FAQs
The law is very complicated. We must look at the individual facts of your case, along with the applicable Alberta law. You might need to have some questions answered before you even know if you have a case. We, at KBL Law, are here to provide you with answers.
We have provided you with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) to the most common legal concerns. These are not meant to replace sound legal advice. Get help with a legal problem by contacting KBL Law by phone at (780) 489-5003, or online.
Contact Us For A Free & Private Consultation
Personal Injury
You should consider hiring a personal injury lawyer if you have been involved in an accident or incident that has brought you physical, emotional, or financial harm, and someone else may be legally responsible for that harm. A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Personal injury lawyers in Edmonton and surrounding areas typically handle a wide range of cases, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and more. They may also specialize in specific types of cases, such as brain and spinal cord injuries, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death.
In Alberta, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the injury or incident. However, there may be exceptions to this rule – for minors, claimants with diminished capacity, or other reasons, depending on the circumstances of your case. It is important to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to determine the applicable statute of limitations, ensuring that your case is filed within the right time frame.
In a personal injury case, you may be able to recover various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. The specific damages that you can recover will depend on the details of your case and the applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Yes, you can settle a personal injury case out of court through negotiations. In fact, many personal injury cases are settled before trial. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, it may be necessary to take the case to trial to seek a resolution. A personal injury lawyer can advise you on the best course of action for your particular case.
Wills & Estates
Any adult person with the capacity to do so may create a will. Certain people under age 18 may also create a will – particularly if they have a spouse or Adult Interdependent Partner, or are a member of the armed forces – other exceptions may also apply. The testator should be capable of understanding the nature of the will and its consequences. The testator must sign the will, or in some circumstances direct another person to sign for them, in their presence. A formal will must also be witnessed by at least two people who are not beneficiaries, and whose spouses are not beneficiaries named in the will. A holograph will -written entirely in the handwriting of the testator need only be signed by the testator themselves. There are many other rules that apply to creating a binding will – ask your lawyer about them!
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the distribution of one’s assets and wealth after their death. It involves creating a will, establishing trusts, naming beneficiaries, and making other important decisions to ensure that your wishes are carried out. Estate planning is important because it can help minimize taxes, avoid family disputes, and ensure that your loved ones are provided for after your death.
It is recommended that you review and update your will or estate plan every three to five years or whenever a major life change occurs, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or a significant change in your financial circumstances.
Estate taxes, also known as inheritance taxes or estate duty, are taxes that are imposed on the transfer of assets from a deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries. In Edmonton, Alberta, there is no inheritance tax. However, there may be other taxes that can impact your estate planning, such as capital gains tax or probate fees.
Capital gains tax may be applicable if there is an increase in the value of an asset from the time it was acquired to the time it is sold. This tax may be triggered when an asset is transferred to a beneficiary after the death of the owner.
Probate fees are filing fees that are charged by the court to validate a will and transfer the assets of the deceased to the beneficiaries. In Edmonton, Alberta, probate fees are based on the value of the estate and can vary depending on the size of the estate.
Real Estate
A real estate lawyer can provide legal guidance and protect your interests throughout the process of buying or selling a property. They review contracts, negotiate terms, and ensure that all legal requirements are met to complete the transaction. A lawyer can also help resolve any issues that may arise during the process.
Yes, a real estate lawyer can help you with a property survey issue by reviewing zoning laws and regulations to determine whether any restrictions or regulations apply to the property in question. They can also advise you on how to resolve any survey issues or disputes.
A real estate lawyer can review and draft real estate contracts to ensure that your rights and interests are protected. They can also negotiate the terms and conditions of the contract on your behalf, explain the implications of the contract, and advise you on any legal issues that may arise.
While closing property, real estate lawyers ensure that all legal requirements are met, review closing documents, transfer funds, and register the property transfer with government agencies. They also ensure that any outstanding liens or encumbrances on the property are cleared before the transaction is completed.
Business
It is advisable to hire a business lawyer when starting a business, acquiring a business, or facing legal issues related to your business. A business lawyer can provide legal guidance on compliance with local, provincial, and federal laws, help you draft contracts, and ensure that your legal rights are protected.
A business lawyer can help with a range of legal issues related to running a business, such as incorporation, partnership and shareholder agreements, contract drafting and review, intellectual property protection, employment law, dispute resolution, and regulatory compliance.
A business lawyer can help with contract negotiations by reviewing the terms and conditions of a proposed agreement, identifying any legal risks or concerns, and negotiating on your behalf to ensure that your interests are protected. They can also draft contracts and help you understand the legal implications of the agreement.
A business lawyer should review and draft all legal documents related to your business, including incorporation documents, contracts with suppliers and customers, shareholder agreements, employment agreements, non-disclosure agreements, and licensing agreements. They can ensure that these documents are legally sound.
Family Law
A family lawyer can provide legal guidance and representation in a range of family law matters, such as divorce, child custody, parenting, spousal support, property division, adoption, and child protection. They can help you understand your legal rights and obligations, ensure that your interests are protected, and provide support and guidance during what can be a challenging and emotional time.
The amount of time it takes to resolve a family law case depends on several factors, such as the type and complexity of the family law case, the issues in dispute, and the willingness of the parties to negotiate and reach a settlement. Some cases can be resolved quickly through negotiation or mediation, while others may take several months or even years to resolve through the court system.
The family law process typically involves several steps, such as filing a petition or application, responding to the petition, discovery and disclosure, negotiation or mediation, and, if necessary, trial or hearing. The specific steps involved will depend on the nature of the case and the issues in dispute.
Yes, a family lawyer can help with parenting and child custody disputes by providing legal advice on your rights and obligations, helping you negotiate a parenting or custody arrangement that is in the best interests of the child, and representing you in court if necessary. They can also help with the enforcement or modification of a parenting and custody order.
A family lawyer plays an important role in divorce cases by providing legal guidance and representation, ensuring that your legal rights are protected, and helping you negotiate a settlement or represent you in court. They can also help with issues related to spousal support, property division, parenting and child custody, and support.