Do You Need a Lawyer for Your Separation? Pros, Cons, and Practical Tips
Do you need a lawyer for your separation? If you’re going through a separation on the way to a divorce, you’ve probably wondered: “Do I actually need a lawyer for this early stage, or can I handle things myself?” It’s a fair question. Lawyers can seem intimidating (and, let’s be honest, expensive), and there’s a lot you might feel comfortable sorting...
When Will a Court Deny Spousal Support?
When a relationship breaks down, one of the biggest worries people have is money – including who might owe spousal support to whom. Many people make incorrect assumptions, such as: Spousal support is automatically awarded by courts It’s always the wife who gets spousal support Spousal support usually goes on indefinitely, long after the divorce papers are signed. None of these is true, at...
How Do You Prove “Parental Alienation”?
In a past Blog we talked about the concept of “parental alienation” in the context of a separation or divorce. It’s the idea that one parent is attempting to manipulate a child to turn against the other parent. This can occur in many ways, such as by making persistent negative comments to the child about the other parent, undermining his or her parental authority, or through sheer emotional...
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...