COVID-19 and the anticipated wave of motions to change
I have heard some describe the fallout from the impact of COVID-19 on individuals and families in the family law context as the inevitable “tsunami”. I hope the forecast of a “tsunami” proves incorrect, but I do predict that there will be a wave of variation cases (Motions to Change) when th…
View the post titled COVID-19 and the anticipated wave of motions to changeCan I get a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic?
It’s been a long month of social distancing. I mean – wow – this is the most time I have spent with my spouse since … ever! I can appreciate why many couples who were already struggling with relationship dysfunction, or were desiring a separation, may be feeling over the edge now. Of course,…
View the post titled Can I get a divorce during the COVID-19 pandemic?Should I send my child for access during the COVID-19 pandemic?
These are unprecedented times. As I write this article, Canada has 3,385 confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, and as you read this article that number is bound to be higher – perhaps exponentially higher. All non-urgent matters in the Ontario courts have been suspended, w…
View the post titled Should I send my child for access during the COVID-19 pandemic?What is “shared custody” and how is it calculated?
In family law, the term “custody” usually means decision-making. Having “custody” means having the ultimate decision-making power over important decisions regarding the child, such as what child the school will attend, what religion the child will be raised in, what major recreational activ…
View the post titled What is “shared custody” and how is it calculated?Are gifts “income” for support purposes?
In a previous article, I set out a list of common situations wherein a court may impute income to a support payor, as set out in the Child Support Guidelines. One situation not specifically included in that list is the situation of “gifts”, which are non-taxable payments that do not appear o…
View the post titled Are gifts “income” for support purposes?Imputing Income in Family Law
Before a lawyer or judge can determine an appropriate amount of support for a person to pay, it is necessary to first determine the support payor’s income. Sometimes this is easy – if you are an employee, with no complicating factors, your income is accurately reflected on line 150 of your i…
View the post titled Imputing Income in Family LawThe All Families Are Equal Act
On January 1, 2017 Ontario enacted the All Families Are Equal Act (the “Act”). The legislation amends several existing Acts, including the Children’s Law Reform Act, to establish new rules related to parentage, with the goal to ensure equal treatment for all parents, no matter their sexual o…
View the post titled The All Families Are Equal ActIn the Family Law Context: Custody and Guardianship of a Minor’s Property
Frequently I meet with clients who inquire about having a Will prepared, given their separation. They express concerns about their child(ren)’s future in the event something happens to them now that they are separated. The typical client may ask about what happens to “custody” of their child…
View the post titled In the Family Law Context: Custody and Guardianship of a Minor’s PropertyChanges to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)
A change has occurred this year in Ontario which impacts the delivery of child welfare services to children, youth and families. The Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA) came into force on April 30, 2018, with Part X scheduled to come into force in January 2020. The Child, Youth and …
View the post titled Changes to the Child, Youth and Family Services Act (CYFSA)Marriage: Divorce or Annulment in Family Law?
I recently spoke to someone who had legally married a few months prior. This person explained that once married, she and her new spouse did not live together as husband and wife. They did not consummate their legal union; meaning they did not have sexual intercourse after they married. The c…
View the post titled Marriage: Divorce or Annulment in Family Law?Receive Blog Posts
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