About Katie
Katie Ayer: Compassionate Family Law Advocate in Calgary
“If you’re honest and fair as you can be, not only in business but in life, things will work out.” – Kate Spade
Katie Ayer is a dedicated and empathetic family law advocate based in Calgary, Alberta, committed to providing compassionate and strategic legal representation to clients navigating the complexities of divorce, separation, and related family matters. With a deep understanding of the emotional and practical challenges faced by families, Katie approaches each case with a focus on achieving the most favorable outcomes while prioritizing respectful communication and minimizing conflict. Her personal experiences, coupled with her strong legal skills, allow her to connect with clients on a genuine level and guide them through this challenging transition.
Katie began working at Resolve Legal Group as a Summer Student in April 2018 and joined the firm as an Articling Student in June 2019 after graduating law school from the University of Calgary. Katie was called to the Bar in Alberta in August 2020. Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Katie packed a suitcase and drove across the country with her dog to attend law school. Upon arrival, she fell in love with Calgary and decided this was where she wanted to stay. When she isn’t at work, Katie enjoys visiting Calgary’s many parks, spending time at home with her family, and baking.
Prior to obtaining her law degree from the University of Calgary, Katie obtained a Bachelor of Commerce from Saint Mary’s University; from which she graduated magna cum laude. While working towards obtaining her undergraduate degree, Katie worked part-time as a Blackjack Dealer at Casino Nova Scotia. This unique experience honed her observational skills and ability to remain calm under pressure – skills she now applies to her legal practice.
During law school, Katie was deeply involved in Pro Bono Students Canada, where she participated in the Youthlink Project, the Emergency Protection Order Project, and the Indigenous Legal Education Project. These experiences solidified her commitment to social justice and provided invaluable practical skills. Katie was also the Vice President of the Rural, Energy, and Agricultural Law Society in her third year of law school, and was a founding member and Vice-President Finance of the Law Negotiation Club. These leadership roles demonstrated her organizational abilities and collaborative spirit, which she brings to every client interaction.
Since law school, Katie has remained an active volunteer with Calgary Legal Guidance in various roles, the Calgary Bar Association as a Law Day Volunteer, and the Canadian Bar Association as a Member-at-Large for the Young Lawyers Group from 2019-2020. Katie is also an active member of the Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts. Katie is looking forward to the many other ways she can give back to the legal profession and Calgary community through further pro bono initiatives and volunteer work in the future. Katie wanted to join the team at Resolve Legal Group because of the initiatives Resolve Legal Group takes on, and resources they offer to their clients to help them through their legal matters. As a child of divorce and separation, she has a first-hand knowledge and understanding of what her clients, and their children, are going through. This understanding motivates Katie to take an approach to your matter that will create the least conflict possible and allow families going through divorce or separation to heal and adjust to their new “normal.” The best compliment Katie has received about her work is: “You see the whole person in your clients and advocate tenaciously on their behalf.”
Key Areas of Expertise: Katie specializes in all aspects of family law, including:
- Divorce Proceedings: She skillfully navigates the legal complexities of divorce, including asset division, spousal support, and property settlements.
- Child Custody and Access: Katie is dedicated to advocating for the best interests of children, pursuing arrangements that prioritize their well-being and establish healthy co-parenting relationships.
- Child Support Calculations: She meticulously calculates child support obligations based on Alberta legislation and family circumstances.
- Property Division: Katie utilizes strategic negotiation and legal analysis to ensure fair and equitable distribution of marital assets.
- Spousal Support (Alimony) Applications: She prepares and argues compelling spousal support applications based on factors such as need, contribution to the marriage, and length of the relationship.
Education and Credentials:
- University of Calgary, Faculty of Law – J.D., 2019
- Magna Cum Laude** – Saint Mary’s University, Bachelor of Commerce** – 2016**
Bar Admissions:
- Alberta Bar Association
Recognized: Recognized in Best Attorney USA in Family Law
Affiliations: Association of Family and Conciliatory Courts, Calgary Bar Association, Calgary Legal Guidance, Canadian Bar Association (Young Lawyers Group)
