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How to Prepare for Court

1/24/2019

I’m going to court for the first time and wanted to know which is the best TV show I can watch to prepare for court?

Judge Judy
Judge Joe Brown
Suits

When I was in law school my late father told me that I should watch the Young & the Restless because “I’d learn a lot about the law and court”. I gently suggested that I would prefer to stay in law school.

So the answer is d) none.

Many more people are choosing to represent themselves in court (referred to as self represented litigants or SRL’s). There are various reasons why people choose to be a SRL but the best answer is to be prepared. This is using a little humor to impress upon people who are attending court to take their attendance seriously.

The following are some suggestions if you choose to represent yourself.

Do’s

Consult a professional:
- Lawyer referral services can get you a half hour free legal advice. This is good if you have it at one quick question and or just want to clarify but after your 1/2 hour is over and it’s over
- Look for a lawyer who offers limited retainer services.Limited retainer services can range from helping you feel of documents helping you prepare for court or just giving you some general advice or help you through any of the car processes
- When at the courthouse, look for Duty Counsel, if available.
- Check out the Alberta courts website for programs and services available in your area. Some areas have free legal clinics
Attend as an observer and watch how court. Many court hearings are open to the public to observe but make sure that you’re aware whether public is allowed in the hearing. Observe proper behavior in the court room.
AT ALL TIMES be respectful and attentive to the presiding judge and other court officials

Don’ts
Don’t watch your favorite TV show and model yourself after your favourite character
Don’t get your advice from your friends or neighbours. Everyone has their own story to tell and everybody’s situation and experiences are very different – and not always reliable.
Don’t rely on what you read or printed off from the internet. Use the Internet wisely; use it to find some of the resources mentioned above and try not to Google what do I do in court

Kelly R. Stewart

Kelly is a Partner with Rowanoak Law Office LLP

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Separation matters relate to estate matters given that, typically, each party will prefer for their former spouse not to have any right to the other’s estate any longer. If that is your wish, it is wise to ensure a term regarding this is specifically set out in your Separation Agreement. Beneficiary designations should also be changed, along with your Will so that everything is congruent unless there is a specific reason for changing one and not the other, which should also be specifically set out so as not to confuse an objective party interpreting the document.
If you do not have a Will, it is also helpful to have one drafted at this point, to clarify what your intentions are moving forward, in the context of operating as a newly single person/parent, or especially if you have re-partnered.

Jenna C. Layton

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

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New Rules Coming for Unmarried Couples

1/22/2019

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On January 1, 2020 new legislation will come into effect with changes for unmarried couples.
One change that will come of this are legislated rules for division of property regarding non-married couples, which prior to the change relied on the law of unjust enrichment and trust law to settle disputes.
There will still need to be a proven adult interdependent relationship under the Adult Interdependent Relationships Act.
The law also abolishes the Married Women’s Act as well as deals with child support matters for non-married couples with adult dependent children.

Chris Dick

Chris is an Associate with Rowanoak Law Office LLP

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What is the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic?

1/2/2019

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The Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic (hereinafter “the Clinic”) is truly a blessing for the community and its members of Central Alberta. By offering the services it does, the Clinic helps to improve access to justice for all in Central Alberta.
the Clinic offers pro bono consultations to help individuals understand their rights, obligations, and pathways in order to resolve their legal issues.
The Clinic is able to address the following areas of the law:

Family issues such as separation/divorce, common-law relationships, custody and access, and child support
Criminal issues such as domestic and common assault, theft, impaired driving, drugs charges
(Please note: You must provide your Disclosure to our office before an appointment will be booked)

Civil issues such as debt, small claims, landlord/tenant, traffic/bylaw
Guardianship/Trusteeship
Immigration Law (Limited)
Wills, Power of Attorney and Personal Directives (Strict financial guidelines apply)

Clinics are held on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and the last Monday evening of each month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Some limited daytime appointments are also available. Service is available in Red Deer, Lacombe, Ponoka, Rimbey, Stettler, Olds and Rocky Mountain House.
Preparing for Clinic Appointments:

Appointments are 30 minutes long, please arrive at least 15 minutes early for your appointment
Organize and bring any important papers, including court documents, to your appointment
Clients are asked to make child care arrangements
Children are not allowed into the legal consultations, and there is no child minding on site
Put your cell phone on silent mode
Clients will need to bring their own interpreter if required

Contact information
Phone: 403-314-9129
Toll-Free: 1-877-314-9129
Fax: 403-314-9194
info@communitylegalclinic.net

*All information is taken from - http://www.communitylegalclinic.net

Craig K. Donkin

Write something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview.

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How to Prepare for Court

Kelly R. Stewart

Separation and Estate Matters

Jenna C. Layton

New Rules Coming for Unmarried Couples

Chris Dick

What is the Central Alberta Community Legal Clinic?

Craig K. Donkin

Rowanoak Law Group LLP

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