Dobko & Wheaton

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

Many businesses rely on contractors, freelancers, or seasonal workers to help meet demand. While these arrangements can ...
07/28/2026

Many businesses rely on contractors, freelancers, or seasonal workers to help meet demand. While these arrangements can offer flexibility, it's important to understand the difference between an independent contractor and an employee.

For example, you may hire someone to help with a busy season, bring in a tradesperson for ongoing work, or work with a freelancer regularly. Even if everyone agrees to call the arrangement "contract work," that doesn't necessarily make it so.

The distinction isn't simply based on what the agreement says or how someone is paid. Factors such as the level of control over the work, who provides the tools and equipment, whether the individual can work for other clients, and the overall working relationship can all play a role. Misclassifying a worker can lead to unexpected legal and financial consequences for both the business and the worker.

As your business grows, taking the time to structure working relationships appropriately can help reduce risk and provide greater clarity for everyone involved.

"Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break" reminds us that the decisions made during a busy season can have lasting effects. Understanding your obligations now can help prevent challenges down the road.

If you have questions about employment relationships or how workers should be classified, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

A special thank you to Dobko & Wheaton for their continued support of GrandeCon! We're grateful to have them back once a...
07/23/2026

A special thank you to Dobko & Wheaton for their continued support of GrandeCon! We're grateful to have them back once again as our Face Painting Sponsor for Year Five.

Face painting has become a favourite tradition for many of our younger attendees, helping families create lasting memories throughout the weekend. Thanks to Dobko & Wheaton, this fun activity remains part of the GrandeCon experience.

We truly appreciate their ongoing commitment to our event and to supporting Odyssey House.

Summer is a busy season for community events, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, and neighbourhood gatherings. Whil...
07/21/2026

Summer is a busy season for community events, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, and neighbourhood gatherings. While most are planned with celebration in mind, it's also worth thinking about what happens if something doesn't go as expected.

Whether you're organizing a public event or hosting guests on your property, there may be legal responsibilities to consider. Injuries, property damage, vendor agreements, permits, and insurance are just a few of the issues that can arise before, during, or after an event.

Taking time to understand your responsibilities and ensure the right protections are in place can help reduce the risk of unexpected legal challenges. Every event is different, and the level of planning needed will depend on its size and circumstances.

"Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break" is a reminder that even life's happiest occasions can benefit from thoughtful preparation.

If you're planning an event and have questions about liability or your legal responsibilities, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Summer can be unpredictable for businesses. A busy season may not be as busy as expected, while unexpected demand can st...
07/16/2026

Summer can be unpredictable for businesses. A busy season may not be as busy as expected, while unexpected demand can stretch staff, resources, and operations beyond what was planned.

When business conditions change, owners are often required to make quick decisions. Hours may be adjusted, projects delayed, suppliers changed, or services expanded to meet new demands. While these decisions are often necessary, they can also create legal and contractual considerations if expectations are not clearly communicated.

Changes to customer agreements, supplier relationships, staffing, or business operations should be approached with care. Taking the time to review obligations and document important decisions can help reduce the risk of misunderstandings and disputes.

In corporate and commercial matters, responding to change is part of running a business. Having the right legal guidance can help ensure those changes are managed with confidence.

“Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break” reminds us that even when business doesn't go according to plan, your legal obligations continue.

If changing business conditions have raised legal questions for your organization, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

The loss of a loved one is never easy. Along with grief, family members are often faced with important responsibilities ...
07/14/2026

The loss of a loved one is never easy. Along with grief, family members are often faced with important responsibilities that cannot always wait.

Questions about locating a will, managing property, paying debts, protecting assets, and beginning the estate administration process can arise quickly. At a time when emotions are already high, understanding what needs to happen next can feel overwhelming.

Every estate is different, and the steps involved will depend on the circumstances. Knowing your legal responsibilities and seeking guidance early can help avoid unnecessary delays and provide clarity during a difficult time.

Estate administration is about more than paperwork. It is about ensuring that legal obligations are met while respecting the wishes of the person who has passed away.

“Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break” reminds us that life can change unexpectedly, regardless of the season.

