Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Chapman Riebeek Red Deer Law Firm: ​Chapman Riebeek LLP is a distinguished law firm based in Red Deer, Alberta, serving the community since the 1950s. The firm's website, chapmanriebeek.com, offers comprehensive information about their legal services, including civil litigation, employment law, family law, wills and estates, real estate law, Alberta labour law, trial law, and municipal law. The site features detailed profiles of their experienced legal team, emphasizing their commitment to providing practical support and creative solutions. Additionally, the website includes a blog with insightful articles on various legal topics, reflecting the firm's dedication to client education and engagement. Contact information and career opportunities are also readily accessible, ensuring clear communication channels for clients and prospective employees. ​ ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [What Happens to the Family Home When One Spouse Wants to Sell and the Other Does Not?](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/family-home-after-separation/): When a relationship ends, one of the most emotionally and financially difficult issues involves the family home after separation. Unlike other assets, the home is not just property, it is often tied to stability, memories, and children’s routines. - [What to Do in the First 24 Hours After Being Terminated in Alberta](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/wrongful-dismissal-alberta-first-24-hours/): One minute you’re working as usual, and the next you’re trying to process what just happened, what it means, and what comes next. In Alberta, those first few hours matter more than most people realize. The decisions you make or don’t make can directly impact your ability to claim fair compensation or pursue a wrongful dismissal Alberta case. - [Negotiating Executive Severance Packages in Alberta: What Senior Employees Should Know](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/executive-severance-package-alberta/): When senior employees face termination or restructuring, one of the most important financial considerations is the severance package offered by their employer. For executives and high-level professionals, the terms of an executive severance package Alberta employers provide can have long-term financial implications. - [What Happens When Implied Terms Override Written Employment Agreements](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/implied-terms-employment-agreements-disputes/): The concept of implied terms employment agreements often causes confusion among many individuals involved in employment relationships. - [Why Timing Matters More Than Amount in Alberta Severance Negotiations](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/severance-negotiations-alberta/): Severance negotiations Alberta employees face are often framed around one central question: “How much severance should I get?” While the amount matters, Alberta courts and experienced employment lawyers know that severance pay timing often has a greater impact on outcomes than the initial dollar figure.  - [What Clients Don’t Realize About Cost Exposure Once Litigation Starts in Alberta](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/litigation/litigation-cost-exposure-alberta/): When clients decide to pursue or defend a lawsuit, the focus is usually on the outcome. Will the claim succeed? Is the defence strong? What are the chances of settlement versus trial? What often receives far less attention until it becomes unavoidable is litigation cost exposure in Alberta and how quickly it can escalate once litigation formally begins, particularly regarding litigation cost exposure Alberta. - [Can Your Employer Reduce Your Hours Without Consent? A Legal Breakdown](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/employer-reduced-my-hours-in-ontario/): Reducing an employee’s hours is not a trivial change; in Ontario, it's one of the most serious modifications an employer can make to your job. When your employer reduced my hours in Ontario without your agreement, this could be more than just bad management, it might cross into constructive dismissal territory. At the same time, it can raise serious questions under employment law about whether your rights are being infringed. - [The Hidden Traps in Severance Packages: Clauses Alberta Employees Often Overlook](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/hidden-traps-in-severance-package-alberta/): When you lose your job, your employer might hand you a severance package Alberta and tell you it’s “a good deal.” You’re likely stressed, maybe even relieved that at least there’s some compensation. But here’s the truth most Alberta employees don’t realize: what you sign today could affect your rights, income, and future employment for years to come. - [Blended Family Wills Alberta: How to Protect Your Loved Ones with the Right Wills and Trusts](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/protect-blended-family-wills-trusts-alberta/): Without a clear plan, these complexities can result in disputes, unintended disinheritance, or lengthy legal battles. That’s why creating blended family wills Alberta and using tools like trusts is critical. These strategies help protect all family members, balance fairness with security, and ensure your wishes are honored. - [Facing an AHS