A wedding ring, when it is first purchased, is a symbol of love and passion. But what happens when the symbolism behind it is no longer meaningful? Going through a divorce often means getting rid of some of your possessions, but what should you do with your wedding ring? The fact that it is an …
Read MoreBuying property is expensive. Nowadays, many first time buyers are assisted by the kind contribution of parents or in-laws. If someone in your family is generous enough to provide you with funds, make it clear whether these monies are a gift or a loan. It can make a difference down the line if the marriage …
Read MoreIf you’re on the emotional rollercoaster that is divorce, you may feel too distracted to worry about your future financial situation or to prepare for meeting with a lawyer. There are some things, though, that you really shouldn’t leave for the last minute. Understanding your income and debts now puts you in an advantageous position, …
Read MoreIn a recent decision of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice (Noel v. Noel), the Court awarded spousal support to Mr. Noel, finding that he was entitled to this award on both a compensatory and non-compensatory basis. Spousal Support Awards: Divorce Act and Guidance from the Supreme Court of Canada When making an order requiring …
Read MoreThe term “co-parenting” generally refers to a situation where two parents work together to raise a child even though they are divorced, separated or no longer living together. Co-parenting can be very challenging, even when there is little or no acrimony between the parents. Managing a child’s appointments, activities, schooling, health, chores, playdates, etc. under one …
Read MoreWe’ve previously highlighted the importance of drafting a legally binding will in the Wills and Power of Attorney section of our website and in our blog on Mutual Wills. A will gives you control over the distribution of your assets, the ability to select Estate Trustee(s), and the opportunity to address guardianship and inheritance matters with …
Read MoreFollowing a case conference, parties to a family law proceeding (Michelon v. Ryder) reached a comprehensive agreement on a final order. The Court noted that the agreement was an excellent result for all involved. However, the Court questioned its jurisdiction to include a term in the order requiring the parties to submit to secondary arbitration. …
Read MoreIt’s not uncommon for a parent to seek to impute income to other parent for the purposes of support calculations, especially if they suspect he or she is intentionally under-employed. In a recent decision of the Ontario Court of Justice (Charron v. Carriere), the Court imputed income to both the father and the mother, finding that …
Read MoreDeciding to end a relationship or marriage is never easy. It can be especially difficult if you have a partner with narcissistic personality disorder. In a previous blog we recommended a few ways to keep your distance and your cool when dealing with a narcissistic ex. But what about before that? What if you’re still in …
Read MoreFor some people, deciding who gets the pets after a divorce can be just as difficult and heartbreaking as determining custody of the children. Pets often become part of the family, but the law in Ontario considers them personal property to be divided at the end of a marriage. This means that no matter how …
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