20 | Love & Money: The Agreements Nobody Wants to Talk About—Until It's Too Late with Carey Leishman

<p>What happens to your assets when a relationship ends? Does it matter whose name is on title? And are common-law couples really treated differently than married couples in Alberta?</p><p>In this episode, we sit down with family lawyer and mediator Carey Leishman to discuss one of the most overlooked aspects of financial planning: protecting your assets before life-changing events occur.</p><p>Carey breaks down Alberta&#39;s Family Property Act and the significant changes that came into effect in 2020, extending property division rights to many common-law couples. She explains why the law often doesn&#39;t care about your intentions, what assets and liabilities may be subject to division, and how proactive planning can save families significant stress and expense down the road.</p><ul><li>The &quot;Great Wealth Transfer&quot; and why more families are receiving inheritances than ever before</li><li>How Alberta&#39;s Family Property Act changed for common-law couples in 2020</li><li>Why 50% of assets and liabilities may be on the table during a separation</li><li>Common misconceptions about inheritances and gifted funds</li><li>The difference between exempt assets and divisible assets</li><li>Why intention alone is often not enough to protect your wealth</li><li>The importance of cohabitation agreements and prenuptial agreements</li><li>Why these agreements should ideally be completed at least six months before a wedding</li><li>Considerations before purchasing a home with a partner</li><li>How domestic agreements can evolve and be amended as life changes</li><li>Practical steps couples can take today to protect themselves and their families</li></ul><p>One of the biggest lessons from this conversation is that asset protection isn&#39;t about planning for failure—it&#39;s about creating clarity. Whether you&#39;re moving in together, getting married, receiving an inheritance, or purchasing a home, having the right agreements in place can help protect both parties and reduce conflict if circumstances change in the future.</p><p>For more information about Carey and the team at BDL Family Law LLP, visit:</p><p><a href="https://bdlfamilylaw.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">BDL Family Law LLP</a></p><p>This episode is intended for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, consult a qualified family law professional.</p><p>In This Episode We Discuss:Key TakeawayConnect with Carey LeishmanDisclaimer</p>