Parental Alienation and My Child

Parental alienation describes a behaviour in which one parent acts to undermine an otherwise solid parent-child relationship. It consists of turning a child or children against their other parent via manipulation causing a child to reject one parent. What is Parental Alienation in Custody Disputes? Parental alienation is a common negative factor in many custody disputes, and the forms of such...

First Family Principles and Divorce

All Children Are Not Equal Under First Family Practices Subsequent marriages may often lead to new siblings. Blended Families: The New Norm A previous marriage or relationship leaves a lasting impression on the future, especially when a child may be involved as a product of the former marriage. Beyond parental duties, there are financial obligations like child support that remain until a child...

How to Calculate Child Support Payments in Ontario

Of the many consequences of divorce, the changes to the family’s financial affairs can create tension in an already strained situation. The costs associated with operating separate households—often on reduced income—could result in the children experiencing certain hardships. It is key for parents to remember, under Canadian Family Law, they are both legally responsible for the financial...

How to File For Child Custody in Ontario With Child Support

While divorce can be a difficult process, couples who have children need to put a priority on their children’s best interests. Under Ontario’s Family Law, parents are required to provide care for their children regardless of marital status. So when a marriage breaks down, parents must make important decisions about custody, access, and support for their children. Related resource: Online...

Paternity Test Guidelines: What If He Refuses?

Every part of your relationship with this man has been a struggle… so why should this be any different? You know he’s the father of your baby, but he’s refusing a paternity test, and any of the parental obligations that would go with a positive result. Is there a set of legal paternity test guidelines? What do you do now? Can you force him to take the test? This isn’t the answer you want to...

3 Things That Can Cost You Your Joint Custody Visitation Rights

Can your ex-spouse’s constantly missing support payments cost them their joint custody visitation rights? A lot of people wish this was the case. But in Canada, you can’t withhold child access for missed child support payments, nor can you refuse to pay child support because the other parent will not let you see your children. A court will also never take away access because of overdue...

Dispelling the Myths Around Unmarried Fathers Rights Ontario

When it comes to fathers’ rights, there are many myths circulating, and they’re generally quite harmful. There are a number of misapprehensions regarding unmarried fathers, too. Many of them don’t understand their rights under Ontario’s laws. Read on to get the facts on unmarried fathers’ rights in Ontario. Myth: You Have No Right to Custody Many people think that if you fathered a child out...

Is Your Ex Entitled to Your Severance Package in Ontario?

After years of hard work, your company is laying you off. You’re upset and frustrated, but at least you’ll be getting severance pay. What if you’re going through a divorce around the same time – does your ex get to keep any part of your Ontario severance package? Read on to learn about laws in Ontario regarding severance pay, divorce, and property. Divorce in Ontario: Some Important...

Who Really Pays When Child Support Payments Are Missed

For many parents (mothers and fathers), paying child support is a fact of life. They understand that they were responsible for contributing 50% of a child’s DNA, so they must also provide the basics of life for their offspring, even if they’re not married to the child’s mother or father. Sadly, there are some parents who don’t pay child support. The effects can be devastating for children....