Dobko & Wheaton

Dobko & Wheaton Dobko & Wheaton has been providing quality legal services to the Peace Country since 1990.

Dobko & Wheaton LLP will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labour Day.Our office will reopen on Tuesday, September 8...
09/03/2026

Dobko & Wheaton LLP will be closed on Monday, September 7, for Labour Day.

Our office will reopen on Tuesday, September 8, during regular business hours.

We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing Labour Day long weekend.

“What happens if you want out?”When people go into business together, most of the planning naturally focuses on getting ...
09/01/2026

“What happens if you want out?”

When people go into business together, most of the planning naturally focuses on getting started. Who owns what? Who does what? How will the business grow?

But one of the details that can be easy to overlook is what happens when someone eventually wants to leave.

A business partner may decide to retire, pursue another opportunity, relocate, or simply no longer want to be involved. Without a clear plan for that possibility, questions can arise quickly. Can they sell their interest to anyone? Does the other owner have the opportunity to buy it first? How will the business be valued? What happens if the owners can't agree on a price?

These are the kinds of details that can be addressed in a shareholder or partnership agreement before anyone is actually looking for the exit.

Planning for how a business relationship might end isn't being pessimistic. It gives everyone a clearer understanding of their options and can help protect the business if circumstances change.

Throughout September, our “The Fine Print” series will look at the details that are easy to overlook but can make a significant difference when you need them.

If you are starting a business with someone or already have a business partner, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options and ensure your agreements reflect what you want to happen in the future. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“Being named as executor means I have to accept.”Being chosen as the executor of someone’s will is an important responsi...
08/27/2026

“Being named as executor means I have to accept.”

Being chosen as the executor of someone’s will is an important responsibility, but being named does not necessarily mean you are required to take on the role.

Acting as an executor can involve locating and protecting assets, dealing with financial institutions, paying debts and taxes, communicating with beneficiaries, completing required paperwork, and ultimately distributing the estate. Depending on the estate, the process can take considerable time and may involve complicated decisions.

There are many reasons someone may not feel able to take on those responsibilities. They may live far away, have personal or family commitments, be concerned about conflict among beneficiaries, or simply feel they are not the right person for the job.

If you have been named as an executor and are unsure about accepting the role, it is important to understand your options before taking steps to administer the estate. Once you begin acting in that capacity, stepping away can become more complicated.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If you have been named as an executor and have questions about your role, responsibilities, or options, Dobko & Wheaton can help. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“I can take my child out of the country whenever I want.”For separated or divorced parents, travelling internationally w...
08/25/2026

“I can take my child out of the country whenever I want.”

For separated or divorced parents, travelling internationally with a child may involve more than booking flights and packing a suitcase.

Parenting agreements and court orders can affect travel plans, and depending on the circumstances, consent from the other parent or guardian may be required. Parents may also be asked to provide documentation when crossing an international border, particularly when a child is travelling with only one parent.

For example, a planned family vacation overseas could become complicated if the other parent does not agree to the travel or if an existing parenting arrangement places restrictions on where or when a child can travel.

It is important to understand what applies to your individual situation before making international travel arrangements. Addressing questions ahead of time can help avoid disputes, disrupted plans, or problems at the border.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If you are separated or divorced and have questions about travelling with your child, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your rights and responsibilities. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“Insurance will cover it.”Having insurance can provide important protection, but it doesn’t necessarily mean every loss,...
08/20/2026

“Insurance will cover it.”

Having insurance can provide important protection, but it doesn’t necessarily mean every loss, accident, or unexpected event will be covered.

Insurance policies can include limits, exclusions, deductibles, and specific conditions that determine when coverage applies and how much may be paid. The type of coverage you have matters too. Two people can experience a similar loss and have very different outcomes based on the terms of their individual policies.

For example, certain types of property damage may be excluded, coverage may only apply up to a specific amount, or a policy may require particular steps to be taken when making a claim.

Problems can arise when the coverage someone thought they had doesn’t match what their policy actually provides.

Taking the time to understand your insurance coverage, including its limits and exclusions, can help you make informed decisions before you ever need to make a claim.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If an insurance claim has resulted in a dispute or you have questions about your legal options, Dobko & Wheaton can help. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“If someone is family, we don’t need paperwork.”When you trust someone, putting an agreement in writing can feel overly ...
08/18/2026

“If someone is family, we don’t need paperwork.”

