Financial Abuse: The Hidden Factor in Many Divorces
In some of our recent Blogs, we’ve discussed the growing legal recognition of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV), including the Supreme Court of Canada’s recent decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia. One important point emerging from that case is this: Abuse within a relationship is not limited to physical violence. It can also include emotional, psychological, and financial abuse. That...
Tips for Surviving a High-Conflict Divorce in Ontario
If you are going through a high-conflict divorce, it might feel like the process is taking over every part of your life. In addition to your job and trying to manage your children’s day-to-day schedules, you might also be managing: constant communication problems or harassment from your Ex court appearances and related scheduling challenges the fallout in terms of your children’s emotional...
What Happens if Your Ex is Hiding Income?
If your marriage has broken down, you may quickly discover that financial disclosure is an important – and perhaps contentious — part of the separation process with your Ex. You might notice that your Ex has suddenly become secretive about their finances. Or maybe you suspect they are actively hiding income. The good news, is that the law is on your side: In Ontario, as divorcing spouses you...
Breaking News for Victims of Intimate Partner Violence: Supreme Court Recognizes New Civil Tort and Remedies
If you are the unfortunate victim of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in your relationship, you should know about a groundbreaking legal development recently – one aimed squarely at strengthening the Canadian laws designed to protect you. But first, a little bit about the existing law on IPV. We’ve written about it before, in our Blog titled, “The Canadian Law on ‘Family Violence’ – It’s There...
Fine & Associates Featured in Law360 Canada on the Growing Risks of AI in Family Law
Artificial Intelligence is rapidly changing the legal landscape, including the practice of family law. As more litigants and even legal professionals rely on AI-generated content, Ontario courts are increasingly facing challenges related to inaccurate information, fabricated case citations, and improperly prepared legal materials. Fine & Associates Professional Corporation is proud to...
Summer is Coming! How to Prepare for a Stress-Free Season with Your Kids
Here in Ontario, summer is just around the corner. For kids, it’s the time of year for endless sunny days, carefree fun, freedom from routines, and plenty of time with friends. But if you are a parent who is separated or divorced, then the summer months can feel like a challenge. That’s because the season is full of temporary change: School routines disappear. Schedules open up. Vacations,...
Lorne Fine Featured in Law360 Canada on Bill C-223 and Parenting Determinations
Fine & Associates is pleased to share that Lorne Fine has been featured in Law360 Canada with a timely article examining the proposed changes under Bill C-223 and what they may mean for family law in Canada. In his article, Lorne explores how Bill C-223, the Keeping Children Safe Act, could reshape the way courts approach parenting determinations, particularly in cases involving family...
“Drunk Wedding, Still Married: Court Says Alcohol Isn’t Enough to Undo ‘I Do’”
People sometimes assume that an annulment is simply a faster or easier alternative to divorce. In reality, the opposite is true: In Ontario, annulments are uncommon, and courts approach them cautiously. The reason lies in what an annulment actually does. We’ve written about the general Canadian law on annulments before, in our Blogs titled Divorce vs. Annulment in Canada: What’s the...
What Happens If Your Ex Is Hiding Income?
When your relationship ends, financial disclosure is not simply a formality; it is a legal obligation. Under Canadian Family law, each of you must provide complete and accurate information about your financial circumstances, including your income. As one Ontario judge put it, it’s “the most basic obligation in family law and it is immediate, automatic and ongoing” (J.G. v. D.M., 2023 ONSC...