Amy Skinner Law
113 9A St NE t2e9c5 Calgary, AB, Canada

A new report suggests opportunity knocks for investors in Calgary's housing market. Prices are low, making it a good time to buy and hold, but a bad time for quick flips. https://calgaryherald.com//new-report-suggests-opportunity If you are looking at making a move, or an investment, call me for clear advice and smart strategies to close the deal.

It’s Wednesday, and we live in a winter wonderland. Are you tired of shoveling snow yet? City of Calgary Street Bylaw, Sec. 67 requires property owners to remove snow and ice, but it don't specify how.... Why not try rolling it? https://www.mentalfloss.com/arti/639237/shoveling-snow-hack Via Mental Floss

So, as 2020 comes to a close, here are 12 ways Schitt’s Creek taught all of us how to deal with the pandemic quarantine this year: https://www.huffingtonpost.ca//schitts-creek-pandemic-less If you haven't watched this TV series yet, do it. ... Highly recommend. See more

Are you an Estate Executor? It takes a team of people to administer an estate, including a lawyer. You may also need: - Accountant - Financial planner... - Financial institutions - Funeral home - Real estate agent - Government agencies (there are a few to deal with!) Be prepared. Call me for clear advice on the people and processes needed to realize your loved ones wishes.

This holiday season is unlike any other, to cap off a year unlike any other. As we all navigate this season and move into a new (and hopefully better) year, I want to reach out to wish my friends, clients and colleagues a very merry last few days of 2020. I wish you moments of peace amid the difficulties, warm connections with family and friends even if they can’t be there to hug in person, the merriment of memories from holidays past, and wonderful glimpses of joy found in ...moments throughout your day. I wish you all the best in 2021. Reminder that Amy Skinner Law office is closed December 24 and 25, as well as December 30, 31 and January 1.

So you thought having a baby was easy? This BBC Sounds podcast talks about the drama, indignity and comedy of infertility. The entire series is fantastic but check out this episode first. It is all about shared motherhood also known as reciprocal IVF. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08xvgz2... If you live in Alberta and are looking to grow your family, call us. We specialize in Fertility Law and modern family making agreements.

The heartbreaking connection between estate planning and fertility law. Her husband had died unexpectedly and without a will. The couple had only recently become parents. And while it was still possible, she wanted the court to approve the removal of her deceased husband's sperm in the hopes their daughter could have a sibling. The judge gave the order, but with no legal will or written consent there were problems.... More via CBC News https://www.cbc.ca//sperm-dead-husband-reproductive-rights

Where were you January 5, 2017? Four years ago, I was opening the doors at my own firm. It was my first week in business. I remember feeling excited, empowered and terrified all at the same time. I wish I could go back and assure myself that I was making a great decision. Happy anniversary to all my clients, colleagues, and coworkers. I want to thank you for your support and celebrate all of our success and achievements.... I also want to thank my four-legged office assistants. They are always happy to help out! Cheers! I look forward to serving you for many years to come.

Today, I am gifting my friends and followers a free cup of Starbucks coffee or tea. Why? Because I want to give back to those who joined me in donating to the Women's Centre of Calgary for Giving Tuesday. And, today is International Tea Day, so I thought it would be suiting to say thank you with a free cup of tea. Watch my stories for the barcode to use at Starbucks to pay. It is first come first served so the funds may run out before 11am... Enjoy!

House hunting in Calgary? The fall housing market was far better than original expectations. Sales activity in the city improved by nearly 12% over last year’s levels. Read more in the report from CREBNow https://www.crebnow.com/creb-releases-third-quarter-housin/ ... Call us for clear advice and smart strategies to close the deal on your next home.

What happens when a couple separates and the reluctant payor spouse has one major asset: a corporation? The Alberta Court of Appeal wrestled with this in Aubin v. Petrone with Edm based Quantiam Tech. Let's just say things got messy...... Interesting read via Financial Post https://financialpost.com//why-family-separations-can-get-

Today, November 13, is World Kindness Day. Kindness starts with one. One smile. One compliment. One cup of coffee. One conversation. I hope you take the time to smile, hold a door open and maybe laugh at a bad dad joke. ... Check out 7 ways to start making kindness the new normal in your life via The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Generous souls unite! Join me in donating to the Women's Centre of Calgary. I am collecting donations at my office until Friday, Dec. 11, 2020. ... The shelter is asking for basic necessities. Things that you and I take for granted each morning, items like: Shampoo and conditioner Lotion (hand and body) Body wash Deodorant Sanitary pads/napkins Toothbrushes Gift cards for grocery stores Please DM or call me if you have questions. #GivingTuesdayCA

