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...
Uncontested Divorce in Ontario: A Step-by-Step Guide
The process of getting a divorce in Canada may be a little confusing, especially since there are a few different routes you can go. One of those routes is an uncontested divorce, which is available if you and your spouse agree fully on the terms of your separation. Here is a step-by-step guide to navigating the process of getting an uncontested divorce in Ontario. Step 1: Confirm Your...
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...