Having practiced child protection law for over 30 years, I am extremely alarmed by the abuse crisis that has emerged during the pandemic that has been permitted to remain unchecked. The pendulum has swung to the extreme of keeping stressed parents together with their children, at all costs. This, at a time, when it is

Lynn Kirwin
More Zoom, please!
PDF format, sync.com, Zoom, email, screen-sharing, host, co-host, muted, video feed. These words are now part of the parlance of the new and improved court system…at least in some Ontario jurisdictions. However, in other Ontario jurisdictions, Jurassic park is still alive and well and unfortunately for the people that we, the legal profession serve, dinosaur…
Video Conferencing in Family Court – We Need It Now
In the Canadian commercial law context, electronic trials (paperless trials), while not the norm, have been embraced by some members of the judiciary as early as 2014. For example, Justice D.M. Brown, in Bank of Montreal v Fabish, a commercial litigation case, called upon members of the judiciary and counsel to make greater use…
Wake-up Call – Covid-19: Now’s the time to use technology in the Ontario Family courts.
With Covid-19 our family courts have virtually ground to a halt. Yet, Skype has been readily available for many years and Zoom meetings are now routinely being used by members of the public in this time of social distancing.
In 2014, Justice D.M. Brown, in Bank of Montreal v Fabish, a commercial litigation case,…
Learn How to Claim Damages in a Family Law Proceeding
If you have been hit by your spouse you can ask the court to order that your spouse pay you damages out of the equalization of matrimonial property or that it be paid on a monthly basis and enforced by FRO.
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Continue Reading Learn How to Claim Damages in a Family Law Proceeding
How to Spot Signs of Parental Alienation in Your Family
Parental Alienation is harmful to children. The negative impact of alienation may include depression, substance abuse, low self-esteem, self-hatred, guilt, poor interpersonal relationships, distorted view of reality, and self-doubt.
Most of my clients don’t realize how harmful it is to the child’s development to try to separate the child from the other parent during your access time. The child should not have to hide the fact that they may wish to speak to their mom during your access time or that having a picture of their mom by their bedside might help them fall asleep. It is not healthy for the child to simply erase the mom during their time at your home. Similarly, mom should not try to erase you from the child’s life. You should be invited to watch the child’s extra-curricular activities. Mom should let the child have a picture of you to look at when they are feeling lonely about not being with you. Mom should let the child speak freely to you on the phone at their own initiative. Mom should share all information with you about the child’s progress in school and about significant events, good or bad.
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Continue Reading How to Spot Signs of Parental Alienation in Your Family
Limited Scope Retainers and Self-Reps
Are Limited Scope Retainers Right for Everyone?
You may feel that you have a strong case. Feeling that you have a good case is different than proving that you have a good one. Remember you need to be realistic. I can provide you with a professional outlook on your case. When you hire me under a limited scope retainer, I can do certain parts of your case while you handle other responsibilities. Whether you’re going through a divorce or separation, I can make the process as quick and painless as possible.
Do you want to sue the CAS and you are self-represented? Consider a limited scope retainer.
You can be self-represented and sue the CAS but I recommend that you hire a Lawyer on a limited scope retainer to assist you with preparing your Statement of Claim. You may also consider hiring a litigation coach on a limited scope retainer to assist you with preparing your argument at court.
The CAS will…

Cats and Dogs and Family Law
I love our family dogs, Becky and Ryder. My husband loves Ryder and Becky, too! I love my daughter’s cat, Enoki. In fact, my husband loves Enoki, too!
Are dogs and cats just property? No, they are not. In Ontario, there is case law to say that dogs in particular have “feelings, are capable…

Non-physical Domestic (Family) Violence and Family Law
You may be wondering whether you can count on the family law court to help you if you have suffered non-physical abuse.
There are different forms of non-physical abuse that can be viewed as domestic violence. Your partner may harass or intimidate you by making threats against you to cause you to fear for…