First Family Principles and Divorce
All Children Are Not Equal Under First Family Practices Subsequent marriages may often lead to new siblings. Blended Families: The New Norm A previous marriage or relationship leaves a lasting impression on the future, especially when a child may be involved as a product of the former marriage. Beyond parental duties, there are financial obligations like child support that remain until a child...
Divorce Affects Pension Plans
Hard earned pension plans may be subject to division during a divorce. Dividing Assets is Tedious Building a life with another person is both rewarding and beneficial. However, when a relationship turns sour, it can also spoil years of combined progress and efforts towards a common goal. Couples frequently fight and argue over assets and property because of the perceived imbalance that leads...
Text Messages and Social Media in Divorce Proceedings in Canada
We live in a world that has been transformed by advances in electronics within living memory. In many ways, we are still adjusting to the differences that social media sites and text messaging have made to the way we socialize and communicate. Although these changes may feel so new that it’s hard to believe that Twitter, email and the like can be accepted as evidence in court, the fact...
Dividing Gifts During a Divorce
What’s Mine is Yours… Or, Is It? Dividing up gifts during divorce proceedings is not always an easy task. Amicable Settlements are Best for Both Parties Divorce is much more than a simple break up. After years of living together and building one life from two, splitting up can come down to splitting hairs over property, money, and personal belongings that each person believes are their own....
Survive the Divorce by Knowing Your Rights & Obligations
The basic guidelines for dissolution of marriage are subject to the Divorce Act. Additionally, Canada’s Constitution mandates that the federal and provincial governments establish jurisdiction over family law. This creates a complex tangle of laws that make it confusing to ascertain your specific rights and obligations when seeking or responding to a divorce. Divorce Law is Multifaceted When...
When Couples Don’t Want to Stay Married, is Divorce the Only Option?
Not All Couples Live Happily Ever After Despite the best of intentions, not all couples live happily ever after. When couples drift apart, they often think they have two options: stay married and stay miserable; or divorce. In fact, couples have a third option – a legal separation. Couples can remain legally married for an indefinite period of time. Warren Buffet, for example, separated...
Breaking the News: Talking to Your Kids About Divorce
Divorce is frequently difficult and costly. When it comes time to split, couples often argue over blame, assets, and hurt feelings. If the decision is painful for the adults, imagine how children may struggle with the news that mom and dad are getting a divorce. Many parents don’t know when to broach the subject with their children. The Prevalence of Divorce With divorce rates as high as 40%,...
Divorce Roadblocks: Dealing with Uncooperative Spouses
Unfortunately, not all marriages have a happy ending. Divorces are not uncommon in Canada, and are granted to couples that have separated for over a year. There are two types of divorces: contested and uncontested. About 80% of divorces are uncontested; however, if the marriage didn’t end on happy terms, a partner can lengthen and complicate the divorce proceedings by contesting it. Common...
Why Getting Divorced as a Senior is Becoming More Popular
You might have said, “’Til death do us part” at the altar, but if you’re in your 50s or beyond and contemplating divorce, you’re not alone. Read on to learn more about the increasing divorce rate among seniors, as well as the emotional and financial effects of divorce. Why Is Divorce Among Seniors More Common? Statistics Canada only keeps track of the divorce rate in Canada, not the reasons...