Layoff? Calculate Your Severance Pay and Know Your Rights](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/ahs-layoff-severance-pay-alberta/): When news of an AHS layoff hits, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath you. Alberta Health Services employs thousands across the province, and when workforce reductions happen, many employees are left uncertain about what comes next especially when it comes to severance pay in Alberta and their rights as workers. - [Buying or Selling a Home in Red Deer: RPR, Title Insurance & Closing Timelines Explained](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/buying-or-selling-a-home-in-red-deer/): Buying or selling a home in Red Deer comes with many steps that can feel overwhelming. From contracts to property records, every stage carries important details that can affect your transaction. - [Understanding Real Estate Law in Alberta](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/real-estate-law-in-alberta/): Most people looking up real estate law want clear answers about their rights, responsibilities, and the legal steps involved. If you're worried about missing paperwork, unclear contract terms, or unexpected delays, the law plays a big role in making sure your property deal goes smoothly. - [Alberta Employment Law 2025: What Red Deer Employers Must Update Before Year-End](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/alberta-employment-law-2025/): Alberta Employment Law 2025 brings new responsibilities and risks for employers across Central Alberta. - [What to Know About Trial Law in Alberta Courts](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/trial-law-in-alberta-courts/): People search for trial law when they’re facing serious legal issues, such as lawsuits, family disputes, and business conflicts, that might end up in court. This article explains how trial law works in Alberta, what types of cases often go to trial, and what it’s like to work with a lawyer who actually handles trials. If you’re preparing for court or trying to understand what comes next, this will help. - [Wills and Estates Law Red Deer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/wills-and-estates-law-red-deer/): If you're searching for help with Wills and Estates Law Red Deer, chances are you're dealing with one of life’s big transitions. Maybe you're setting up a will for the first time. Maybe you're managing a loved one’s estate. Either way, you want clear answers, local expertise, and peace of mind that everything’s being handled properly. - [Understanding Employment Law Red Deer (for Employers and Employees)](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/employment-law-red-deer/): If you're an employee facing termination or an employer drafting a contract, understanding employment law Red Deer can make all the difference. Alberta has its own set of rules, and navigating them without help can lead to mistakes that are tough to fix later. That’s where this guide comes in, to give you clear, local insight. - [Family Law Red Deer – Understanding Your Rights and Legal Options](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/information/family-law-red-deer/): Let’s break down the key aspects of family law Red Deer and how the right legal support can make all the difference. - [Employment Standards Alberta – Key Regulations You Need to Know](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/employment-standards-alberta/): Employment standards Alberta sets the rules for workplaces. They cover things like wages, overtime, vacation, and termination. These laws make sure employers treat workers fairly and follow the minimum requirements. - [Are You Eligible for Severance Pay in Alberta?](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/severance-pay-in-alberta/): If you are or have been an employee in Alberta, you'd be hard-pressed not to be familiar with the basics of severance pay, since provincial employment standards govern your job. These are the laws that protect your rights in the workplace and outline what you can expect from your employer. The Alberta Employment Standards Code is a complex document with many rules, but one of the most important is your right to severance pay.  - [How to Calculate Work Experience for Canada Immigration](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/immigration/canada-immigration/): Work experience is one of the factors that contribute to the CRS (Comprehensive Ranking System) points for Canada immigration in the Express Entry pool.  CRS determines the rank of a candidate in the Express Entry pool. Prospective immigrants are ranked based on their language ability, education, skills, work experience, and other factors.  - [Clear Agreements in Employment Contracts Alberta that Benefit Employer and Employee](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/employment-contract-alberta/): Employment contracts are essential for employers and employees alike. They are legal documents that set out the details that govern the relationship and obligations between the employer and employee. Unfortunately, many people sign an employment contract in Alberta without understanding those details. - [Termination Without Cause vs. Wrongful Dismissal – How To Best Respond](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/termination-without-cause-vs-wrongful-dismissal/): Dismissal is a serious matter. It's never something to be taken lightly. This means your employer cannot decide on "a whim," but they aren't under any obligation to tell you why they are terminating your employment. Similarly, it would be best if you didn't run off to file a claim without consulting a legal representative. So, what's the difference between termination without cause vs. wrongful dismissal according to Alberta employment law? - [What Is Termination Pay and How Does It Differ From Severance Pay?](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/what-is-termination-pay/): What is termination pay, and what is the difference between it and severance pay? Many people get confused by these terms and consider them the same. Articles often use them as synonyms, and they are entirely different.  - [When Can I Apply for Parental Leave: How and When to Apply](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/apply-for-parental-leave/): If you’re currently expecting a child, you might be wondering: When can I apply for parental leave and how do I do it? Am I eligible to receive parental leave and how is it different from maternity leave?  - [Answering Employee Questions: Constructive Dismissal Alberta Laws, Examples, Rights, and Settlement | Chapman Riebeek Law Firm](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/constructive-dismissal/): In recent years, many people in Alberta have lost their jobs. However, due to the stress surrounding the events, many were not aware of their rights as employees. Hence, employers dismissed these people without the proper severance because of their lack of knowledge. For this reason, Chapman Riebeek is a law firm with decades of experience in answering some of the most common questions amongst employees that suffered constructive dismissal and unfairness of it.  - [How to Select the Best Employment Lawyers for Employees in Calgary 2022](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/employment-lawyers-calgary/): Wrongful dismissal is the most common reason Calgary employees seek employment lawyers’ advice. Chapman Riebeek has a long career in law. During that time, many workers were not acquainted with employment legislation in such circumstances. As a result, they sign the paperwork and miss the opportunity to make things right.  - [Red Deer’s Sword of the Law – Reasons for Just Cause Termination of Employment](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/just-cause-termination/): It is never a pleasant experience for an employee to be fired, even with good cause. However, many Red Deer employers make difficult circumstances harder because they bypass the legal side of dismissal. However, nothing is more unpleasant than regret, whether you are an employee seeking justice or a business that could have resolved matters more peacefully. The primary key to this legal issue is understanding the difference between termination with and without cause and the accompanying requirements. If you have any doubts about just cause termination, it is best to seek advice from an employment lawyer specializing in this field. - [Losing a Job in Alberta – Filing a Claim After Being Wrongfully Dismissed and What to Expect](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/wrongful-dismissal/): Being fired from the job is bad enough to weigh down on an individual’s life. But, being laid off for wrongful dismissal is another thing. Especially if you feel there is no just cause. Unfortunately, employers have a legal right to terminate their employees, but not all of them are fair once it comes to the act itself. To find out whether or not you have a case, you will need to inform yourself of the labour legislation or consult an employment lawyer in Alberta.  - [COVID-19 MEASURES](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/uncategorized/covid-19-measures/) - [When to request a Summary Trial](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/litigation/when-to-request-a-summary-trial/): Trials get all the attention. But in private legal disputes between individuals or companies or a combination of the two (such disputes are known as civil cases), only 5% or less actually go to trial. Yet it is the threat of trial that is at the core of the justice system.  Without it, wrongs would never be corrected. - [What is Constructive Dismissal (and what can you do?)](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/employment/what-is-constructive-dismissal/): The starting point in assessing employee issues is generally to look through your employment contract. There is employment legislation in place that ought to support your employment contract, and that legislation is considered a “floor of rights” – those rights can only be expanded on and not contracted out of. ## Pages - [Nadine Gerig](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/nadine-gerig/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: ngerig@chapmanriebeek.com - [Mathew James](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/mathew-james/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: mjames@chapmanriebeek.comAssistant: Brittney Brisbois | Assistant’s Email: bbrisbois@chapmanriebeek.com - [Miete Penedo Costa](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/miete-penedo-costa/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: mpc@chapmanriebeek.com - [Corbin Zoeteman](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/corbin-zoeteman/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: