Trust us to navigate your legal needs with care and cost-effectiveness.

Central Alberta's exclusive paralegal team. Experienced. Trusted. Alberta-Trained. Insured.

Red Deer’s Community Votes platinum choice award winner for mediation services in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

McKenzie Legal Services

Where families find peace, not just paperwork.

Welcome to our dedicated paralegal practice, proudly serving clients throughout Alberta. With a collective experience of over 60 years, we offer comprehensive support tailored to self-represented litigants navigating the complex justice system.
As Alberta-trained and experienced professionals, we provide solid and accurate legal information to empower you in your legal journey. While we are not lawyers and do not offer legal advice, we specialize in preparing legal documentation and guiding you through procedural intricacies.
Our services are designed to be cost-effective, ensuring that legal support is accessible without the burden of expensive retainers. We are here to assist you every step of the way, making your legal experience smoother and more manageable.
Let us help you find clarity and confidence in your legal matters.

statue of lady justice and mallet, Law concept
Our Vision

To be an integral part of a justice system where all Albertans can access cost-effective, professional, knowledgeable legal services to achieve just results.

Our Mission

We offer cost-effective legal support services with personalized attention to assist individuals and families with their legal requirements.

Our Practice Areas

Comprehensive Paralegal Services Tailored to Your Needs

01

Mediation Services

A cost-effective, collaborative approach to resolve conflicts and reach mutually beneficial agreements.
02

Family Law Paralegal Services

We provide essential support for family law cases, including divorce, separation, and child custody, helping you navigate the complex legal system with ease and compassion.

03

Divorce Packages

Compassionate support and document preparation to help you navigate the divorce process smoothly and affordably.

04

Wills And Estate Administration Paralegal Services

We support clients in creating comprehensive wills and managing estate matters to ensure their wishes are clearly defined and legally upheld.

05

Corporate Law Paralegal Services

Professional legal support to streamline your business processes, from incorporation to compliance.

06

Small Claims Paralegal Services

Affordable support for resolving disputes up to $100,000 with legal guidance and document preparation.

07

Process or Document Serving

Reliable delivery of legal documents to ensure your cases proceed smoothly and on time.

08

Record Suspensions & US Waivers

Our team assists with Criminal Record Suspensions and US Waivers, offering step-by-step guidance to help you overcome legal barriers and move forward with your life.

What's in a name?

In the 1970's in London, England a family was divorcing. The case was McKenzie v McKenzie. One party had legal counsel; the other couldn't afford it. The self-representing litigant requested permission from the Justice to have a support person attend at trial with her. The Justice granted the request; a support person was permitted to sit at the table with the litigant, while not able to provide legal representation in the higher court was permitted to take notes, help keep her friend organized, hand her documents etc. This support person, has become known as "a McKenzie Friend".

Professional Family Mediation Services

McKenzie Legal Services shares your goal to keep you out of Court. Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process that helps families resolve disputes in a constructive and collaborative manner. Unlike court proceedings, which can be adversarial and stressful, mediation provides a safe environment where family members can communicate openly, guided by a trained mediator. Mediation saves money, time and energy.

Benefits of Family Mediation:

  1. Cost-Effective: Mediation typically requires fewer resources than court battles, helping families save on legal fees and associated costs.
  2. Time-Saving: Mediation sessions can often be scheduled more flexibly than court dates, allowing for quicker resolutions.
  3. Less Stressful: The collaborative nature of mediation reduces the emotional strain on families, fostering a more positive atmosphere for dialogue.
  4. Control and Empowerment: Participants have the opportunity to voice their concerns and actively shape the outcome, rather than leaving decisions in the hands of a judge.
  5. Confidentiality: Mediation discussions remain private, which can protect family dynamics and preserve relationships.
  6. Focus on the Future: Mediation encourages families to focus on creating workable solutions rather than getting caught up in past grievances.
  7. Customized Solutions: Mediators help families craft agreements tailored to their unique needs and circumstances, promoting better adherence and satisfaction with the outcomes.
  8. Improved Communication: The mediation process enhances communication skills, helping family members express their needs and concerns more effectively.

