The Trend of “Giving While Still Living”
Introduction Many older parents in Ontario are choosing to share their wealth with their adult children while still alive, rather than waiting to have the funds distributed as part of their Estate after death. This way, the parents can financially benefit their children and grandchildren much sooner, and perhaps even experience the effects of their own generosity in “real time”. Or, the...
Rules for Living Together While Separated – Tips from a Family Lawyer
It’s common for couples to live together before marriage—but what about after separation? If you’re newly separated, then there may be financial realities, such as rising house costs and job market instability, that are making it impractical for you to move out into separate residences immediately. Under Canadian law, having an official separation date is the first step towards qualifying for...
Financial Disclosure in Canadian Divorce: What You Need to Know
Divorce can be one of the most challenging experiences in your life. It can lay bare a lot of your emotions, dashed hopes, and deeply-held fears – not to mention your finances. Financial disclosure is a mandatory step in the Canadian divorce process. Both spouses must provide a full and honest account of their financial situation, including income, assets, debts, and expenses. This...
Estate Planning After Divorce: What You Need to Know
Divorce is a life-changing event. It impacts your finances, your family relationships, and your social connections. It also derails the careful future plans you may have made with – and for – your spouse. One area that often gets overlooked in a divorce process, is estate planning. In this Blog, we’ll explore why post-divorce estate planning is critical, explain how Ontario law affects...
How to Avoid Invasion of Privacy During Divorce
The divorce process is stressful and emotionally charged. It can make former spouses – who were formerly committed and in love – behave very badly toward each other, and in ways that are out of character. This can look like one-upmanship, retribution, vindictiveness, or a scorched-earth approach to divorce litigation. It can involve conduct that is destructive, underhanded, and even contrary...
Divorce in Ontario: Buying Your Spouse Out of the House
Dividing assets during a divorce process in Ontario can be a complex process for most couples. This is especially true about their matrimonial home: It’s not only steeped in memories, but usually represents a couple’s most valuable marital asset. This means the decision on what happens to it is not merely emotional, but also important from a legal and financial standpoint. One common...
Starting a Business Before Your Divorce is Final: What You Need to Know
Starting a new business is an exciting venture at any time in life. But if you’re in the midst of a divorce, you might be wondering how it might affect things. Let’s start with a key point: There’s nothing to prevent you from starting a business now – in fact, Canadian divorce law is structured to help former spouses move on quickly with their separate lives – but there are a few legal and...
Top 7 Myths About Divorce, Debunked
Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged process. For many, it’s made more challenging by the myths and common misconceptions surrounding it. These can lead to stress and confusion. As a Canadian divorce lawyer, I’ve encountered countless clients who’ve been misled about their rights, or have misunderstood the law. Let’s set the record straight by debunking five of the most common...
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Ontario: Understanding the Differences
If your marriage has irrevocably broken down, you and your spouse will face a pressing and important decision about how to move forward. Two common paths are: 1) separation; and 2) divorce. Each of these has distinct legal implications under Ontario law. This blog will briefly explore these concepts – and highlight the important differences – so you can make an informed decision on what to...