Calgary's new condo market is hot. A report by Urban Analytics released in November found that third quarter sales for the year grew by more than 70 per cent over the same quarter last year. If you are in the condo market, these three steps can make the buying process easier: 1. Prequalify with your bank 2. Work with a realtor you trust ... 3. Call me for smart strategies to close the deal Read more via Calgary Herald https://calgaryherald.com//calgarys-new-condo-market-posts

This year, Remembrance Day is going to look different. There are no gatherings to pay tribute and fewer physical poppies are available. Branches of the Royal Canadian Legion in Alberta have had to re-imagine tradition during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, if you want to show support, please check out the The Royal Canadian Legion - National Headquarters digital poppies. It is a text-to-donate system where the donors will receive a digital poppy. Get your poppy here:... https://www.mypoppy.ca See more

Access to IVF varies from province to province. Where you live can affect your treatment options. If you live in Alberta and are looking into donor egg or sperm, or surrogacy, call us. We can help. We specialize in fertility law and modern family-making agreements. Read more about one Ontario woman’s IVF experience: http://ow.ly/96SW50Cd60Q via The Globe and Mail

This year, Halloween might seem a little different. Whether you’re going out or staying in, we want to encourage a safe and fun celebration. If you are in Calgary, you can give a nod to our local first responders with this fun challenge from Calgary Firefighters Association

Love it or hate it, fall is here and pumpkin spice season is in full effect. To celebrate, along with all my PSL drinking friends, I bring you this article via Eater of 65 pumpkin spice foods that have no business being pumpkin spiced. Have you seen any that you would add to the list? https://www.eater.com//pumpkin-spice-food-pop-tarts-kit-ka

As we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic, I want to take a moment to acknowledge and thank my clients. You are navigating important life decisions and marking milestones. Doing exciting things like buying a new home or starting a family, during a truly unprecedented time. I want to show gratitude and give appreciation to each of you for trusting me to be with you every step of the way. ... Thank you.

Today is Celebrate Bisexuality Day. So, let's celebrate bisexual history, and the bisexual community and culture in Calgary. Let's show a little love to the bisexual people in our lives! Not sure where to start? Check out Calgary Pride resources... https://www.calgarypride.ca/diversity-education-videos/ See more

One Sperm Donor. 36 Children. A Mess of Lawsuits. Parents thought Donor 9623 was a genius who spoke four languages, not a college dropout with a criminal record. You might be shocked to learn how unregulated sperm banks are. Before you enter into any donor agreement, call me for clear advice and help negotiating the contract.... Learn more about the story of Donor 9623 here via The Atlantic https://www.theatlantic.com//sperm-donor-identity-/616081/ Or listen to the podcast from Dov Fox, a professor of health law at the University of San Diego. Dov covered the lawsuits in his book, 'Birth Rights and Wrongs'. He has spent the past year investigating the case of Donor 9623interviewing parents who were deceived, children coming to terms with their genetic inheritance, and eventually the donor himself for an Audible podcast. https://www.audible.com/pd/Donor-9623-Podcast/B08GC5KWW8

Have you considered how online movements affect our legal system? Statistics Canada calculated the impact of the #MeToo movement with a look at police-reported sexual assaults in Canada. In Alberta, police reported sexual assaults increased by 7%. You can read the full report and see the impact here: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca//11-6/11-627-m2018036-eng.htm

Considering marriage or moving in with your significant other? You may have heard of prenuptial and cohabitation agreements, but what about a post-nuptial agreement? These agreements can be signed after the ceremony. You can prepare your estate and protect your assets before things go south. Putting one in place can provide piece of mind for both parties, even if there is not significant wealth involved. ... Call me for clear advice. Via @globeandmail https://www.theglobeandmail.com//article-post-nuptial-ag/

Five of the weirdest laws in Canada. Most laws make sense. For the most part, they keep us safe. But why on earth can’t people in Toronto have more than two garage sales a year? And, no, they can’t have a multi-day garage sale either. It's covered in the law. Check it out via @theloopca ... https://www.theloop.ca/five-weirdest-laws-canada-didnt-kno/ See more

Modern family making can be complex. More and more people face difficult, expensive choices about using assisted reproductive treatment to create their family. A fertility lawyer can help you navigate the laws in Canada in using a surrogate or donor sperm, eggs or embryos. Call me for clear advice and help to negotiate agreements and to advocate on your behalf.

