Business Details
23 Years
experience
Your Trusted Calgary Family Law Firm
Since 2003, Daunais McKay + Harms has provided Albertans with thoughtful, professional legal services tailored to family matters, wills and estates, and real estate. Our team of experienced lawyers combines specialized expertise in family law, collaborative dispute resolution, and estate planning to deliver practical solutions aligned with client needs. We prioritize client trust through transparent communication, compassionate representation, and a commitment to minimizing emotional and financial strain during legal challenges.With decades of collective experience, including certified specialists in collaborative law and mediators, we offer strategic guidance across divorce proceedings, property division, child custody arrangements, and complex estate planning. Our client-centric approach emphasizes timely service, cost-effectiveness, and community engagement, supported by multilingual capabilities and accessibility through Calgarys legal community.
Services
Family Law
Divorce Law
Collaborative Law
Wills and Estates
Real Estate Law
Mediation and Arbitration
Appeals
Common Law
Adoption
Immigration
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of combined experience in Alberta family law and estate planning.
- Our team includes certified collaborative law specialists and trained mediators.
- We prioritize client education to ensure informed decision-making during legal processes.
- We provide multilingual support for English, Cantonese, Mandarin, French, and ASL clients.
- Our lawyers have successfully resolved complex property division and custody cases.
What people say
Responsive and transparent
Great, honest support
Kind receptionist
Hard work
Brilliant lawyer
Services
Family Law
We address legal issues arising from interpersonal relationships, including custody arrangements, spousal support, and property division. Our team handles complex cases involving business valuations, cross-border assets, and emergency protection orders. Clients benefit from our expertise in both litigation and alternative dispute resolution methods.
Divorce Law
Our lawyers guide clients through divorce proceedings under the Divorce Act and Albertas Matrimonial Property Act. We negotiate separation agreements, resolve child custody disputes, and ensure equitable asset division. Clients receive strategic advice on support calculations and court representation when necessary.
Collaborative Law
This process offers a low-conflict alternative for resolving family disputes through joint negotiations. We help clients create customized solutions for parenting plans, financial arrangements, and prenuptial agreements without court intervention. Our certified collaborative lawyers prioritize preserving relationships and reducing emotional stress.
Wills and Estates
We assist in drafting wills, powers of attorney, and personal directives to manage future incapacity or asset distribution. Our services include probate guidance, tax minimization strategies, and resolving estate disputes. Clients gain peace of mind through comprehensive plans that protect beneficiaries and ensure legal compliance.
Mediation and Arbitration
We facilitate private dispute resolution through mediation and binding arbitration. Our neutral approach helps clients resolve parenting conflicts, property disputes, and support issues efficiently. This process reduces costs and timelines compared to traditional litigation while maintaining confidentiality.
People
Heather L. McKay
Barrister & Solicitor
With over 20 years of family law experience, Heather McKay specializes in divorce proceedings and child custody cases. She focuses on minimizing client stress through collaborative solutions and has successfully represented clients in complex property division matters.
Diane L. Harms
Barrister & Solicitor
Diane Harms brings extensive expertise in family law litigation and mediation. Her practice emphasizes spousal support negotiations and high-conflict custody disputes, combining legal rigor with compassionate client support to achieve favorable outcomes.
Patricia P. Sealy
Collaborative Lawyer
As a certified collaborative law specialist, Patricia Sealy resolves family disputes through non-adversarial methods. She focuses on prenuptial agreements and complex financial arrangements, prioritizing long-term client relationships and amicable settlements.
Michael Ghert
Managing Lawyer
Michael Ghert oversees real estate transactions and family law cases, ensuring seamless coordination with clients realtors and lenders. His practice emphasizes clear communication and timely execution of legal documents to protect client interests.
B. Collin Smith
Wills and Estate Lawyer
Collin Smith specializes in estate planning and probate law, drafting wills and powers of attorney to safeguard client assets. He provides strategic advice on minimizing probate fees and ensuring legal compliance for intergenerational wealth transfer.
Questions
Can I get a divorce in Alberta if married outside Canada?
Yes, if you provide proof of marriage validity and meet residency requirements. Our lawyers assist with international divorce documentation and jurisdictional compliance.
How is child support calculated in Alberta?
Child support follows federal guidelines based on income and custody arrangements. We help calculate payments and address extraordinary expenses like education or medical needs.
What are the benefits of collaborative divorce?
Collaborative divorce reduces conflict, lowers costs, and allows couples to control outcomes through negotiated settlements while maintaining privacy and mutual respect.
Do common-law partners have property rights in Alberta?
Common-law partners lack automatic property division rights. We advise on unjust enrichment claims and agreements to protect assets in cohabitation relationships.
Why create a will if I have minor children?
A will ensures your children’s guardianship and asset distribution align with your wishes. Without a will, provincial laws determine these arrangements, which may not reflect your preferences.
What happens if I lose mental capacity without a power of attorney?
Family members may face legal challenges managing your affairs. We draft enduring powers of attorney to ensure trusted individuals can make financial decisions on your behalf.
