Yes. You should meet with an experienced lawyer who can explain your rights, review the facts of your case, explain applicable law, and help you to understand how mediation and/or arbitration can work best for your case. Mediators and arbitrators are not there to give you legal advice so you should have good legal advice before …
Read MoreMediation is very common and is used increasingly in family law; however, it is often misunderstood. Mediation allows you and your spouse to reach a mutually satisfactory settlement with the help of a neutral, third-party called a mediator. Mediators can be lawyers, mental health professionals, clergy, or other professionals trained in alternative dispute resolution techniques. …
Read MoreYes. Unlike child support, spousal support is tax deductible to the payor and taxable as income to the recipient.
Read MoreEmotional support is available in the form of private mental health providers, including psychologists, psychiatrists, clinical social workers, and other counselors. Many of these individuals are in private practice and others work for non-profit agencies and for the government. Many agencies will provide counseling at a fee based upon your income.
Read MoreIn order to prepare for a trial, you must realize that the victim’s evidence is often critical and so you must be prepared to speak in court about the abuse. If you go to court at least an hour before your trial you can speak to a Victim/Witness Assistance Program representative and they can help …
Read MoreIn 2007, 40,000 cases of domestic violence were reported to police. This represents about 12% of violent crimes reported to police in Canada. Spousal homicides account for approximately 16% of all solved homicides.
Read MoreThis is a difficult question and one that is specific to each individual case. However, there are some general guidelines on the way in which courts award support for a specific duration. Once a support order is made, a motion to change support must be brought if there is a significant change in circumstances and …
Read MoreMediation can be initiated by the agreement of the parties, or by the court.
Read MoreDomestic violence in the Criminal Code only includes physical violence, sexual assault or stalking. However, this is not the only kind of domestic violence. Emotional, psychological or financial abuse is similarly harmful and you must seek protection.
Read MoreYour lawyer can help you find a mediator. Mediators can be lawyers, mental health professionals, clergy, and other trained professionals. You and your spouse should both trust the mediator since this individual is going to help you to communicate through your differences. The Ontario Superior Court of Justice also has a roster of family mediators available …
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