Handling Holiday Parenting Time Disputes with Care
Ahh, the holidays. A time of joy, family traditions, and meaningful celebrations. But if you’re a separated or divorced parent, the holiday parenting can be a flashpoint. There may be disagreements over where the children will spend Christmas morning or Hannukah. Disputes over how the children’s time will be divided during their winter break from school. Conflict over who will arrange and...
A Case Conference in Ontario Family Law: What to Expect
If you and your ex are involved in a Family Law proceeding in Ontario, you will come across something called a Case Conference. In fact, in almost all cases, it’s mandatory that you attend at least one, and it usually happens very early in your “journey” through the Family court system. Let’s break down what a Case Conference Ontario is, what goes on at one, and how to make the most of yours....
Divorce in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide to the Key Court Forms in Family Proceedings
Starting a divorce in Ontario can feel overwhelming – but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find the legal side of separation confusing, especially when faced with court forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms and processes. The good news? With a little guidance, you can make sense of the paperwork, and take confident steps forward. This article introduces some of the most common...
What are My Rights If I Get a Divorce in Ontario?
Divorce can be one of the most challenging life transitions you can face, both emotionally and financially. If you’re considering divorce in Ontario, it’s important to understand your rights, particularly when it comes to property division, parenting arrangements, and spousal support. Knowing where you stand legally can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and...
A Practical Guide to Spousal Support in Ontario
When a marriage or common-law relationship ends in Ontario, one of the biggest financial questions is whether one spouse should pay support to the other. It’s referred to as “spousal support” in Ontario and Canada (and “alimony” in the U.S.), and this type of payment is intended to help ensure fairness after a breakup, especially when one spouse was financially dependent on the other. Let’s...
Pride Month & Parenthood Planning: Ontario’s Cautionary Tale
June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate love and families, and the many unique and different forms both can take. For many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, building a family still involves navigating legal, emotional, and logistical hurdles that heterosexual couples may never have to think about. A recent Ontario case shows just how complicated things can get when friends set out to create a...
“At-Fault” Divorce in Canada: What It Is, and When It Matters
Recently, we wrote about what it means to get a “no-fault” divorce in Canada. Most divorces proceed on a no-fault basis because it’s usually the simplest, fastest, and most cost-efficient way to go. But did you know that an “at-fault” divorce is also available? This route applies to situations where misconduct by a spouse is what causes the marital breakdown. While it’s less commonly used in...
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...