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...
Text Messages and Harassment in Family Law
If you are in the midst of a contentious separation or divorce, it’s easy to get embroiled in a heated exchange of text messages with your spouse. All it takes is to pick up your phone, type out a few words, and … the shots are fired. It’s one way to vent your frustrations, but these exchanges can escalate rapidly. You may find your spouse texting you dozens of times in a row, or...
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...
Criminal Charges in High-Conflict Canadian Divorces
Divorce is hard at the best of times. A high-conflict divorce is always extra challenging. But if one of the spouses has been charged with a criminal offence, then the stakes are higher and the complexities, greater. Here are some points to consider: Divorce Act Provisions on Family Violence We will assume that the criminal charges against one spouse stem from an incident of domestic...
The Canadian Law on “Family Violence” – It’s There to Help You
In the lives of some members of Canadian society, domestic violence is an unfortunate reality. These days, the more modern term is “Intimate Partner Violence” (IPV) or “Family Violence”, but the concept remains the same: It describes a prevalent form of gender-based violence, usually perpetrated by men against women. If you’re a victim of Family Violence, the good news is that Canadian Family...
Lessons Learned: Consequences of ‘Bad Faith’ Actions in Divorce Proceedings
Divorce proceedings often bring out the worst in couples, with some resorting to deceitful tactics to avoid their financial obligations. A recent case in Ontario sheds light on the severe consequences of such “bad faith” actions, highlighting the importance of honesty and integrity in legal matters. The Case: A Tale of Fraudulent Transfers and Deception In this case, a husband...
Grandparents Rights in Ontario: Grandparent – Grandchild Access
Grandparents play an important role in the child’s upbringing. They provide love, comfort, guidance, and companionship to a Child. When parents separate, grandparents access to their grandchildren may be frustrated due to family conflict. No loving grandparent wants to be estranged from their grandchild. We have dealt with a number of cases wherein grandparents cared intimately for their...
My Spouse Wants a Divorce. I Do Not. What Do I Do?
Facing the reality that your spouse wants a divorce while you do not can be an emotionally overwhelming and confusing experience. It’s a situation that can leave you feeling powerless and uncertain about your future. However, it’s essential to remember that you still have options and can take steps to navigate this challenging situation while making informed decisions about your...
Tips for Co-Parenting with a Difficult Ex-Spouse
Co-parenting with a difficult ex-spouse can be one of the most challenging aspects of a divorce. Dealing with hostility, uncooperativeness, and communication barriers can create tension and negatively impact the children involved. However, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being of the children and find effective strategies for successful co-parenting despite the difficulties. In this...