I have four children and my wife is pregnant. Children are the focus of our lives. The first three are from my first marriage. I remember feeling very worried about how they would do when we separated. I did some research at the time and did my best to make it work for them. I
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Family Law Information in Ontario: New Government Website
One of the most stressful aspects of separation and divorce is the uncertainty.You don’t know how much money you will have, how much time you will have with your children and when the pain will go away. When I went through my own divorce, I hated the uncertainty and I am a divorce lawyer!
The government…
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…
Forensic Accounting and Divorce
The role of a Forensic Accountant in a divorce is not well known. Erin Palmer offers great insights into this valuable professional who can help uncover hidden assets or income of a deceptive spouse. Here is Erin’s blog:
All’s Fair in Love and War, Except in Divorce – That’s What Forensic Accountants Are For
You…
“Mandatory Information Program” Comes Too Late
The Attorney General Chris Bentley, pictured on the left, announced that effective July 18, 2011, all new applicants to Family Court in Ontario must attend the Mandatory Information Program. This is a 2 hour program held at courthouses across the province explaining the Family Court process and alternatives. The intention of the program is…
Why Do I Need To Do A Sworn Financial Statement?
Everyone hates having to do a sworn financial statement. This is a court form used in Ontario to list your assets, debts, income and expenses. It is long, cumbersome and, frankly, a pain to complete. If your case is in Court in Ontario, you must complete the form. The Rules require you to complete it …
“Divorce Happens, Now What?” A New Video About Collaborative Practice
I interview people who went to Family Court and those who chose Collaborative Practice instead. Clearly, Collaborative Practice is the better way. I hope you enjoy the video.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=9WSWtNQfs5w%3Frel%3D0
Family Court versus Collaborative Practice: You Choose
Ontario’s Chief Justice Warren Winkler advocates for changes to the family court system to make it more efficient, less adversarial and more cost-effective, according to The Globe and Mail. He suggests that litigants should be diverted to mediation or an alternative process to the traditional adversarial process. While I admire the Chief Justice’s ambition…
Ten Myths About Separation and Divorce
Myth 1: Divorce is Too Easy
I have helped hundreds of families through separation and divorce and can say that none of my clients felt that divorce was "too easy". It is a painful process. Everyone struggles through it – whether the marriage lasted 45 years or two weeks (I have helped clients through both…