About Krysta
Krysta H. Ostwald: Family Law Legal Counsel in Calgary, Alberta
Krysta Ostwald is a dedicated and experienced family law attorney providing compassionate and strategic legal support to clients navigating the complexities of divorce, child custody, and related family law matters in Calgary, Alberta. With over two decades of experience, Krysta is consistently recognized for her expertise and commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for her clients while minimizing conflict. She is proudly named by the Canadian Legal Lexpert® Directory and Woodward White Inc. as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada every year since 2006 – a testament to her dedication and legal acumen.
Krysta’s career has been built on a foundation of meticulous preparation, strong negotiation skills, and a deep understanding of Alberta’s family law legislation. She began her legal career with Fraser Milner, honing her skills in a demanding legal environment, and subsequently gained extensive experience working with leading firms like Laurie Allen & Associates, Turnbull Boyes and Soby Boyden Lenz before founding Widdowson Kachur Ostwald Menzies LLP with her partners. This diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive knowledge base and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
Krysta’s philosophy centers around resolving disputes without unnecessary adversarial conflict. She skillfully utilizes a wide range of processes to meet each client's unique needs, including collaborative family law, providing a supportive environment for amicable separations; meticulous negotiation, leveraging her persuasive skills to achieve the best possible results; comprehensive mediation, facilitating constructive dialogue and exploring mutually agreeable solutions; formal arbitration, presenting a robust case to a neutral third party; and strategic litigation, preparing for courtroom proceedings when necessary. Krysta consistently strives to resolve issues in a timely and cost-effective manner, meticulously managing resources to ensure clients receive the most efficient and value-driven legal representation. Her goal is to provide the advice and support her clients need to make informed decisions for themselves and their families, empowering them throughout what can be a profoundly challenging time.
Her dedication to her profession has earned her numerous accolades, including Lawyer of the Year: Family Law Mediation (2025, 2020, 2015). These awards reflect her outstanding contributions to the field and her commitment to providing exceptional legal services. Recognized consistently as one of the Best Lawyers in Canada, Krysta’s client base includes individuals and families seeking experienced and empathetic legal guidance.
Practice Areas: Krysta Ostwald specializes in all aspects of family law, offering expert legal counsel in areas such as:
- Family Law
- Family Law Arbitration
- Family Law Mediation
Education & Credentials:
- B.A. (1993) - University of Victoria
- LL.B. (1996) - University of Victoria
- Called to the Alberta Bar (1997)
Professional Associations: Krysta is an active member of several prestigious professional organizations, reflecting her commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal practice:
- Canadian Bar Association
- Law Society of Alberta
- Calgary Bar Association
- Association of Collaborative Family Lawyers
- Association of Women Lawyers
Professional Publications & Presentations: Krysta’s expertise is further demonstrated through her significant contributions to the legal community, including:
- LESA Course – “The Nature of the Beast: Cohabitation and Prenuptial Agreements” (Co-author – May 2012)
- Family Law: Cohabitation and Pre-Nuptial Agreements (Co-author – 2012)
- National Family Law Conference – “Gender Benders – Gender Bias’ Considerations in Divorce Act Relief – Fact or Fiction?” (Co-author – 2012)
- National Family Law Conference 2006 - “Analysis of Contino and Shared Parenting Child Support Decisions” (Co-author)
- LESA Course – “The Federal Child Support Guidelines…” Family Law: Back to Basics (June 2002)
- National Family Law Conference 2006 - “Analysis of Contino and Shared Parenting Child Support Decisions” (Co-author)
- National Family Law Conference 2006 - “Spousal Support: The Clash of Entitlement Vs. Self-sufficiency” (Co-author)
- Lawyer's Weekly article on prenuptial contracts (Mid-Winter meeting 2007 update on spousal support evidence) (Co-author)
Community Service & Recognition: Krysta’s commitment extends beyond her legal practice, demonstrating a dedication to community involvement and professional development:
- Calgary Legal Guidance (January 1998 - June 1999)
- Canadian Bar Association, Family Law South Section Executive Committee (2001-2007)
- Instructor, Bar Admissions Course (2001 - Present)
- Dispute Resolution Officer, Court of Queen’s Bench of Alberta (2008 - Present)
- Organizing Committee, National Family Law Program (2009 - Present)
- Recognized Since: Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2006
Awards: Lawyer of the Year: Family Law Mediation, Calgary, Canada (2025), Lawyer of the Year: Family Law Mediation, Calgary, Canada (2020), Lawyer of the Year: Family Law, Calgary, Canada (2015)
