What is a collaborative divorce?

Simply put, a collaborative divorce is a divorce and separation negotiated through the collaborative law process. Each party is required to retain their own certified collaborative lawyer. The parties and their lawyers sign a contract agreeing to resolve all issues by attending negotiation meetings rather than going to court. At the end of the collaborative process, when all issues are resolved, the parties will then obtain a divorce judgment and legally binding separation agreement. Continue reading “Collaborative divorce – Is it right for your and your family?”

How a Criminal Record Affects Your Personal & Financial Liberties

Being convicted of a crime is a serious matter that can lead to consequences that follow for many years. Some punishments, such as incarceration or being placed on a probation order, will follow directly after an individual is sentenced and last for a pre-determined period of time. Other consequences, such as the imposition of a criminal record, will last much longer into the future and could impact aspects of one’s life such as immigration, travel, and employment.

 How Can a Criminal Record Impact Me?

A criminal record can have a number of impacts on your personal and financial liberties. Employers are generally allowed to ask whether or not a job applicant has a criminal record and make a successful criminal record check a condition of employment. Some employers are required by law to do a criminal record check, such as those hiring personal care providers for elderly individuals. While in some provinces human rights legislation prohibits discrimination in employment for criminal convictions that have been pardoned, the Alberta Human Rights Act does not contain such a provision. As well, many volunteer organizations may ask for a criminal record check, particularly when dealing with youth or vulnerable populations. Continue reading “The Consequences of a Criminal Record | Schnell Hardy Jones LLP Pt 2”

How a Criminal Record Affects Your Personal & Financial Liberties

Being convicted of a crime is a serious matter that can lead to consequences that follow for many years. Some punishments, such as incarceration or being placed on a probation order, will follow directly after an individual is sentenced and last for a pre-determined period of time. Other consequences, such as the imposition of a criminal record, will last much longer into the future and could impact aspects of one’s life such as immigration, travel, and employment. Continue reading “The Consequences of a Criminal Record | Schnell Hardy Jones LLP Pt 1”