• 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.

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 had my first will done by Nicholas Van Duyvenbode at this firm and was very happy with my experience and the level of competence. All my family work is done here!
    - B. Reid

Recent News

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

Mandatory Filing Requirements - Court of Kings Bench and Alberta Court of Justice

Mandatory Filing Requirements - Court of Kings Bench and Alberta Court of Justice

As of December 18, 2023, the Court of King’s Bench has established the requirement that four mandatory pre-court requirements are met prior to a person bringing forward an application, which also includes filing of a family docket court notice to attend.  These requirements apply to court cases in Edmonton Calgary. What are the Requirements? These are required for people who are both self-representing or have counsel. Completion of the online Parenting After Separation Course (PAS) (i...

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High Income Spousal Support and Factors Included in Spousal Support Calculations

High Income Spousal Support and Factors Included in Spousal Support Calculations

When calculating spousal support in family law cases, calculating the amount of spousal support will depend on specific factors.   As a starting point when entitlement has been confirmed or assumed, family lawyers rely upon the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (“the Guidelines”) to calculate spousal support.  These Guidelines were provided by a Government of Canada working group back in 2005 and have been updated annually.   The Guidelines provide calculations based on the base factors of...

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Child and Spousal Support and Imputation of Income

Child and Spousal Support and Imputation of Income

“ I’ll quit my job and flip burgers for a living!”  -- it is one of the biggest cliches family lawyers regularly hear from a parent or spouse who earns a high income.  Until recently, the law may not have penalized the party who went through on their threat.  The Court of Appeal in Alberta over twenty-one years ago rendered a decision in the case Hunt v Smolis-Hunt, 2001 ABCA 229, which held that the payor needed to have a specific intent to show that they quit a more lucrative job specif...

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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