to cater to more Calgarians in need of legal support.
Another thing that we like about this firm is that its managing partner, Uzo Aghaegbuna, has an extensive international law background. This allows him and his firm to provide a universal type of empathy for their clients.
Pros
- International law background
- Available on weekends
- One-stop shop for all legal needs
- Applicable for both contested and uncontested divorce
Cons
- A relatively small team of family law experts
- No special services like family mediation and arbitration
Customer Reviews
With its large and diverse clientele, it’s no wonder that Stanley Law Office has also gained numerous positive reviews, such as these:
“Best Law firm ever. I felt very warm and welcomed. My needs where met very promptly. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone looking for an honest and dedicated Law firm.”—Agbanusi Obiora
“Uzo is such a great person, reasonable price , amazing customer service. A+++ I highly recommend him. Thanks again ??”—Lala Ranj
8. WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution
EXPERTISE | Chartered Financial Divorce Specialist, negotiation, mediation, separation agreement |
WEBSITE | https://www.win-windivorce.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 312, 16 Midlake Blvd. S.E. Calgary, AB T2X 2X7 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 462-4996 / (403) 254-4996 (fax) |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution is named the way it is because its services aim to give each concerned party the best outcome out of the divorce.
It follows a step-by-step process for divorce, beginning with a 30-minute free consultation via phone call or in-person appointment.
The next part is the negotiation and mediation phases. The last phase simply involves the filing of necessary documents for the finalization of the divorce.
Since the bulk of its services rely on collaboration, WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution applies only to divorces that won’t escalate to the litigation level.
Because of its filing and drafting services, WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution is also applicable for those who want to have separation agreements and other types of domestic agreements.
But what we really found especially helpful about WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution is that it is a chartered financial divorce specialist. So, it can provide sound legal and financial advice for those facing property division issues.
Pros
- Chartered Financial Divorce Specialists
- Phone consultation option
- Expertise in collaborative divorce
- Legal agreement services available
Cons
- Time-constrained free initial consultation
- Limited to collaborative divorce
- Unavailable on weekends
Customer Reviews
Here are reviews to tell you more about WIN/WIN Divorce Resolution’s services:
“Shelly-Ann is an exceptionally skilled professional, with phenomenal knowledge and genuine empathy; in what can be a challenging time for a client. For many of us, family law is a mystery; however Shelly-Ann cultivates discerning solutions to foster the best possible outcome. Win/Win divorce is unmatched in the field; and highly recommended.”—Keith Knight
“Shelly-Ann was very noligble, personable and got back to us with any questions she was not 100% sure on very quickly. Had everything done in a timely fashion and her price was much cheaper then other seperation mediators. I feel she offers a great service for a great price and went above and beyond for me and my family. I would recommend her for people looking for someone passionate and good at what she does.”—Christopher Clark
9. Narang Law
EXPERTISE | Child custody and access, child support, property division, spousal support, separation agreement, collaborative divorce, mediation, arbitration, litigation |
WEBSITE | https://www.sknlaw.ca/index.html |
ADDRESS | Suite 140 2635 37th Avenue N.E. Calgary, AB T1Y 5Z6 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 474-1844 / (403) 474-1848 (fax) |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
Narang Law is yet another one-stop law boutique as it has experts working in family law, wills and estate law, immigration law, real estate law, and business law. Despite such a wide range of services, Narang Law’s lawyers continue to put divorce cases among its top priority.
For family law, Narang Law focuses solely on divorce and separation. As such, this law firm is open for all types of divorce, whether contested or uncontested.
When it comes to an uncontested divorce, Narang Law does mediation, arbitration, negotiation, separation agreement filing, and other collaborative divorce services. As for contested divorce, it can handle child custody and access, child support, spousal support, and property division.
This law firm is home to Satish Narang, an internationally educated lawyer with a multicultural background. Satish may work as the sole lawyer in this law firm, so he can provide each of its clients his full attention.
But while this solo practice means he can put you as the top priority and update you constantly, it also means that you’ll have to compete with other clients for Satish Narang’s services.
Narang Law accepts scheduling requests via its online forms, email, and phone. Just know that these forms require a brief description of your case.
