Do I Have to Support my Ex-Wife After Our Divorce?
That’s a question we get asked often at our law firm. Of course, the answer is not straightforward since, under Canadian law, it depends on a multitude of factors. But if you have this same question on your mind, here are some key points that will go into the answer – though getting the advice of an experienced Family lawyer is also highly recommended. (And note that while this blog is...
Relocation and Family Law in Ontario: What Happens When a Parent Wants to Move with Their Child?
Few issues in family law can be as emotionally charged and impactful as relocation. If you are a separated or divorced parent, and you need or want to move with your child to a new location, it can deeply affect everyone involved – especially the child him or herself. Regardless of whether it’s due to career advancement, family needs, or personal safety, the need to relocate can be legally...
Unbundled Legal Services – The Pros and Cons for Ontario Family Law Clients
Navigating Family law issues in Ontario can be daunting, and potentially expensive. The good news is that the Law Society of Ontario, which is the provincial regulator for legal profession, allows lawyers to offer “unbundled” legal services to the public – also known as “limited scope representation”. This means that as a client, you pay a family lawyer for only specified tasks, rather than...
Family Court Process in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide
Especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system, the family court process in Ontario can be daunting. If you have a Family Law matter to resolve – whether it involves parenting time, spousal support, or property division – it’s important to understand the key steps. In this post, we’ll guide you through every stage, from filing your initial application to preparing for trial. You’ll...
How to Announce Divorce: A Thoughtful Approach
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, impacting not only you and your spouse but also your family, friends, and even colleagues. The way you announce your divorce can play a significant role in shaping how others perceive and respond to this change. A poorly handled divorce announcement can strain relationships and create unnecessary stress, especially if children are...
What’s My Legal Date of Separation?
It may seem odd, but in some divorce scenarios, you and your spouse may not agree on the exact date you officially separated from each other. This uncertainty could arise for many reasons. Financial pressures, a poor real estate market, or job losses may have forced you to continue living under the same roof until you can afford separate residences. Or, perhaps you had some brief attempts at...
How to Check Your Divorce Status in Ontario
Divorce is a major life event. It’s a very rule-heavy, document-laden procedure. As with many other aspects of life, the divorce process has been streamlined and enhanced through the use of technology. Divorce records are now online – but that doesn’t mean they are freely accessible. If you’re in Ontario, here are some of the essentials you should know, about getting information about the...
Pros and Cons of Marriage vs. Common-Law: Which is Best for You?
So you’ve found yourself a lifelong partner – someone who you think is “The One”. It looks like happily-ever-after is well within reach for you. Now what? Do you get married? Or do you choose to live together in a common-law relationship? It’s an important decision. That’s because in Ontario, each of these options comes with distinct legal rights and responsibilities. Understanding the...
Text Messages and Harassment in Family Law
If you are in the midst of a contentious separation or divorce, it’s easy to get embroiled in a heated exchange of text messages with your spouse. All it takes is to pick up your phone, type out a few words, and … the shots are fired. It’s one way to vent your frustrations, but these exchanges can escalate rapidly. You may find your spouse texting you dozens of times in a row, or...