So, 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 …
Read MoreGetting into Family Law and Helping Families I have obtained my mediation accreditation from the Ontario Association for Family Mediation. I am now a certified comprehensive family mediator. I can mediate any family law issues, including all property, support and parenting matters. In a nutshell, mediation is a voluntary process where both sides (and their counsel, if represented) work …
Read MoreFamily Law and How it Pertains to Everyone I see lots of unhappy people in my office. Many are first time clients. Clients who have come to meet with me to learn about how the law will impact them. People who have either separated or are considering separation, and want to know their rights. These …
Read MoreQuestion: I don’t want to get divorced. Can I get an annulment instead? Answer: Annulments are different from divorces. A divorce is the legal end to a marriage, granted by a Judge. In Canada, you can obtain a divorce if there is a breakdown in the marriage, based on one of three grounds: living separate …
Read MoreCanadian Family Court for the Public In Canada, we have an open court system. That is probably obvious from the daily bombardment of information coming out of two sensational Ontario court cases presently under way: the Jian Ghomeshi sexual assault trial and the trial of Tim Bosma’s alleged killers. People might know that criminal proceedings …
Read MoreA Funny take on Divorce Amy Poehler has written a book called “YES PLEASE”. It is a hilarious, and often wise, account of life, love and the pursuit of happiness. Last night, I read her chapter entitled “My Books on Divorce”. I laughed out loud. As a divorced woman, I could relate to a number …
Read MoreIn Ontario, common law couples do not automatically have property rights in the way that married couples do. Rather, when you are common law, ownership is strictly by title. In simplest terms, this means that each party leaves the relationship with whatever is in his or her name, and assets are not subject to division …
Read MoreHaving a good attitude during a separation Following separation, you have a choice. You can choose the bitter path, criticizing and devaluing your ex. You can attack your former spouse in public and private. With words and actions, you can blame and punish. Many do. Or, as Ron Burgundy says, you can “stay classy, San …
Read MoreAddiction can alter or even destroy relationships, so it’s no surprise that it can sometimes be a factor in a couples’ divorce as well. It can cause trust issues, financial problems, and concerns about raising children. Dependency can take the person with whom you fell in love and completely transform them into your worst nightmare. …
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