Blog & Insights
Practical legal commentary from our family, mediation, and civil teams.
Curated insights from the lawyers and our mediator, Ms. Jana de Waal, at Stokes Law LLP — drawn from our family law, mediation, and civil practices.
Book a Free Virtual Consultation- Family Law
Supreme Court of Canada Recognizes New Tort of Intimate Partner Violence: Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized a new tort of Intimate Partner Violence, giving survivors of coercive and controlling abuse a distinct civil remedy beyond assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Misturah (Misty) OshodiMay 1, 2026Read article → - Family Law
Can Children Have Counsel? Independent Counsel for Children in DCE v DE, 2021 ABQB 909
The best interests of the child apply not only to parenting but also to legal representation. DCE v DE builds on Puszczak to set out a clear framework for when Alberta courts will appoint independent counsel for a child in a family law dispute.
Adam BukacelMay 14, 2026Read article → - Family Law
When Can You Question a Third Party? Bilous v Bilous, 2026 ABCA 67
Bilous v Bilous clarifies Rule 5.18 of the Alberta Rules of Court — a narrow exception allowing questioning of a third party in family financial disputes. The Court of Appeal reminds us that disclosure, not questioning, is usually the right tool.
Adam BukacelMay 14, 2026Read article → - Family Law
Who Gets the Pet After Separation? Alberta Confirms It's Not About the “Best Interests of the Cat” — Singh v Smith
In Singh v Smith, 2025 ABKB 715, the Alberta Court of King's Bench confirmed that pets remain property after separation. Courts focus on ownership, contributions, and care — not a best-interests analysis borrowed from parenting law.
Ozan S. GuzelJune 15, 2026Read article → - Family Law
Can I Shear the Sheep? Dissipation of Family Property under Cox v Cox and Dobrovolsky v Dobrovolsky
Not every drop in asset value is dissipation. Cox v Cox and Dobrovolsky v Dobrovolsky set out when spending, depletion, or sale of family property after separation crosses the line — and how Alberta courts assess intent, detriment, and reasonableness.
Adam BukacelJuly 22, 2026Read article → - Civil Law
Can I Sue Someone for Sharing Intimate Images Without My Consent? Grummett v Warholik — $92,500 in Damages
In Grummett v Warholik, 2023 ABKB 208, the Alberta Court of King's Bench awarded $92,500 in damages after a former partner posted intimate images online. The decision is a clear roadmap on civil remedies for the non-consensual disclosure of intimate images.
Jennifer MillerMay 28, 2026Read article → - Family Law
Occupation Rent in Family Law: Can One Spouse Claim “Rent” After Separation? Busenius v Busenius
One of the more misunderstood concepts in family property disputes is “occupation rent.” A common question after separation: if my spouse stayed in the home while I moved out, can I claim rent from them? Alberta courts treat occupation rent as a discretionary remedy.
Misturah (Misty) OshodiMay 14, 2025Read article → - Family Law
Family Violence Allegations in Alberta Parenting Disputes
In Alberta parenting disputes, allegations of family violence are addressed through the best-interests-of-the-child analysis. The court's role is not to punish a parent, but to determine whether the proposed parenting arrangement protects the child's safety.
Bawan KaurMay 14, 2025Read article → - Family Law
When Is an ‘Urgent Application’ Actually Urgent in Alberta Family Law?
Family law cases usually move on a careful, measured schedule. But some situations demand immediate attention where waiting weeks or months could put a child, a party, or critical property at risk. That's where an urgent application comes in.
Stokes Law Family2025Read article → - Family Law
Protecting Family Assets: Preservation Orders and Mareva Injunctions
When a separation is on the horizon and there is real concern that assets may be dissipated, hidden, or moved offshore, Alberta courts can step in early with powerful preservation remedies — including Mareva injunctions.
Stokes Law Family2025Read article →
Looking for more? Browse the full collections on Stokes Law Family, Stokes Law Mediation, and Stokes Law Civil.