Matkovic Allan LLP
Suite 300, 611 10th Ave SW T2R 0B2 Calgary, AB, Canada

Carolyn and I were asked today if we would be making a statement on behalf of our firm with respect to the Black Lives Matter movement. The very fact that we had to be asked is perhaps indicative of the systemic and societal failures that people of colour and those who are marginalized within our society face every day. For those of us who have the benefits of privilege and entitlement it is all too easy to forget that people who are our friends, our co-workers and our neighb...ours live in a world where every day they are afraid to walk down the street without being labelled, judged, feared and targeted, often by people who most of us have the comfort of assuming are there to protect our safety and our rights. This is not just an issue regarding the police, justice system or our government leaders. If we stand by and passively condemn the systemic racism that has led to the fear that so many of those that we care about and respect live every day, for no other reason than the colour of their skin, then we remain a part of the problem. It shouldn’t have to be said. We should know. Black Lives Matter. Change needs to occur. Not tomorrow but today, now. All of us can take some step toward this. We can start by listening and by accepting that right now, inequality and brutality are a very real and daily part of the lives of many black people. Once we accept that, we need to further accept that there is no choice but to change and that unless we are part of that change we remain part of the problem. We all need to contribute to that change. It may be by protesting, by attending vigils, by supporting black owned businesses, by donating our time or our money to black rights advocacy groups, by reaching out or by simply asking (and listening to) what you can do to help and then doing it. Our firm is a small family law firm in Calgary, Alberta. We often represent people who are going through one of the most difficult times in their lives and many times are helping those who are trying escape from untenable and abusive relationships. We do our best to be there for our clients. In these very uncertain and turbulent times we are also committing to be there for our community, for all members of our community. As a small start, we do so by voicing our unequivocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Lest we forget, we are in this together. Matia Matkovic and Carolyn Allan Matkovic Allan LLP *** For those who choose to show their support by attending protests or vigils, please do so safely to protect other vulnerable members of our community. Maintain social distancing, wear masks and wash your hands regularly. ***

JOINT PARENTING UNDER THE SHADOW OF COVID-19 TIME FOR A CEASE FIRE Never in our lifetimes have we faced anything like the current threat brought by COVID-19 to our health, our financial security and, for some, our faith whether it be in humanity or in some higher power. ...Continue reading

The COVID-19 global pandemic is impacting each of us on a daily basis. At Matkovic Allan LLP, we know that you might be facing difficult decisions about parenting time, child support, protection orders and other day-to-day issues that affect your family. If you have questions about COVID-19 and the impact it may have on your family law matter, call us.... You can speak with any of our lawyers for 30 minutes for a one-time, flat fee of $100.00 + gst. We’re here to help. 403.265.2542 http://www.mafamilylawyers.ca/

Like many of you, our firm is evaluating the situation with respect to COVID-19 on a day to day basis. We are doing our best to balance the health and safety of our families, staff, clients and ourselves with the need to make sure that our clients’ needs are addressed. Our lawyers will largely be working remotely. We are asking that clients and others do not attend our office without first calling and confirming that their attendance is absolutely necessary. At thi...Continue reading

Happy Holidays & Best Wishes for the New Year. We at Matkovic Allan LLP thank you for your business and we look forward to working with you in 2020. #matkovicallanllp #yyc #yyclaw #familylaw #divorcelaw #familylawfirm #divorcelawfirm #familylawyers #familylawlawyers #divorcelawyers #divorce #litigation #mediation #arbitration #highconflict #support #custody #property #propertydivision #childrenscounsel #childwelfare #willsandestates #legalservices #legal #law #lawyers

Matkovic Allan LLP would like everyone to know that Alberta’s new Family Property Act comes into force on January 1, 2020. One of the most significant changes is the application to people that live in common law relationships. Should you have any questions in relation to the impact that the new legislation may have on you or your relationship please feel free to contact one of our lawyers for a consultation at 403.265.2542.... #matkovicallanllp #yyc #yyclaw #familylaw #divorcelaw #familylawfirm #divorcelawfirm #familylawyers #familylawlawyers #divorcelawyers #divorce #litigation #mediation #arbitration #highconflict #support #custody #property #propertydivision #childrenscounsel #childwelfare #willsandestates #legalservices #legal #law #lawyers

The sun is out. The pool awaits. The grill is being fired up. It’s Summer, summer access and summer vacation time that is! Everyone wants to spend time with their loved ones during the season of lawn chairs and iced teas, so how do you work with the other parent(s) to make this your kids’ best summer yet? Here are 5 tips to help you co-parent this summer:... 1. Ask the Kids: It never hurts to find out what your kids might be interested in doing this summer. While Disney World may not be in the cards, having their input (where possible) will help you and your co-parent(s) choose activities and/or trips that incorporate what your kids enjoy. It’s also comforting to know that even when they’re not with you, they’re doing something they like. This way everyone is having fun in the sun! 2. Roadmap the Talk(s): Before you call/email/text/facetime the other parent(s) make a list of what you think they’d like to discuss as it pertains to summer and what you would like to talk about. Then take those items and prioritize them based on the direct impact on the kids and any deadlines that have to be considered. Try alternating your top 2 items and their top 2 items on your list so that you’re not leading the pending discussion with what’s important to you. Share your list with your co-parent(s) and invite them to add or change the priority of some items before you have the talk. 3. Plan Early: Planning early means have these discussions well before the kids are out of school and/or before any trips are scheduled to start. Whether over coffee or via email, lay out what your entire summer looks like (as much as possible) and let your co-parent(s) know what activities you’re thinking about for the kids this summer. 4. Plan Ahead: Planning ahead is after you’ve done the planning early and have some agreements, think about the to-do list that comes with your potential summer activities. Whether it’s having a contingency plan for summer camp pick-up or getting vaccines for that trek through the rainforest, help your co-parent(s) out by sharing the list of things that need to be done and maybe even go ahead and schedule some things that you can take care of on your own time! 5. Share the Memories: You know that being away from your kids isn’t always easy. Consider that your co-parent(s) may feel this way when the kids are with you and think of ways you might include them in the memories you’re making. Whether it’s tagging them in a post, making a shareable album, or having your kids’ craft project be framing a picture from that trip to Mexico, share the memories.