Pros
- Applicable for contested and uncontested divorce alike
- Multicultural background
- Domestic agreement services available
Cons
- Online forms are not as convenient
- Solo practitioner
- Unavailable on weekends
Customer Reviews
Customers have continuously praised Narang Law for its professionalism, quality, and responsiveness. Here are some of those reviews as reference:
“I was going through a messy matrimonial property and child custody dispute. I went to lawyers recommend by legal aid and referred by the community. All those lawyers racked up my legal aid bill but did not do any thing, and returned my file without giving me any explanations. I was disappointed and hopeless when a close friend recommenced Mr. Satish Narang to pursue my legal battle. I left every thing on him as per his recommendation. He worked extremely hard on multiple cases. Ultimately, he brought every one to justice and got for me my fair share from matrimonial property. I would highly recommend Narang Law office and Mr Satish Narang for disputes falling under the family Law. He is a very knowledgable, professional and hard working lawyer . Please follow his recommendations patiently and do what he advises you to do. He will bring you the results which you are entitled to and are reasonable.”—Mandeep Kaur
“I have dealt with lawyers for real estate, divorce, and custody. Five different firms in total. Mr. Satish Narang is the best lawyer I have ever encountered. He is knowledgeable, competent, and he is able to sift through intentional deception in legal documents. He helped me through a brutally difficult custody case that a previous lawyer had utterly screwed up. Mr. Narang kept me informed, advised me competently and objectively, and showed actual concern for my situation. He answered my phone calls and emails promptly, and did not charge a fortune to do so. He argues very well on paper and in court. I am very grateful for his work. I would recommend him to anyone needing legal representation.”—Celeste Piltingsrud
10. Spectrum Family Law
EXPERTISE | Separation and divorce, mediation, arbitration, negotiation, child custody, property division and debt resolution, surrogacy and fertility rights, wills and estate law |
WEBSITE | https://www.spectrumfamilylaw.ca/calgary/ |
ADDRESS | 211, 11 Ave, SW Suite 620 Calgary, AB |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 452-0043 | [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
If you’re still unsure about how your divorce might go, then Spectrum Family Law should be among your top choices. This law firm offers all types of legal services to settle divorce and separation.
It has experts working on negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and other conflict management solutions needed to make collaborative divorce law work. Spectrum Family Law even offers parenting collaboration to guide estranged couples for the benefit of their shared children.
Additionally, Spectrum Family Law offers its litigation prowess when it comes to couples who need to settle property division, debt resolution, child custody and access, and other issues with a contested divorce.
To make its services more readily available to a wide range of clients, Spectrum Family Law is also fluent in two other languages—Punjabi and Hindi. It also has over eight family lawyers offering divorce law services.
However, Spectrum Family Law may not be as financially accessible for some, especially since we’ve heard and read complaints about its pricing and billing system.
Pros
- Fluency in other languages
- Applicable for either contested and uncontested divorce
- A large team of lawyers
- Parenting coordination services
- Legal agreement services available
Cons
- Unavailable on weekends
- Online forms are not as convenient
- Some complaints about billing and pricing
Customer Reviews
Read these reviews to know how Spectrum Family Law’s customers feel after receiving legal services from the law firm:
“When things broke down between my ex wife and I, Cindy helped us mediate our issues and created a parenting plan that worked for all. She helped us resolve our issues without going to court. She was professional, knowledgeable, and very effective. As a parent herself, she understood my stress about my kids and kept the focus on them and what was best for them. I would recommend Cindy Marshall and Spectrum family law to anyone dealing with divorce or family law issues. With her help I was able to put this past me and move on. I am also able to spend my time doing what is most important: spending time with my kids. Thank you Cindy!”—Steve Turner
“So happy I decided to use Spectrum. They were thorough but didn’t waste my time. I was very impressed with the level of service and the outcome I received. Would definitely recommend!!”—Janelle Wilson
11. Osuji & Smith Calgary
EXPERTISE | Divorce and separation, property division, child custody and parenting, separation agreements |
WEBSITE | https://osujismith.ca/ |
ADDRESS | 348 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7 |
CONTACT DETAILS | (403) 283-8018 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM |
Osuji & Smith is home to a diverse team of lawyers. As such, its expertise ranges from employment and labour law to family and divorce law.
With a large team, it is able to settle property division, child custody and access, and child support services. It can also handle less complex uncontested divorces, and will even be there to help draft and finalize separation agreements.
Unlike many of its competitors, Osuji & Smith’s diversity doesn’t end with its wide service area. We say this because its large team of lawyers comes from different backgrounds as much as they have different legal expertise.
