This is the second article of a three-part series. In the first article, found here, we introduce the importance of cohabitation agreements and marriage contracts. In this article, we will discuss the differences in the law between married and common law spouses to further highlight the importance of these contracts. Finally, in the third part, [...]
Many believe that spousal support only applies to married couples. In fact, common law spouses may be required to pay spousal support as well. When are common law partners considered “spouses”? Section 29 of the Family Law Act provides an expanded definition of “spouse” with respect to support obligations which includes either of two persons [...]
On September 24, 2020, Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor introduced Bill 207, otherwise known as the Moving Ontario Family Law Forward Act. When the federal government announced Bill C-78 in 2019 to make changes to the Divorce Act which are to come into effect on March 1, 2021, many believed it was only a matter of time [...]
This year’s back-to-school experience remains an ongoing challenge for children, parents, educators, school boards, and public officials. In Ontario, parents have the option to keep their children out of class ad school boards are required to provide options for remote learning. With the availability of options comes the opportunity for opposing views and disagreement. When parents are separated, [...]
Breaking news! Justice Kristjanson recognized a new tort in Ontario law: the tort of “publicly placing a person in a false light” in the case of Yenokvian v. Gulian, 2019 ONSC 7279. The tort of “intrusion upon seclusion” has been part of Ontario law since 2012. The new tort of “publicly placing a person in a [...]
When couples decide to separate, there are many things that may need to be sorted out and it can become overwhelming at times. Among other things, property needs to be divided, the children need to know what their new schedule will be, and support arrangements needs to be determined. All of this takes a lot [...]
The holiday season can be a challenging time of year for both the parents and the children of a separated family. While there is no real one-size-fits-all handbook for parents to follow on how to survive the holiday season with as much quality time and holiday cheer as you can, here are some tips that [...]
I am happy to report that I have now moved into a new office - same building, just a few floors up. I am at 345 Lakeshore Road East, Oakville, Suite 506. The move was prompted by the need for more space, so that my colleague, Margot Hallman, and I could be in the same [...]
The Ontario Court of Appeal, in Stevenson v. Smit, 2014 ONCA 521, upheld an agreement by parents that they would share the children's expenses instead of having Table child support paid under the Child Support Guidelines. This was not what the father wanted. At the time of separation, the father had very low income as [...]
When parties enter into a mediation process, one of the first things that I usually hear is, "We don't want to use lawyers, we've heard horror stories..." There is no doubt that the legal profession has a bad reputation when it comes to family law. However, many lawyers do work well to support clients who [...]
