Buying 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 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 MoreI have arrived. A new building. A new office. A new parking lot. A new document management system. Even a new iPhone. My new mantra is change is good. If I say it enough times, it becomes the truth, right? My last day at Basman Smith LLP was Friday, August 12, 2016. Then I took …
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 MoreI am pleased to announce that, effective August 15, 2016, I am joining the Beard Winter partnership to continue my family law and mediation practice. I am thrilled to be heading up their family law department with friend and colleague Audrey Shecter. My new contact information as of that date is: Beard Winter 130 Adelaide …
Read MoreWhat happens if the words in a will seem to contradict statements made by the deceased prior to his or her death? The Ontario Superior Court of Justice examined this issue in a recent case (Royston (Trustees of) v. Alkerton). The Facts The deceased was the mother of five children (Michael, Peter, Laura, Alan, and …
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