Ask a Lawyer: Family Law / Divorce

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Request for Limited-Scope Appeal Representation – Family Law (20 Days Remaining)

Noshaba Qureshi (Servicecanada123)

Hello, I’m looking for a family lawyer to assist on a limited-scope basis with an urgent appeal of an interim parenting decision issued in late 2024. The court denied my application for sole decision-making authority for our four children, despite significant evidence of coercive control, abuse, intimidation, and safety risks involving the other parent. The judge questioned my credibility and timing of disclosure without applying trauma-informed principles or acknowledging that I acted under the guidance of legal counsel.
A Practice Note 7 forensic risk assessment (PN7) was ordered to assess the father’s risk of violence and coercive behavior toward the children. However, it has been deferred until after his pending criminal charges are resolved, which may take time. My concern is that the court made its decision before this key assessment is available, and that this may unfairly prejudice the outcome of trial or expose the children to harm in the meantime.
I’m seeking limited-scope representation to:
• Review the interim decision and supporting evidence
• Draft and file a Notice of Appeal
• Identify appealable errors (e.g., best interests test misapplied, procedural unfairness)
• Optionally assist with brief written arguments or representation on the appeal

Urgency: I only have approximately 20 days remaining to file my appeal within the 30-day window, so I’m hoping to get started quickly.

Could you kindly let me know:
• Do you take limited-scope family law appeals?
• Do you offer a free intake or document review?
• What are your typical fees or billing options for appeal-only work?
• Can you assist with filing in the Alberta Court of Appeal and reviewing interim family decisions?

I can promptly send you the judge’s decision, affidavits, timeline, and case background. Thank you for considering this — I am hoping to move quickly.


0 77 days ago

Reena Herian - Accord Family Law (Edmonton)
   Society President

Hi Noshaba, to expedite your search, please contact a lawyer directly through the Search to seek assistance with your matter.

0 75 days ago

Anonymous Lawyer (Edmonton)
   Verified Lawyer

The answers you're seeking will depend on what lawyer assists you, but most family law lawyers charge by the hour, so the cost usually depends on many factors such as how often and for how long you contact the lawyer, how often the other lawyer contacts them, whether the ABCA directs you to any kind of settlement meetings, how much material there is for them to review and organize, etc... Because we charge by the hour and don't receive a lump sum payment like personal injury or criminal defence lawyers, the vast majority of family law lawyers don't offer free consultations, and don't review documents for free.

0 74 days ago

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