Can You Be Separated and Still Living Together? CRA Rules, Explained
If you and your spouse have decided to separate, you might assume one of you has to move out right away. But with today’s high housing costs, shared parenting duties, or simply needing more time to sort things out, many couples live in ‘same household separation’ conditions. Discover how the CRA views couples who are separated and living together, and what evidence is required to confirm...
Divorce in Ontario: A Legal, Financial, and Emotional Checklist
Divorce is often described as one of life’s most stressful events — and for good reason. It’s not just the end of a relationship; it’s a complex legal, financial, and emotional process. If you’re thinking about separating, or have already taken the first steps, preparation can make the road ahead less bumpy. Here’s a quick-but-comprehensive checklist to help you organize your legal,...
How Long Does Spousal Support Last in Ontario?
Spousal support is often one of the more complicated parts of a separation or divorce. If you’re paying or receiving support in Ontario, you’re probably wondering: how long will this last? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The end date can vary widely depending on your circumstances, what the court decides, and what you and your Ex have agreed to. In this brief...
Can You Get Spousal or Child Support Even Before Your Divorce is Final?
Going through a separation and divorce can be tough. Emotionally and financially, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed, and concerned for what the future holds. One question that we get asked often by potential child or spousal support recipients, is about the present: Specifically, whether they are entitled to payments from their Exnow – even before the divorce happens. The Two Types of Spousal...
Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Separation? Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips
Do you need a lawyer for your separation? If you’re going through a separation on the way to a divorce, you’ve probably wondered: “Do I actually need a lawyer for this early stage, or can I handle things myself?” It’s a fair question. Lawyers can seem intimidating (and, let’s be honest, expensive), and there’s a lot you might feel comfortable sorting...
When Will a Court Deny Spousal Support?
When a relationship breaks down, one of the biggest worries people have is money – including who might owe spousal support to whom. Many people make incorrect assumptions, such as: Spousal support is automatically awarded by courts It’s always the wife who gets spousal support Spousal support usually goes on indefinitely, long after the divorce papers are signed. None of these is true, at...
How Do You Prove “Parental Alienation”?
In a past Blog we talked about the concept of “parental alienation” in the context of a separation or divorce. It’s the idea that one parent is attempting to manipulate a child to turn against the other parent. This can occur in many ways, such as by making persistent negative comments to the child about the other parent, undermining his or her parental authority, or through sheer emotional...
How Do Judges View Parental Alienation in Custody Disputes?
In last week’s Blog titled “How Do You Prove “Parental Alienation”?, we talked about the concept of “parental alienation”. It’s the phenomenon where one parent – usually consciously –attempts to keep the child away from the other parent, or else orchestrate the deterioration of their relationship. In the context of an acrimonious divorce or separation, in most cases the parent’s goal is to...
What’s a “Divorce Certificate”, and How Do I Get One in Ontario?
In a recent Blog, we covered the process of getting an uncontested divorce in Ontario. As that Blog describes, there are many distinct procedural steps that must be strictly followed. This ensures that your divorce is legal and finalized, so that you and your former spouse can move on with your lives. One of those steps in your divorce will be obtaining a divorce certificate. What’s a Divorce...