Common-Law Relationships in Ontario: The Essentials
Under Canadian Family law, there are two categories of romantic relationships that are recognized: 1) Formal marriages, and 2) Common-law unions. With common-law relationships in particular, there is often a misconception that the two partners – being unmarried – must simply “walk away” from each other, with no string attached. But this is not quite true. In fact, common-law relationships...
My Spouse Died After We Separated. What Happens to All Our Assets & Debts?
If you’re separated but not divorced, and your spouse suddenly dies, it can add an unexpected layer of complexity to the process of divorce, which is already an emotional and challenging situation. You may wonder how your spouse’s death will affect the division of your marital assets and liabilities, particularly if things weren’t fully settled before they passed away. Understanding how...
Divorce Tips: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s False Allegations
Divorce can be a harrowing and emotionally-charged experience. In many Ontario divorces, the embattled spouses often scheme about ways to gain tactical advantages over each other. Although there are many strategies for doing this, a common one is also the simplest: Through falsehood. In your own divorce, you may have learned that your spouse is making false allegations against you. Perhaps...
Canadian Family Law 101: Property Acquired After Separation – But Before Divorce
Most married couples will be familiar with a basic principle of Canadian Family Law: That any assets they acquired during the marriage are subject to an equalization process upon separation and divorce. In Ontario, that process is governed by the provincial Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. F.3 (FLA). But what about property that one of them acquired after their separation date? For example,...
Is Tracking Your Spouse’s Phone, or Hacking Their Computer, Illegal?
If you’re going through a separation or divorce, you might be tempted to track your spouse’s phone. These days, it’s easier than ever; plenty of apps can be installed surreptitiously with a few clicks of an “install” button. They run unobtrusively in the background, and can reveal all kinds of information, including: Where your spouse has been, and where they are going in real-time Who they...
Understanding “Retroactive Child Support” in Ontario Family Law
Under Ontario Family law, the concept of child support is a key part of ensuring a child’s needs are met when his or her parents separate or divorce. Most parents in this situation will be familiar with the concept of ongoing child support – which is future-facing. However, the concept of “retroactive” child support is less commonly understood. This Blog will touch on the answers to some of...
What is the Child Support Amount for One Kid in Ontario?
We get this question in our office all the time: “How much child support will I have to pay for my kid?” Unfortunately, the question defies an easy answer. There are a lot of “moving parts” to the equation. With this in mind, we’ll first untangle the legal foundation for answering that query, and then look at how the support numbers are calculated. Then, we’ll give a fact-specific example....
Your First Meeting with a Divorce Lawyer: How to Prepare
Are you gearing up for your first meeting with a divorce lawyer? If so, you might have some concerns about what to expect, and how you should prepare. After all, it’s a crucial initial step that can significantly impact the outcome of your divorce proceedings. 1. What’s the Objective? The initial consultation with your lawyer has three main goals: To convey the needed background facts and...
Online Security Tips During Your Divorce
Divorce is a challenging time. It’s filled with emotional and logistical hurdles. One aspect that can easily be overlooked is online security. In Canada – as in many parts of the world – people increasingly rely on digital communication, and on online services. This means it’s become crucial to protect your personal information at all times, but especially during your divorce. Here are some...