Melanie M. Carter

Melanie M. Carter bio photo - Calgary Family LawyerMelanie M. Carter

Calgary Family Lawyer | (403) 261-8474

Melanie Carter is a respected family lawyer in Calgary, Alberta. She has experience with the legal and other issues that arise within family dynamics.

Melanie has worked with people from all backgrounds resulting in a strong understanding of the complexity of these dynamics. She has therapeutic training stemming from her work at Hull Child and Family Services from 1993 to 2013.

Just prior to starting her law studies she facilitated a therapeutic skills program (Dialectic Behaviour Therapy DBT) at the Drumheller Federal Institution. Through the Developmental Disabilities Resource Centre (DDRC) and other governmental agencies, she continues to work with long term clients funded through the Person with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD) and Assured Income for the Severally Handicapped (AISH) programs. Melanie earned her law degree at the University of Calgary and was then called to the bar in Alberta.

“Prior to starting my law career I worked for 16 years at Hull Child and Family Services in Calgary.  My education and training, my experience at Hull and other organizations has resulted in a wealth of knowledge and the skills needed to deal effectively with the issues that arise from the breakdown of relationships.   I worked a great deal with children and youth in my previous career and developed a keen understanding of the impact felt by children when the family unit dissolves.

I truly believe as a practitioner it is important to identify road blocks that are affecting progress in a file and wherever and whenever possible strive to move matters forward to completion. I advocate a team approach and a close working relationship with my clients. I value their trust and respect the need for clients to obtain resolution and closure in the most cost effective way possible. I am sensitive to managing costs. That is why I work closely with my clients to ensure we are budgeting expenses in times of transition.”

Practice Areas:

  • Prenuptial and Cohabitation Agreements
  • Separation Agreements
  • Divorce
  • Contact/Parenting Time
  • Custody and Access
  • Child Support
  • Matrimonial and Common Law Property Division
  • Mobility (Parental Relocations Involving Children)
  • Emergency Protection Orders (EPO)
  • Restraining Order
  • Criminal Domestic Assault
  • Spousal Support

Memberships and Affiliations:

  • Law Society of Alberta (Active Member)
  • Association of Women Lawyers (AWL)
  • Canadian Bar Association – Family Law Section
  • Calgary Bar Association – Criminal Defence Lawyers Association
  • Board of Director with McMan Youth Family and Community Services Association

Donor to the following organizations:

  • 2012, 2013 Clerc Fundraiser – Donor
  • 2012, 2013 Peer Support for Women – Donor
  • Previous Sponsor Children’s Legal & Education Resource Centre

Volunteer Work:

  • Calgary Women’s Centre Pro Bono Legal Clinic 2012, 2013, 2014
  • Pro Bono Alberta Legal Clinic – October 23, 2013

Presenter:

  • Legal Education Society of Alberta (at CPLED for Law Students interested in Family Law)
    • November 2013