Today, Sept. 5, is International Day of Charity. There are so many worthy causes in need of help right now. This new directory is specific to pressing needs of local organizations facing increased demand for services, operating budget constraints and other roadblocks related to the consequences of COVID-19. Your support and donations to local charities and not-for-profits can make a difference. ... Via Avenue Magazine Calgary https://www.avenuecalgary.com//find-a-local-charity-in-ne/

More than half of Canadians do not have a will. Many people think that it is obvious who will get their estate. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Provincial law dictates what happens and your assets may be sold at auction. Learn more via MoneySense https://www.moneysense.ca//deciding-what-to-leave-in-your/... We can put a simple will in place to prevent this. Give us a call for clear advice for your estate planning.

Homebuyers, did you know you can look up the price a property sold for. The final sale price is public information. Before you write an offer, do your research. Then call me for clear advice & smart strategies to close the deal.

TBT to my convocation from McGill University in 2007. Fresh out of law school and ready to take on the world. This glory came after years of hard work and more than a few challenges. However, nothing was quite as challenging as a worldwide pandemic. In honour of this year’s unprecedented back-to-school season, I would like to recognize all of the parents, students and teachers who are doing their best during a challenging time. Remember your end goal. It will be worth it.

In 1999, surrogacy was totally new in Canada. Listen to Terry Rypkema’s story about navigating the legal details for one of Canada’s first surrogacies via CBC Docs https://www.cbc.ca//navigating-the-legal-details-for-one-o If you are considering surrogacy please contact us. We can help. We specialize in fertility law and modern family-making agreements.

Today is International Strange Music Day. Tonight, I challenge all of my friends and followers to listen to a type of music you don’t usually listen to. They say it can broaden your mind and spark creativity. For your inspiration, give this a listen: Spacesynth Hits https://youtu.be/4RzumNjieoI via @YouTube

Do you have a question about a legal issue? While Google is a useful tool it has some serious limitations for legal research. Please give me a call. I will be happy to talk about your situation and to offer clear advice & smart strategies that can help you.... www.amyskinnerlaw.ca

Today is Left Handers Day! Let us take a minute to recognize the uncommon individual who throws, catches, writes, and uses a fork with their left-hand. Did you know approximately 10% of the population are southpaws? Cheers to all my left handed friends! ... Check out the official website here: https://www.lefthandersday.com

Caring for your aging parents? Should you consider using joint accounts to avoid probate? In Alberta, an enduring power of attorney may be a better option. Give us a call for clear advice on your estate planning. www.amyskinnerlaw.ca... Learn more via MoneySense https://www.moneysense.ca//should-you-consider-using-joint

Today Aug 9 - is International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. It is about recognizing the achievements, contributions and challenges of Indigenous people. This year, the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (DESA) is showcasing indigenous peoples' resilience during the pandemic. Via United Nations Learn more: https://www.un.org/en/observances/indigenous-day... A virtual commemoration will take place via Zoom on Monday. It will feature an interactive panel discussion on the innovative ways indigenous peoples continue demonstrating resilience and strength in the face of the pandemic. Check it out here: https://bit.ly/30FknZR

To say that Marilyn Monroe’s estate was in legal disarray is putting it mildly. She left a simple Will that has been embroiled in nasty legal disputes for decades. Having a Will in place helps manage and protect your assets (and loved ones). We can help you get started. Read more about the legacy of Monroe, and exactly who is getting rich off her estate. Hint, it's not who she intended.... https://tgam.ca/2CbQWp0 Via The Globe and Mail

Safe summer getaways. During the pandemic, there is a growing trend in which Canadians are looking at vacation properties in search of space, an alternative place from which to work remotely or a driveable vacation destination while travel is not an option. When you find your spot, call me to close the deal quickly so you can start living the lake life.... Via The Globe and Mail http://ow.ly/k5IE50APUKJ

Today - July 30 - is the International Day of Friendship. You can celebrate the day by spending time with a newcomer to Calgary. This can be as simple as saying hello to your neighbour, lending a helping hand, and showing kindness to those around you. This day was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assembly with the idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspire peace efforts and build bridges between communities. It places emphasis ...on involving young people, as future leaders, in community activities that include different cultures and promote international understanding and respect for diversity. Learn more: www.un.org/en/events/friendshipday/

Estate planning 101 for parents Why every parent needs a will, what to think about before you create it - like choosing a trustee(s) and guardian(s) for minor children - and what to do if you and your partner have different wishes. Read the full article via MoneySense https://www.moneysense.ca//guide-to-estate-planning-for-pa ... Call us to get started on a plan for your family. www.amyskinnerlaw.ca