Castle & Associates is a renowned family law and litigation firm located in Calgary, Alberta. Our dynamic and innovative team of lawyers is dedicated to providing our clients with results-oriented and effective representation. We understand that every case is unique, and as such, we tailor a distinct approach to resolution for each one. Our clients can rely on us for trustworthy, comprehensive, and relevant legal advice that addresses their specific legal needs.
Our Focus on Results
Our legal work has a significant impact on the personal lives of our clients. We handle deeply personal and emotionally stressful legal cases, focusing on securing the best results possible for those who come to us for assistance and representation. The common benefit afforded to each of our clients is trustworthy, comprehensive, and relevant legal advice aimed at their specific legal needs.
Client Testimonials
"Obviously no one anticipates having to hire a family lawyer in their life, but I'm thankful to have found this firm. I found all of the staff to be professional, courteous, kind, and discrete. They handled my separation as efficiently as possible, and I felt worked hard to resolve things." - S.Q
"Castle & Associates took on our case in a relatively unprecedented area of law when not many others were willing to do so. We are extremely grateful that Diann and her staff continue to fight for us." - C.U
Family Law & Divorce
At Castle & Associates, we handle the full scope of divorce-related issues, including custody, access, child support, spousal support, and property division. We draft prenuptial, cohabitation, and separation agreements, advising clients on the proposed contents. We also handle adoptions, child welfare, and related Family Justice Services' issues. Our firm is particularly adept at assisting clients in same-sex and common law relationships with legal issues specific to their circumstances.
Same-sex Relationships
Castle & Associates is recognized for its innovative work in cases involving same-sex couples and their families in Alberta.
Common Law Relationships
In the absence of a legal marriage, the respective rights of spouses upon the breakdown of a relationship are often in dispute. Our team at Castle & Associates provides legal advice and representation in these cases.
Agreements (Prenuptial, Cohabitation, Separation)
Family relationships, including marriages and common law partnerships, are based on personal commitment. Our lawyers advise clients on the proposed contents of prenuptial, cohabitation, and separation agreements.
Custody and Access
Loving and devoted parents want, and deserve, appropriate time with their children. When relationships end, the terms of custody and access are a priority for parents. Our team at Castle & Associates helps parents achieve a satisfactory resolution.
Child Support
Following a divorce or separation, parents are required to provide financial support to their children. Our lawyers ensure that the child support awarded is fair and appropriate.
Spousal Support
When partners are married or living together, expenses and assets are usually shared. Our team at Castle & Associates advises clients on their rights and obligations regarding spousal support.
Division of Property
Domestic relationships, including marriages and common law commitments, are largely viewed by the law as economic arrangements. Our lawyers ensure that the division of property is fair and equitable.
Adoptions
The lawyers at Castle & Associates in Calgary are pleased to help adoptive parents in the entirety of the adoption process so they can devote their full time and energy to welcoming their new family member.
Child Welfare
Family relationships are often complicated. In Alberta, as in all parts of Canada, government agencies become involved in the welfare of children. Our lawyers represent clients in child welfare cases.
Child Representation
All family law matters, including divorce, separation, and guardianship, inevitably have a direct impact on the children involved. Our lawyers advocate for the best interests of the child.
Grandparents' Rights
In many child welfare cases, the role of grandparents is significant. Grandparents may offer care to a child
who is no longer living with his or her biological parents. Our lawyers represent grandparents in these cases.
Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship
The Adult Guardianship and Trusteeship Act (AGTA) provides several specific options for family members and those who care about the adult in question to support or replace the adult's decision-making. Our lawyers advise clients on their options under the AGTA.
Dependent Adult Applications
When an adult is unable to make independent personal care and financial decisions, a trusted representative may be appointed to make choices on his or her behalf. Our lawyers represent clients in these cases.
Elder Law
Increasingly, the law has recognized the need to protect and enforce the key role elder individuals play in our society. Our lawyers advise clients on their legal rights and obligations as they age.
Wills & Estates
We are proponents of having wills, enduring powers of attorney, and personal directives. We help clients draft these documents and to understand their implications. We also advise on probate and estate administration.
Civil Litigation
We are a firm of courtroom lawyers. We are qualified, through our knowledge and extensive experience, to litigate family law cases in well-established legal areas. We also break new ground in our litigation work, through appearing at the Court of Appeal.
Service Quality and Experience
Castle and Associates have received mixed reviews from their clients. While some clients have had positive experiences with the firm, others have been disappointed. The majority of negative reviews have been directed towards individual lawyers, specifically Diann and Alexandra.
Communication
Problems with communication have been a common issue among clients who have left negative reviews. Some clients have reported difficulty in getting in touch with their lawyers, long response times, and unresponsiveness to emails and phone calls. Others have reported inconsistent information being provided by receptionists and lawyers.
Billing and Fees
Some clients have reported being overcharged for services, with one client stating that they were charged $3000 for little to no work being done. Another client reported finding a cheque for $300 left from the initial retainer, leaving them wondering where the remaining funds went.
Lawyers' Performance
Some lawyers at Castle and Associates, such as Diane Castle, Preet Sandhu, Diann, and Ashley Wilson, have been praised for their professionalism, responsiveness, and results-oriented approach. However, others, such as Alexandra, have been criticized for their lack of communication, poor performance, and failure to stand up for clients in court.
Recommendations
While some clients have highly recommended Castle and Associates, others have strongly advised against working with the firm, citing poor service and communication.
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