czoeteman@chapmanriebeek.com - [Privacy Policy](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/privacy-policy/): Chapman Riebeek LLP is committed to protecting your privacy while allowing you to enjoy safe online access to our website. This policy applies to this website only and governs collection and usage of data. Your use of our website indicates your consent to the data practices described in this statement. - [Municipal Law](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/municipal-law/): Proud to offer Municipal Law in Red Deer and Central Alberta - [Careers](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/careers/): The key strength in our firm is the quality of our people. We pride ourselves on having a collegial and supportive working environment for those seeking law firm careers. We place a heavy emphasis on integrity and practicality. We are proud of our practice and are united as a firm in providing the best possible service to our clients in their business and private lives. - [Contact Us](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/contact-us/): Our lawyers are recognized litigators.  With a reputation for excellence, we look forward to being your trusted legal advisor. - [Blog](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/blog/) - [Severance Pay Calculator](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/severance-pay-calculator/): Severance pay is a financial benefit that an employer must provide to you if they terminate your employment without cause. The amount of severance pay you are entitled to depends on the length of your employment, the type of job, your age - and in some cases the reason as to why you are being terminated. Calculating the severance pay depends on many factors discussed in this article. For a quicker answer, you can use our severance pay calculator. - [Dominic Peña](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/dominic-pena/): Telephone: 403-346-6603 | Fax: 403-340-1280 | Email: dpena@chapmanriebeek.comAssistant: Chelsea Zolinski | Assistant’s Email: czolinski@chapmanriebeek.com - [Gary Wanless](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/gary-wanless/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: gwanless@chapmanriebeek.comAssistant: Christine Cartwright | Assistant’s Email: ccartwright@chapmanriebeek.com  - [Shawn Frank](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/shawn-frank/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: sfrank@chapmanriebeek.comAssistant: Chelsea Zolinski | Assistant’s Email: czolinski@chapmanriebeek.com - [Tyler Nightingale](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/tyler-nightingale/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: tnightingale@chapmanriebeek.com Assistant: Eva Torres | Assistant’s Email: etorres@chapmanriebeek.com  - [Suzanne Alexander Smith](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/suzanne-alexander-smith/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: sas@chapmanriebeek.com - [Nancy Bergstrom](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/nancy-bergstrom/): Telephone: 403 346 6603 | Fax: 403 340 1280 | Email: nbergstrom@chapmanriebeek.com - [Our Lawyers](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/our-lawyers/): With a reputation for excellence, our lawyers are ready to assist you in navigating and resolving your legal issues.. - [Trial Law](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/trial-law/): Proud to offer Trial Law to Red Deer and Central Alberta - [Labour Law Lawyer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/labour-law-lawyer/): Chapman Riebeek LLP provides advice and support to associations and unions navigating the work relationship in unionized workplaces as an experienced labour law lawyer Red Deer organizations rely on, including providing advice on the processes and rules associated with collective bargaining.  - [Real Estate Lawyer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/real-estate-lawyer/): Our lawyers are best placed to assist you in navigating and completing real estate transactions as experienced real estate lawyer in Red Deer. - [Will Lawyer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/will-lawyer/): Proud to offer Wills Lawyers in Red Deer and Central Alberta - [Family Lawyer in Red Deer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/family-lawyer/): Looking for a Family Lawyer in Red Deer and Central Alberta? Call us Today - [Employment Lawyer in Red Deer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/employment-lawyer/): An Employment Lawyer in Red Deer from Chapman Riebeek LLP offers advice and representation to both employees and employers. We have significant experience litigating small and large cases with small to multinational companies. - [Civil Lawyers in Red Deer](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/civil-litigation/): Proud to offer Civil Lawyers in Red Deer and Central Alberta - [Red Deer Law Firm Services](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/red-deer/): Our lawyers have gained a depth of knowledge through experience and collaboration, allowing us to provide comprehensive litigation services and practical guidance to our clients as a leading Red Deer law firm. - [Chapman Riebeek Law Firm – Red Deer Lawyers](https://www.chapmanriebeek.com/): Chapman Riebeek is excited to welcome: Nadine Gerig to our team