If you are feeling stressed about the idea of meeting with a lawyer about your pending separation or divorce, you are totally normal. Everyone feels stress. Chances are you will feel much better once you are equipped with some knowledge about your various options and rights.
To make the most of your consultation with us,
child support guidelines
No Child Support for Adult Children Living in the Basement?
More and more children are no longer able to leave home when they become adults, or are returning home to live with their parents even after completing post-secondary education. There are fewer "empty nests" these days.
There are many reasons for this new trend. What is alarming for divorced parents is that in Ontario you…
Determining Income for Support Purposes
Determining income is the first step toward determining the proper level of child support and spousal support. This is easy to do for employees. We just look at line 150 of their personal income tax return. The challenge is determining the proper level of income for those people who are self-employed or are employed by…
Your First Christmas, Hanukkah or Kwanzza Since Divorce? Ugh.
Are you dreading Christmas? Will it be your first special holiday since your separation? Are you depressed about not having your children for New Year’s Eve, or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or some other special day. Whatever the holiday, you are not alone.
I remember the first Christmas that my three boys were with their mother Christmas Eve…
Do You Really Need a Divorce Lawyer?
Many people who are separating want to avoid paying legal fees as they feel they cannot afford a lawyer. While it is very understandable that people feel this way, as lawyers generally bill at a high hourly rate, there are some very good reasons why you should at the very least consult a lawyer if…
Interview with Nancy Newton of Rainbows
Nancy Newton is the Executive Director of Rainbows. It is described on their website as "an international not-for-profit organization that fosters emotional healing among children grieving a loss from a life-altering crisis. These losses, among others, include separation, divorce, death, incarceration and foster care."
I believe Rainbows really helps kids deal with the emotional journey of their parents going through a separation or divorce. It does not replace a therapist as it is a system of peer support for the children. It’s kids talking to other kids about their feelings.
Rainbows has their national head office in Barrie, Ontario.
Here is my interview with Nancy.
Counting Time to Reduce Child Support
Child support in Ontario divorce cases is determined by the Federal Child Support Guidelines. It’s simple. You take your income as set out at Line 150 of your income tax return and look up your obligation according to the number of children you have. Voila.
But… and this is important… if your children are…