Osuji & Smith can provide legal services in 11 languages other than English, namely Igbo, Cantonese, Mandarin, Bengali, Hindi, Punjabi, Japanese, Korean, French, Spanish, and Urdu.
Because of its expertise in various fields of law, Osuji & Smith has even been acknowledged by various award-giving bodies.
However, Osuji & Smith isn’t perfect. We say this because it doesn’t have weekend operating hours nor does it have convenient online forms that allow you to choose a divorce lawyer or an exact schedule.
Pros
- Award-winning law firm
- Fluency in other languages
- Diverse and multicultural background
- Free parking
Cons
- Online forms are not as convenient
- Unavailable on weekends
Customer Reviews
Read these client reviews to understand what makes Osuji And Smith among the best law firms for divorce clients:
“I made the best decision when I decided to contact Charles to assist with my divorce. After the first phone call with Charles and Amanda their confidence and knowledge put me at ease … I knew then I was in good hands. Thank you both so much for taking care of everything for me !”—Dee M
“Right from day one of my Separation and eventual Divorce, Charles responded to all elements of this process with kindness, respect and legal intellect. He guided the process thoughtfully and we came to fair and intelligent conclusions together during times of extreme stress created by an abusive ex. He was also able to approach the other side respectfully and with ease – eventually playing a key role in helping us settle a contentious issue that remained after our divorce was completed. His team – particularly Alessia and Gordon – are organized, effective, kind and thoughtful. To top it off, he does it all with an approachable personality, good intentions for all involved, and a smile.”—Jolene S
12. Laws & Beyond
EXPERTISE | Criminal Law, Employment Law, Civil Litigation, Family Law, Real Estate Law, Wills & Estates, Immigration Laws, Notary Public Commission, Creditor Laws |
WEBSITE | https://lawsnbeyond.com/ |
ADDRESS | 634 6 Ave SW Suite #320, Calgary, AB T2P 0S4, Canada |
CONTACT DETAILS | Phone: 403-300-LAWS (5297) Fax: 403-300-5298 Email: [email protected] |
OPERATING HOURS | Mon 09:30 am – 05:30 pm Tue 09:30 am – 05:30 pm Wed 09:30 am – 05:30 pm Thu 09:30 am – 05:30 pm Fri 09:30 am – 05:30 pm Sat By Appointment Sun By Appointment |
Laws & Beyond is a legal firm that provides representation and advice when it comes to a variety of cases such as family law among many others. They have a deep understanding when it comes to court preparation and techniques that they concretely integrate to deliver stress-free operations.
We find commendable their strategies used and approaches employed such as the Alternate Dispute Resolution not only to better accommodate the client but also to help the case toward a better outcome.
Another thing, we find impressive is that they are fluent in various languages such as French, Hindi, Urdu, Spanish, Cantonese, and Gujarati among many others to better assist clients using their mother tongue.
Furthermore, since they do not have flat-priced packages, they instead offer a free 30-minute consultation with clients regarding their case and the possible fees they would expect from it.
Overall, past clients have commended them for their hospitable approach and attention to case detail, we recommend their legal services to those who need it may it be locals or international clients.
Pros
- Wide range of approaches employed
- Fluent in various languages
- Free consultation
Cons
- Clients may need to set an appointment
Customer Reviews
Here is a review from their client:
“Megha Sharma, my lawyer and founder is absolutely wonderful! She is caring, compassionate, practical and very detailed. The rates were very good and worth the value. I will work with Megha and Laws & Beyond again whenever I need legal services. Thank you, Megha?.”
13. Jones Divorce Law
EXPERTISE | Child support, child custody, property division, spousal support parental coordination, domestic agreements, wills and estate, adoption |
WEBSITE | https://jonesdivorcelaw.com/ |
ADDRESS | 333 24 Ave SW #210, Calgary, AB T2S 3E6, Canada |
CONTACT DETAILS | (587) 393-8070 |
OPERATING HOURS | Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM |
Jones Divorce Law is yet another law firm that exhausts all possible options for a collaborative divorce. It provides negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and mediation with arbitration before providing litigation services to its clients.
And to cater to more Calgarians at a time, Jones Divorce Law has a large team of seven lawyers. Among this team, there are four mediators, two of which are also professional arbitrators.
We also appreciate that Jones Divorce Law does parenting coordination services, thus making sure that the ex-couple work well for the sake of their dependent children.
