• Results-driven family lawyers with a focus on each client’s unique needs.

    At Calgary’s Family Central Law Offices, we specialize in divorce, dispute resolution, custody issues, wills and estates, cohabitation agreements, and prenuptial and postnuptial agreements.

    Contact us for a free consultation

Effective, Trustworthy Legal Advice Tailored To You.

We put emphasis on mediation, negotiation, and arbitration as effective means to reach an acceptable solution for all parties involved.

Best Law Firms | Custody/Family Lawyers in Calgary Canada

We understand that each case is unique, and we tailor our representation to your individual needs. We practice in the diverse areas of divorce and family law, wills and estates, and civil litigation.

How we can help you

Divorce and Family Law

Divorce and Family Law

We are your trusted partners for all divorce-related issues, including division of property, custody and child support, and spousal support. Book a free consultation >

Wills and Estates

Wills and Estates

Don't leave your estate to chance. We provide advice and help you prepare wills, enduring powers of attorney for personal care and property, and personal directives. Book a free consultation >

Civil Litigation

Civil Litigation

Our lawyers are experienced in family law litigation and have appeared before Alberta’s Provincial Court, the Court of Queen’s Bench, and Court of Appeal. Book a free consultation >

Corporate and Commercial Law

Corporate and Commercial Law

Our lawyers have in depth knowledge of Federal legislation to advise corporations of their legal rights and duties. Book a free consultation. Book a free consultation >

The Power Of Mediation, Negotiation, and Arbitration.

We believe that the people best able to reach decisions are the clients affected by those decisions. We strive for peaceful resolutions and tailor our approach for each client to achieve the best solutions for each family.

Experience

Our lawyers, together, have over 23 years of experience negotiating the diverse areas of family law. Our knowledge and experience means you get swift, effective representation.

Efficiency

We don’t believe in prolonging cases when they can be handled expediently. We put our client’s interests first and work quickly to resolve issues that can be painful and difficult for the individuals involved.

Transparency

As a client, you run the show. As a trusted partner, we advise and provide guidance, but will work with you to ensure a satisfactory result. Someone will always be available when you need an update.

Confidence

Confidence and discretion are two of the mainstays of our practice. We are known for helping our clients feel at ease while working tirelessly to drive results. We focus on the goal and use every legal strategy at our disposable to get the outcome you desire.

Alison J. Chickloski, Partner

Meet Alison J. Chickloski, Partner

Alison has extensive experience in mediation and negotiation.

She firmly believes that collaboration between lawyers and clients is the best way to reach agreeable solutions for all parties. Her passion and dedication help keep the focus on family, not on placing blame.

Learn more about Alison’s experience

Meet Nicholas J. Van Duyvenbode, Partner


Nicholas is outcome-driven to help clients achieve their goals in a timely and cost-effective manner.


His knowledge and expertise in family law and wills and estates make him a highly valued partner, litigator, negotiator, and mediator. Nicholas has several reported decisions and continues to break new ground on precedent-setting cases.

Learn more about Nicholas’ experience

Nicholas J. Van Duyvenbode, Partner

What Clients Are Saying

  • I want everyone to know that if this wonderful and knowledgeable woman had not taken my case back in 2013, I probably would not be here today. Alison was the only person that helped me through one of the roughest times in my life. As she succinctly put it to me when I first met her; "You are behind the eight ball, it will take everything I have to get you out." Alison held to her word and pulled me from the quagmire of a divorce I was in. Alison showed me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. This woman, this angel of angels... I will never forget what you have done for me.
    ~ Anonymous

Recent News

Learn about recent decisions and matters that could impact you and your family.

Reasons to Not Self-Represent in Family Law Matters

Reasons to Not Self-Represent in Family Law Matters

Posted May 16th, 2022

For a myriad of reasons, many people believe that they are better off handling their divorce or other family law matters on their own, without the assistance of a lawyer. Some people are put-off by lawyers having intimate details regarding their family and separation, while others are concerned that involving lawyers could jeopardize the amicable nature of their separation. In addition, many people are unable or unwilling, or concerned about paying the costs associated with hiring a family l...

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Family Violence- Consideration under the Family Law Act and Divorce Act

Family Violence- Consideration under the Family Law Act and Divorce Act

Posted May 9th, 2022

As part of the changes to the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985., c. 3 (2nd. Supp.) that were enacted in 2021, family violence is now legislated as one factor that must be considered when a Court or other decision maker determines the best interests of a child of married parents (or formerly married parents) in family law disputes. The Divorce Act defines family violence as any conduct by a family member towards another family member that is violent, threatening or that constitutes a pattern of coerc...

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The Importance of Accurate Disclosure in Family law Agreements

The Importance of Accurate Disclosure in Family law Agreements

Posted Mar 29th, 2022

Even when parties’ have reached settlement with the assistance of counsel, and through alternative dispute resolution, such as mediation or mediation-arbitration, these terms can be overturned.   In the case of Rick v. Brandsema, the parties had reached terms while attending mediation, and they had their respective legal counsel review the terms of the Separation Agreement, and each counsel had confirmed providing independent legal advice with the signing of the parties’ Separation Agreement...

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Calgary Family Central Law Firm

Trusted Counsel for Calgary Family Law Matters

Our firm believes in access to legal services for everyone, and serves the Calgary area, as well as regularly traveling for court appearances in Red Deer, Edmonton, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, and Lethbridge.

Schedule a free consultation