 

Choosing family mediation can lead to healthier, more sustainable resolutions, allowing families to move forward with greater understanding and cooperation. If you’re facing family disputes, consider mediation as a compassionate and effective alternative to court.

Why choose us

Your Trusted Partner in Navigating Legal Challenges

McKenzie Legal Services was created because:

Sometimes legal advice is needed.  We work with a professional circle of lawyers for referral purposes.

As insured and registered members of the Alberta Association of Professional Paralegals, we subscribe to, and are accountable to the Association’s professional ethics standards. We bring extensive knowledge and professionalism to every case. While we do not provide legal advice, we can connect you with trusted lawyers for legal consultations you may require. Our services are designed to be cost-effective compared to traditional legal representation, making it easier for you to access the help you need.

There are numerous tasks paralegals are able to perform without working for a lawyer. We, at McKenzie Legal Services, provide direct access to paralegals to assist you in achieving your goals, without paying exorbitant legal fees.

Meet Ryan, Owner, Operator

Hello and Welcome!

I am Ryan McDougall, a mediator and paralegal with McKenzie Legal Services. I have worked in family law for the last 23 years, mediating for the last 12 years. I graduated from Red Deer College’s Legal Assistant Program in 2001, then from Athabasca University with a Bachelor of Professional Arts degree, majoring in Governance, Law & Management, then from Royal Roads University with a Master of Arts in Justice Studies. Working in a law firm for 20 years on divorce and family law files showed me there is a better way for families to figure out how to live separately. So here we are. McKenzie Legal Services is here to provide families with a smart alternative to fighting it out in Court and giving their power (and their money) away. I am passionate about saving families time, energy and money as they navigate through changes and I look forward to meeting new clients.
100%
Client Satisfaction
23+
Years
Experience
Ryan

Ready to Take Control of Your Legal Matters?

At McKenzie Legal Services, we're here to provide expert guidance and support tailored to your unique situation. Whether you need help with mediation, legal coaching, or document preparation, our experienced team is ready to assist you.

Testimonial

What Our Clients Say

Hear from those who have benefited from our mediation, paralegal, and legal coaching services. We’re proud to have made a positive impact on their legal journeys.

Tamara Oakes
October 12, 2024

If you are looking for someone that is well experienced, professional and authentic then look no further. Ryan has proven to help so many people in the most challenging times of their lives including my brother get through a divorce. I will continue to refer family and friends to Ryan as I know she will walk along their side with her knowledge.

Jill Dohei
October 4, 2024

Excellent Service. Ryan helped me with my whole divorce.

Heather yanick
September 18, 2024

Ryan was great to work with when going through our divorce. Ryan made it easy for us to understand the whole process and she answered all of our questions & concerns. I would highly recommend Ryan @ McKenzie legal services.

Susanne Erickson
April 13, 2024

Very helpful and professional. Timely communication and thorough in the legal assistance provided.

Brian Hutzkal
February 23, 2024

Ryan at McKenzie legal was extremely helpful in drafting and getting all my documents together for my family law matters. McKenzie offers document prep, guidance/coaching services and even mediation services. Great at guiding me through the legal process and as a self represented person. It’s a great alternative to trying to book an expensive lawyer when you want to do lots of the work yourself to save money.

Mel G
February 6, 2024

Recently I was wanting to vary my parenting order and my respondent was being very difficult. I had a zoom meeting with Ryan and her input changed everything. Based on her information, I added an additional exhibit in my Affidavit and that exhibit was the most helpful piece of information in my entire filing. She definitely knows what she’s doing and the cost was also very reasonable. I am so thankful I reached out to Ryan when I did.

Jeffrey Young
December 13, 2023

Extremely professional!

Kenny M
December 13, 2023

I can confidently say that Ryan is extremely experienced and well versed in her craft. I would recommend her services to anyone needing it.

Kendra lea
December 12, 2023

The legal system can be difficult to navigate and extremely costly. I recommend McKenzie Legal Services to everyone I know who may benefit. Ryan and her team are highly professional and experienced. Her assistance quite frankly changed my life and helped me move forward after a divorce.

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