If you have questions about administering an estate or your responsibilities following the loss of a loved one, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Summer often means spending more time outdoors. Home improvement projects, backyard gatherings, recreational vehicles, b...
07/09/2026

Summer often means spending more time outdoors. Home improvement projects, backyard gatherings, recreational vehicles, boats, and outdoor activities can all increase the chance of accidental property damage.

A fence is damaged during landscaping. A neighbour's property is affected by a fallen tree. A boat or trailer causes damage while being borrowed or transported. What may seem like a simple accident can quickly lead to questions about responsibility, repairs, insurance, and compensation.

While many of these situations can be resolved through communication, disagreements sometimes arise when the parties involved have different understandings of what happened or who should cover the costs.

In civil litigation matters, understanding your legal rights and responsibilities can help you navigate these situations and work toward an appropriate resolution.

“Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break” reminds us that accidents may be unplanned, but knowing your options can help you respond with confidence.

If property damage has led to a dispute and you are unsure of your legal options, Dobko & Wheaton can help. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Summer often brings new opportunities for businesses. Whether it's taking on larger projects, extending operating hours,...
07/07/2026

Summer often brings new opportunities for businesses. Whether it's taking on larger projects, extending operating hours, or hiring extra help to meet seasonal demand, the busiest months of the year can also bring new legal considerations.

Temporary employees, seasonal staff, and short-term workers still need clear expectations. Job duties, hours of work, compensation, workplace policies, and reporting relationships should be clearly communicated from the beginning to help prevent misunderstandings later.

As businesses grow busier, it can be tempting to rely on informal conversations or assume everyone understands their role. But when responsibilities become unclear, or expectations differ, workplace issues can arise that affect both employers and employees.

In corporate and commercial matters, taking the time to establish clear employment expectations can help your business operate more smoothly throughout the busy season.

“Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break” reminds us that even temporary positions deserve a solid foundation.

If your business is hiring seasonal staff or expanding operations this summer, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your legal obligations and protect your business. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Summer parenting schedules do not always unfold as planned.A vacation is extended by a few days. A child is not returned...
07/02/2026

Summer parenting schedules do not always unfold as planned.

A vacation is extended by a few days. A child is not returned at the agreed-upon time. Travel plans change without enough notice, or one parent wants to take a child out of the province or country after arrangements have already been made. What begins as a minor scheduling issue can quickly become a source of frustration when expectations are no longer aligned.

While some changes can be resolved through communication and cooperation, others may create ongoing conflict, particularly when they affect parenting time or existing court orders or agreements.

In family law matters, each situation is unique. Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you respond appropriately when disagreements arise and keep the focus where it belongs: on the best interests of the child.

“Legal Issues Don't Take a Summer Break” reminds us that even during vacation season, parenting responsibilities continue.

If summer parenting arrangements have become a source of conflict or uncertainty, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Please note that the Dobko & Wheaton office will be closed tomorrow, July 1, in observance of Canada Day.We will reopen ...
06/30/2026

Please note that the Dobko & Wheaton office will be closed tomorrow, July 1, in observance of Canada Day.

We will reopen during regular business hours on Thursday, July 2.

Whether you're spending the day with family, attending community events, or simply enjoying some well-deserved time off, we wish everyone a safe and happy Canada Day.

Happy Canada Day from all of us at Dobko & Wheaton!

Summer can be a popular time to rent out a property. Whether it is a vacation home, a basement suite, or another residen...
06/25/2026

Summer can be a popular time to rent out a property. Whether it is a vacation home, a basement suite, or another residential property, renting can provide additional income and make use of space that might otherwise sit empty.

Before handing over the keys, it is important to have clear expectations in place. A written rental agreement can help address important details such as rent, security deposits, maintenance responsibilities, occupancy, and what happens if issues arise during the tenancy.

Even short-term rental arrangements can benefit from clear documentation. Taking the time to establish expectations at the beginning can help reduce misunderstandings and protect both the property owner and the tenant.

In real estate matters, clear agreements provide a stronger foundation if questions or disputes arise later.

“Before Summer Gets Busy” reminds us that a little preparation before a tenant moves in can help make the season go more smoothly.

If you are planning to rent out your property and have questions about your legal rights and responsibilities, Dobko & Wheaton can help you understand your options. Call 780.539.6200 to schedule a consultation.

Address

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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