Of course, its clients should also learn how to coordinate on their own as this service is available only for a term of 6–24 months.
With a background in wills and estates law, Jones Divorce Law can also handle divorces with complex property division. And as an expert in all things family law, this firm can also guide those undergoing domestic agreements.
However, just know that we’ve read several reports about expensive services. Luckily, Jones Divorce Law conducts cost/benefit analyses, worst case/best case scenario planning, and regular interval billing to prepare and inform its clients of the potential outcomes and costs.
Pros
- Expertise in both contested and uncontested divorce
- Parent coordination services are available
- Legal agreement services available
- Cost/benefit analyses and regular interval billing for transparency
- A large team of lawyers, arbitrators, and mediators
Cons
- Expensive rates
- Maximum duration of parenting coordination services
- Unavailable on weekends
Customer Reviews
While it has a large team, Jones Divorce Law still guarantees consistent high-quality services. Here are some reviews that have said so:
“Unfortunately, due to an extremely long divorce process, I had the opportunity to work with a number of the lawyers at this firm. Every one of them was exceptional. I felt like my needs were addressed and my expectations were managed well. This was the second law firm I hired and I can confirm that you get what you pay for. The hourly rates with Jones Divorce Law were higher but there was no dithering. Once we decided on a process the lawyers were quick to complete what needed to be done on my end. I believe that even at the higher hourly rate I saved money over staying with my previous lawyer who had a tendency to draw things out so not much was achieved for my money.”—Kerri Knox
“As much as one can enjoy the divorce process, having Lindsay along for the ride was great. I received honest and accurate opinions all along the way. I’ve recommended Lindsay, and will continue to, for friends needing reliable legal advice.”—Stephen Ball
What to Consider When Choosing a Divorce Lawyer in Calgary
1. Expertise and experience
There are two types of divorce, contested and uncontested. So, you have to make sure your divorce lawyer has the relevant expertise and experience in your type of divorce.
If you are unsure of whether or not you can settle your disputes outside of court, it would be safer to hire divorce lawyers who are skilled in both collaborative measures and litigation.
Additionally, make sure they cover the type of service you need. For example, if you want to settle things out of court, then having lawyers who are also mediators and arbitrators can be helpful.
2. Availability
If you want to be there for every session, then you should find a lawyer that’ll match your busy schedule.
Additionally, it pays to have a lawyer that’s easy to contact and reach, in case of new developments in the case. Your lawyer should also have a flexible and willing enough schedule to attend negotiations, mediations, and arbitrations according to you and your ex’s availability.
3. Attitude
Divorce can be a very difficult process, especially if you’re undergoing a contested divorce. So, make sure your divorce lawyer is not just there to give you legal advice but also to support you.
Your lawyer should also be attentive and respectful enough to listen to your story and your needs without judgment.
4. Costs
Divorce lawyers can price their services based on hourly rates or flat rates. Some also require you to pay a retainer fee for initial divorce services such as filing of documents and legal advice on property division and support claims.
You can check out our cost guide at the top of the article for reference on average divorce costs.
Why Hire a Divorce Lawyer
In Alberta, you have the option of not hiring a lawyer. While this may seem a good option for those with amicable divorces, hiring a family lawyer is essential in reaching conclusions for key issues, namely:
- Child support
- Child custody
- Spousal support
- Property division
Child support is mandatory, especially because Alberta law prioritizes the well-being of the children involved. During the divorce, you may even undergo mediation to arrive at reasonable terms not only for your children but also for your spouse.
Spousal support may also be necessary, especially if your ex gains custody of your children and are unable to financially provide for them. There are other factors to consider, so a lawyer can help you navigate such cases.
Lastly, you’ll need a lawyer because property division can be a very complicated matter.
For example, you may have properties you acquired before the marriage. Despite being exempt property, the value of these assets may be subject to equitable division if they’ve increased in value during the marriage.
A divorce lawyer can get you through all these complex issues with the best possible judgements for your case.
FAQs about Divorce in Calgary
We hope our list helps you find the best divorce lawyer in Calgary to give you proper legal advice and support. Just make sure you’re also ready to trust them to get the most out of your partnership.
If you have any comments about our entries or have some recommendations, feel free to send us a message! We’d love to hear from you.
If you’re looking for other lists concerning legal professionals, you can check out our article on the best criminal defense lawyers in Calgary. These lawyers will be by your side, helping you achieve the resolution you want and deserve.