What Happens at a Case Conference in Ontario Family Law?
If you’re going through a separation or divorce, your first real appearance before a family court judge will often be a Case Conference. It’s not a trial: There are no witnesses, and the judge isn’t there to make findings of fact. Instead, a Case Conference is meant to identify the issues, encourage settlement, confirm that information has been exchanged, and set out what...
Deepfakes, Text Messages, and Secret Recordings: A New Era of Digital Evidence in Family Law
Digital evidence is becoming a central issue in family law disputes across Ontario, and the risks are evolving quickly. In a recent article published in Law360 Canada, Lorne J. Fine of Fine & Associates explores how text messages, social media, recordings, and emerging technologies like AI-generated content are reshaping how courts assess evidence in family law matters. Why this matters...
Ontario Family Law: What Are the Rights of a Divorcing Dad?
It’s a longstanding pre-conception: When it comes to parenting arrangements involving kids, the Canadian legal system favours the mother. And perhaps this was the case decades ago. But unlike many persistent stereotypes, under the modern-day legal system, this is simply not true. In fact, Ontario family law does not grant automatic preference to either parent. Instead, the focus is always on...
What Happens to Inherited Money in a Divorce?
If you’re lucky to have inherited money lately, but unlucky in your relationship, you might be wondering what your rights are. It’s one of the most common questions we get from people who are in the midst of a separation or divorce: What happens to inherited money in divorce that’s been inherited during the marriage? The answer under Ontario Family Law often surprises people: Inherited money...
Emergency Orders in Family Law: Some Real-Life Examples
Family disputes do not always unfold on a predictable schedule. Especially with the upcoming holidays – and especially if you have kids – there can be many unexpected plot-twists when dealing with your Ex. Sometimes, a dispute will escalate quickly, and will need to be dealt with long before your next scheduled court date. You may need a court to step in quickly, to resolve it. The good news...
Dealing with a Narcissistic Ex During Battles Over Your Child
Are you separated from or divorcing a narcissistic Ex? If so, you’ll likely know the entire process has been complicated by their manipulation, grandiosity, need for control and lack of empathy. And when you have a child together, the process can be especially toxic and emotionally draining. Under Ontario law, any decisions about your child are governed by one foundational principle: The...
Emergency Motions: When and How to File Them
Understand Ontario’s process for filing emergency motions in family court and what situations justify urgent legal intervention. In Canada, if your divorce or other Family Law proceedings are winding their way through the courts, you’ll now that the process takes time. Sometimes quite a bit of time. This can be a problem when there are unexpected situations that must be dealt with imminently...
Taking Care of Yourself During Family Law Proceedings
Family law proceedings are not just legal processes and outcomes; they are deeply personal and emotional journeys. Maybe you’re navigating the intricacies of a separation or divorce. Maybe you are squabbling with your Ex about parenting arrangements or support issues. Whatever the stage you’re at, it’s likely you’re juggling both the legal issues and your own grief, anger, or uncertainty...
Narcissism and Divorce: Spotting the Signs Early in Legal Proceedings
You hear the word “narcissist” or “narcissism” a lot these days, on social media, talks shows and podcasts, and in mainstream popular psychology. People are accused of being narcissists for being attention-seeking, self-absorbed, or acutely selfish. If you have a spouse with these traits, and are going through a separation or divorce, then it will likely make an already-challenging process...