The Family Law Act provides a framework for how assets and debt can get divided during a separation and/or divorce and is intended to make way for an equitable division of assets as well as providing financial security following the end of a relationship. This becomes especially important if there’s no marriage or cohabitation agreement …
Read MoreToday more than ever, couples are choosing to cohabitate before getting married or opting not to marry at all. What is cohabitation? Cohabitation is when two unmarried individuals are living together. Cohabitation offers a number of benefits: financial benefits, shared responsibilities, partnership, and more. In addition to some of the benefits, it also brings legal …
Read MoreEstablishing a parenting plan can help you avoid conflict and go the extra mile for your child after a separation or divorce. You and your partner may use a parenting plan to determine more exact details regarding timing, location, and contact than a typical decision-making responsibility or parenting time agreement may provide. We spoke with …
Read MorePrivate pensions are a valuable component of retirement planning for many Canadians as they offer predictable income and financial security beyond the Canada Pension Plan CPP. In Ontario, private pensions hold significant value, making them complex assets to handle during divorce or separation proceedings. Here are some commonly asked questions from our clients during separation …
Read MoreThe well-being of a child can be as important to a grandparent as it is to a mother or father. Although most cases dealing with access and decision-making responsibility (formerly custody) are brought by parents, a grandparent may also seek a parenting order. While Canadian law does acknowledge a grandparent’s right to request access to …
Read MoreIn Ontario, parental alienation is recognized as a serious concern that can negatively impact the parent-child relationship as well as the wellbeing of the child. Alienating actions may be subject to legal consequences in Ontario, whether they have occurred deliberately or unintentionally in family law proceedings. Speaking to a family lawyer can help clarify what …
Read MoreFinancial abuse is a serious matter and is recognized in Ontario as a form of family violence. Because it is not talked about as often as other forms of abuse, it can be hard to determine whether you have experienced it. Financial abuse may affect relationships between grandparents, parents, children, or romantic partners. It’s a …
Read MoreThe Collaborative Divorce Process Collaborative divorce refers to the process of spouses working together to settle the terms of their divorce outside of court. Collaborative divorce is voluntary and normally means that negotiations remain amicable and address the interests of both parties through joint agreements. The Collaborative Team A collaborative team is assembled upon the …
Read MoreNot only can the stress of settling a divorce, separation, or parenting time negatively affect mental health, but pre-existing mental health conditions can play a critical role in family law cases. At Gelman & Associates, our lawyers can assist with family law cases and additional challenges introduced by mental health concerns. Contact us today to …
Read MoreThere is a common misconception among separating parties that, when their children are “old enough,” they will be able to decide which parent to live with. Well – this is not exactly how it works. In short: a child’s views and preferences are one of several factors the courts will consider and weigh in determining …
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