When you trust someone, putting an agreement in writing can feel overly formal, especially when that person is a relative. But family arrangements can involve some of the same legal and financial considerations as agreements between unrelated parties.

Maybe siblings decide to buy an investment property together. A parent lends money to an adult child to help with a business. Two relatives start a company together, or one family member contributes significant time or money to a project with an expectation of sharing in the outcome.

Everyone may be on the same page at the beginning. But what happens if circumstances change, someone wants out, the investment loses money, or two people remember the original arrangement differently?

Clear documentation can establish who contributed what, how decisions will be made, how profits or expenses will be shared, and what happens if the arrangement needs to end.

Putting things in writing isn't about expecting a family relationship to go wrong. It can help protect that relationship by making sure everyone understands what they've agreed to from the start.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If you're entering into a significant financial, property, or business arrangement with a family member, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options and put the appropriate agreements in place. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“I can do whatever I want on my property.”Owning property gives you important rights, but it doesn’t necessarily mean yo...
08/13/2026

“I can do whatever I want on my property.”

Owning property gives you important rights, but it doesn’t necessarily mean you have complete freedom to use or change it however you choose.

Municipal bylaws, zoning or land-use requirements, existing agreements tied to the property, and the rights of neighbouring property owners can all affect what is permitted. Something as seemingly straightforward as building a fence, adding a structure, changing access to a property, or completing landscaping that affects drainage can raise legal questions.

For example, an easement may give someone else the right to access or use a portion of your land. There may also be legal restrictions attached to the property that limit certain uses or improvements. Even work completed entirely within your property lines can create issues if it interferes with neighbouring property or existing legal rights.

Understanding what applies to your property before making significant changes can help prevent costly surprises and disputes later.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If you have questions about property rights, easements, or other real estate matters, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

“If I’m incorporated, I’m protected from everything.”It’s a common misconception. Incorporating a business creates a sep...
08/11/2026

“If I’m incorporated, I’m protected from everything.”

It’s a common misconception. Incorporating a business creates a separate legal entity and can provide important protection for its owners, but that protection has limits.

There are circumstances where a business owner, director, or shareholder may still face personal responsibility. Personally guaranteeing a business loan or lease, failing to meet certain director obligations, or being personally involved in wrongful conduct are examples where incorporation may not provide the protection someone expects.

It’s also important to keep personal and corporate affairs properly separated and ensure the corporation continues to meet its legal and administrative obligations.

Incorporation can be an important tool for protecting yourself and your business, but understanding what it does and does not protect against is just as important.

Our “Common Legal Misconceptions” series looks at assumptions about the law that may be more complicated than they first appear.

If you have questions about incorporation, corporate responsibilities, or protecting your business, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, everything will automatically go to their spouse. In reality, ...
08/06/2026

Many people assume that if they pass away without a will, everything will automatically go to their spouse. In reality, it's not always that simple.

When someone dies without a valid will, Alberta's estate laws determine how their estate is distributed. Depending on your family circumstances, your spouse may not inherit everything, and other family members may also have legal rights to a portion of the estate.

This can come as a surprise, particularly for blended families or those with children. Without a will, you lose the opportunity to clearly set out your wishes and provide direction for how your estate should be managed and distributed.

Our "Common Legal Misconceptions" series explores some of the assumptions people make about the law and why understanding the facts matters.

If you have questions about creating or updating a will, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options and prepare an estate plan that reflects your wishes. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

One of the most common legal misconceptions is that if an agreement isn't in writing, it doesn't count.In reality, some ...
08/04/2026

One of the most common legal misconceptions is that if an agreement isn't in writing, it doesn't count.

In reality, some verbal agreements can be legally enforceable. The challenge isn't always whether an agreement exists; it's proving what was actually agreed to if a dispute arises.

For example, you might agree to renovate a home in exchange for services, hire someone to complete a project based on a conversation, or make a business arrangement without documenting the details. If expectations change or the parties remember the agreement differently, resolving the dispute can become much more difficult.

A written agreement helps clarify responsibilities, timelines, payment terms, and expectations before problems arise. It also provides a clear reference if questions come up later.

Our "Common Legal Misconceptions" series explores some of the assumptions people make about the law and why understanding the facts matters.

If you have questions about contracts or whether your agreement is properly documented, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

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10022 102 Avenue
Grande Prairie, AB
T8V0Z7

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 4pm

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