In an earlier blog post, I made reference to a November 2016 decision of the Honourable Mr. Justice Pazaratz and his denunciation of the parties’ practice of videoing each other with the child. In re-reading the Reasons in the Whidden and Ellwood case, I discovered commentary by Justice Pazaratz on a wealth of other relevant …
Read MoreFebruary. Valentine’s Day is around the corner. As is Family Day. For those who are separated or divorced, these two occasions can sometimes be a painful reminder of what once was. So I am penning this post to encourage you to celebrate what you do have, rather than mourning what you don’t. And to remind …
Read MoreIn February 2017, it will be twenty years since my call to the bar. My platinum anniversary. What does that mean? I’m old. I have been doing this for a long time. Thankfully, I really like it. The court shirts I purchased in 1997 do not fit anymore. My gowns have seen better days. I …
Read More“The dog is man’s best friend.” (Ogden Nash)“ “The better I get to know men, the more I find myself loving dogs.” (Charles de Gaulle) “Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”(Dean Koontz) People love their dogs. Dogs are treasured members of the family. Some people even …
Read MoreSo I got really busy and couldn’t blog on the last two days of trial. Lots of stuff happening. I didn’t think anyone would notice. Figured I would just do it later. But, surprise, surprise. I got notes from people asking about the trial, who want to know what happened. I am so pleased to …
Read MoreIt is 7:30 am on the morning of the third day of trial. Yes, I slept in today. Worked late and couldn’t move when the alarm went off at 6:00. But still had trial dreams. Yuck. Yesterday was a good day. The other side didn’t seem to score any points in cross of our client. …
Read MoreLast week, I attended the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (Ontario Chapter) conference. It was inspiring and enjoyable to spend time with professionals all of whom work with families going through separation and divorce. There were lawyers and social workers and psychologists and judges. There were individual speakers on topics ranging from challenging clients …
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 MoreSo, school is almost out. My son finishes today at noon. He is one of the many kids counting down the days until he leaves for overnight camp – a countdown that began in September. If you are separated or divorced, here are a few pointers on how to make it easier for your son …
Read MoreMatrimonial Home and What that means for you Your home. It is likely your most valuable and valued asset. But were you aware that your home may qualify for special treatment under Ontario law? A matrimonial home is defined by the Family Law Act as every property in which a person has an interest which is …
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