5 Divorce Myths You Need to Know
Going through a divorce is an experience that is going to be different for everyone, so there’s going to be lots of stories that circulate from people’s experiences going through this. From those stories, there may be some myths created that just aren’t true about going through a divorce. Here’s are 5 myths about divorce that you need to know. #1 Someone should win, and someone should lose...Ending a Common-Law Relationship? Here’s What You Need to Know
Living together without getting married doesn’t make a relationship any less valid, and those relationships experience the same issues and roadblocks that legally married couples do. Those relationships can also come to an end – even after years together. The process for ending a common-law relationship is not exactly the same as going through a divorce, but there are some important things...by Fine & Associates Common Law Spouses, Property Division, Separation, Spousal SupportApril 29, 2022
I Am in a Common Law Relationship: What Are My Property Rights?
Property Rights and Common Law Marriage in Ontario Common-law standing for couples in Ontario stipulates that the couple must have been living together in a “conjugal relationship” for no less than three years. But that timeline changes to just one year if the couple serves a parental role or is birth parents of a child. There is a long list of common law property rights guaranteed to...Common Law Ontario: Requirements, Property Rights, Child Support Obligations
Common law in Ontario means the couple must have been living together in a “conjugal relationship” for at least three years. That duration changes to one year if the couple are the parents of a child. There are some misconceptions about the legal implications of the common law marriage in Ontario. As a legal matter, “common-law” relationships fall under the jurisdiction of courts in the...Are Common Law Relationships Pushing the Divorce Rate Down?
It’s likely that they are. To understand how, let’s look at some of the facts around common-law relationships. How common is common law? According to the CBC, as of the 2011 census, 11% of Canadian women were living with a common-law partner. And people of all ages are changing the way they approach relationships. Historica reports that “Today, first unions are more likely...Common Law Separation Agreement: What It Means For You
When two people cohabit in a committed, marriage–like relationship, Canadian law defines it as a common law relationship. According to a recent survey, more and more couples in the country are opting for a common law relationship. Most of these couples do not understand their rights; in fact, most of them wrongly believe that they are entitled to the same laws as a married couple. The...Paternity / DNA Tests
A biological parent is responsible for supporting his/her child. If there is any doubt that a father is the child’s biological father, a court can order that this person attend for DNA testing to determine if he is the child’s biological father. (more…)What is the process of Mediation?
There are usually five stages to mediation: Stage 1: Introductions Mediator introduces themselves and explains the rules for mediation (i.e. act courteous to each other, no arguing, take turns speaking, either party or the mediator can terminate at any time etc.) (more…)Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines
The Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are not legislated guidelines. Although they assist family lawyers and the courts in determining the appropriate range of spousal support in a case, the SSAG are not binding on a court. A judge has the inherent discretion to determine what he/she considers the appropriate quantum of support. In Fisher v. Fisher, the Ontario Court of Appeal held that...How to Prepare for your Separation/Divorce
In some of our cases, the parties separation has been “brewing” for quite some time. One or both parties may think about separating from their spouse, but they do not approach a lawyer. He/she may be preparing emotionally and financially to separate from his/her spouse. In other cases, a spouse may be surprised to learn that his/her spouse wants to separate. It comes as a...by Fine & Associates Common Law Spouses, Divorce, Marriage, Property Division, Spousal SupportOctober 5, 2011