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READ THE FIRST WEST LAW LLP BLOGS:

What You Need to Know Before You Buy Real Estate in Calgary

As of September 2023, there is a lack of supply in the Calgary housing market that is pushing home prices higher. As a result, some...

What Happens to Animals in a Divorce?

In 2020, the divorce rate in Canada was the lowest in a generation. Not since 1973 have divorces been as rare. The declining divorce rate...

Do You Need a Lawyer to Make a Will?

Are you worried about what will happen to your estate or your children after your death? Many people put off writing . . .

IN WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES DO YOU NOT NEED PROBATE?

If you are an executor of an estate and are trying to work through probate, you know how difficult the process can be. Unless there are...

WHEN ARE ADULT GUARDIANSHIP AND TRUSTEE APPLICATIONS NECESSARY?

The realities of aging often mean that family members are faced with assigning adult guardianship as a means of protecting an elderly...

WHEN DO I NEED TO PROBATE A WILL?

When a loved one passes away with a will that names an executor, you need to apply to the court to probate the will. If there is no will,...

5 REASONS HOME BUYERS NEED A REAL ESTATE LAWYER

The Canadian Real Estate Association reports that 667,000 existing homes were sold in 2021. This means that all across Canada prospective...

WHAT HAPPENS TO REAL ESTATE DURING A DIVORCE IN ALBERTA?

While divorce rates are on the decline in Canada, many of us will still face the difficulties of ending a relationship. Getting divorced...

WHAT ARE THE GROUNDS FOR CONTESTING AN ESTATE?

They say you can't pick your family, and nowhere is this more evident than in the field of estate law. Unfortunately, we all have at...

4 REASONS TO HIRE A LAWYER TO PROBATE AN ESTATE

Do you wonder what will happen to your estate after you're gone? Is dealing with estate-related conflicts affecting your well-being?...

UNDERSTANDING CHANGES TO THE DIVORCE ACT IN CANADA

The divorce rate in Canada is going down, falling to six divorces for every 1,000 married persons in 2016. Yet it remains one of the most...

HAVING HARD CONVERSATIONS: HOW TO COVER ESTATE PLANNING BASICS WITH YOUR PARENTS

As your parents get older, it's important for them to have a plan in place for end of life planning or in case anything should ever...

THE DIVORCE PROCESS IN ALBERTA: THE STEPS TO FOLLOW AND WHEN YOU NEED A DIVORCE LAWYER

If you are thinking of filing for divorce, you likely don't know where to begin. The end of your marriage may be emotional and...

5 REASONS TO GIVE A REAL ESTATE LAWYER PROPERTY SURVEYS BEFORE SELLING

Are you thinking of selling your Calgary property soon? Getting a home ready to sell is a lot of work. One thing you shouldn't neglect: a...

DO YOUR PARENTS HAVE ENDURING POWERS OF ATTORNEY AND PERSONAL DIRECTIVES?

It can be difficult to discuss the prospect of serious illness or age-related cognitive decline with your parents, but it will be more...

WHEN SHOULD YOU HIRE A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER?

There are a number of ways that a person can be injured due to someone else’s fault. Motor vehicle accidents (car, truck, motorcycle,...

UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LEGAL SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

Calgary lawyers at First West Law LLP understand that each relationship is unique, and everyone’s situation is different. By that same...

4 WAYS HOMEBUYERS CAN PREPARE TO MEET WITH THEIR REAL ESTATE LAWYER

Are you planning to purchase a home? Is so, you should know that meeting with a real estate lawyer will ensure that your home purchase is...

PROBATING A WILL IN ALBERTA: INITIAL STEPS

Probating is the legal process of validating a will and giving an executor the authority to act on the deceased’s behalf. This process is...

WHY YOU NEED TO UPDATE YOUR REAL PROPERTY REPORT BEFORE LISTING YOUR HOUSE

Are you putting your house on the market? Then ensuring that your Real Property Report (RPR) shows the current improvements should be at...