Hiring a family law specialist gives you confidence for a more skilled lawyer. There are many lawyers competing for your legal dollar. Their skill, experience and fees are all over the map. How do you choose? Price? Recent decisions in their favour? A positive review online? A referral from a trusted friend or advisor? While …
Read MoreKids need to be heard when parents separate Divorce is not necessarily bad for children. Unresolved conflict, and not divorce, is what harms children and compromises their healthy development. But make no mistake, divorce is tough on children. Plain and simple. Parents need to be aware of, and sensitive to, this fact when moving through …
Read MoreHaving kids perspective is important in the Child Reports With an aim of creating more constructive, positive outcomes for parties dealing with custody and access issues, Toronto family lawyer Jennifer Samara Shuber is now offering her services in preparing Voice of the Child Reports as a part of her practice. Shuber, a partner with Basman Smith LLP, says the …
Read MoreCreating more complexities with false accusations in custody disputes In custody disputes, claims of abuse can make bad situations worse Child abuse allegations aggravate custody disputes. Whether counsel represents the alleged abuser or the parent making the allegation, these cases are fraught with difficulty. The issue is a sensitive one, exposing intimate family details and …
Read MoreWhat to do with all the stuff after a divorce in Ontario A family lawyer will help you deal with the legal fall-out resulting from a break-up. A therapist will help you deal with the emotional issues. But what do you do with the stuff? The wedding dress? The engagement ring? This week, I thought …
Read MoreHow is a matrimonial home defined? A matrimonial home has special treatment under Ontario law. Parties should be aware of the many ways in which a matrimonial home is treated differently from other assets, so that they can plan accordingly. Since only married spouses can have a matrimonial home at present, this information is only …
Read MoreHow do criminal and family lawyers work together? While information sharing between family and criminal lawyers is crucial, a “one judge” approach could be problematic, says Toronto family lawyer Jennifer Samara Shuber. A recent Toronto Star report examined how a lack of information sharing between the family and criminal court systems is “putting domestic violence victims at risk, …
Read MoreAs one of the Toronto family lawyers, I was proud this week: This past week, Toronto was host to WorldPride for the first time, culminating a 34 year tradition of local Pride celebrations. Also this past week, my cousin and his husband became parents and welcomed a healthy and happy 9 pound 7 ounce baby …
Read MoreHow does child support apply with older children out of the house? Many support payors are under the impression that child support ceases when that child leaves home to attend a post-secondary institution. Our courts, however, have taken a different approach. Child support is reduced but not eliminated. In these cases, the issue is whether …
Read MoreForgiveness means letting go The world lost a great man December 5, 2013 when Nelson Mandela passed. Although a somewhat controversial figure in his youth, his leadership of South Africa and his work in eliminating apartheid were inspired and inspiring. Watching the many celebrations of his life -and I imagine there are many more to …
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