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...
Received an Early Inheritance? Learn How to Protect it in a Divorce
Early inheritances are becoming more routine lately, and are coming up for discussion in families more often. Perhaps your aging parents have earmarked some Estate funds for you, and are thinking about putting them in your hands now, before their inevitable passing. That way, you can enjoy it sooner rather than later. This kind of unexpected windfall can provide you with a significant...
Divorce Tips: How to Deal with Your Spouse’s False Allegations
Divorce can be a harrowing and emotionally-charged experience. In many Ontario divorces, the embattled spouses often scheme about ways to gain tactical advantages over each other. Although there are many strategies for doing this, a common one is also the simplest: Through falsehood. In your own divorce, you may have learned that your spouse is making false allegations against you. Perhaps...
Is Tracking Your Spouse’s Phone, or Hacking Their Computer, Illegal?
If you’re going through a separation or divorce, you might be tempted to track your spouse’s phone. These days, it’s easier than ever; plenty of apps can be installed surreptitiously with a few clicks of an “install” button. They run unobtrusively in the background, and can reveal all kinds of information, including: Where your spouse has been, and where they are going in real-time Who they...