Starting a Business Before Your Divorce is Final: What You Need to Know
Starting a new business is an exciting venture at any time in life. But if you’re in the midst of a divorce, you might be wondering how it might affect things. Let’s start with a key point: There’s nothing to prevent you from starting a business now – in fact, Canadian divorce law is structured to help former spouses move on quickly with their separate lives – but there are a few legal and...
Top 5 Myths About Divorce, Debunked
Divorce can be a difficult and emotionally charged process. For many, it’s made more challenging by the myths and common misconceptions surrounding it. These can lead to stress and confusion. As a Canadian divorce lawyer, I’ve encountered countless clients who’ve been misled about their rights, or have misunderstood the law. Let’s set the record straight by debunking five of the most common...
Legal Separation vs. Divorce in Ontario: Understanding the Differences
If your marriage has irrevocably broken down, you and your spouse will face a pressing and important decision about how to move forward. Two common paths are: 1) separation; and 2) divorce. Each of these has distinct legal implications under Ontario law. This blog will briefly explore these concepts – and highlight the important differences – so you can make an informed decision on what to...
Navigating Divorce and Substance Abuse in Ontario
Divorce is a complex legal process, and it has many emotional repercussions as well. Every couple has its own unique relationship history; each spouse has unique strengths, needs, and shortcomings that they bring to the negotiating table. When substance abuse is part of the mix, the process of divorce can become significantly more complicated. In Ontario, the Family justice system takes a...
Do I Have to Support my Ex-Wife After Our Divorce?
That’s a question we get asked often at our law firm. Of course, the answer is not straightforward since, under Canadian law, it depends on a multitude of factors. But if you have this same question on your mind, here are some key points that will go into the answer – though getting the advice of an experienced Family lawyer is also highly recommended. (And note that while this blog is...
How to Announce Divorce: A Thoughtful Approach
Divorce is one of life’s most challenging transitions, impacting not only you and your spouse but also your family, friends, and even colleagues. The way you announce your divorce can play a significant role in shaping how others perceive and respond to this change. A poorly handled divorce announcement can strain relationships and create unnecessary stress, especially if children are...
What’s My Legal Date of Separation?
It may seem odd, but in some divorce scenarios, you and your spouse may not agree on the exact date you officially separated from each other. This uncertainty could arise for many reasons. Financial pressures, a poor real estate market, or job losses may have forced you to continue living under the same roof until you can afford separate residences. Or, perhaps you had some brief attempts at...
How to Check Your Divorce Status in Ontario
Divorce is a major life event. It’s a very rule-heavy, document-laden procedure. As with many other aspects of life, the divorce process has been streamlined and enhanced through the use of technology. Divorce records are now online – but that doesn’t mean they are freely accessible. If you’re in Ontario, here are some of the essentials you should know, about getting information about the...
Text Messages and Harassment in Family Law
If you are in the midst of a contentious separation or divorce, it’s easy to get embroiled in a heated exchange of text messages with your spouse. All it takes is to pick up your phone, type out a few words, and … the shots are fired. It’s one way to vent your frustrations, but these exchanges can escalate rapidly. You may find your spouse texting you dozens of times in a row, or...