Estate Entitlements Upon Death: Does it Matter if You are Married?
The misconception that common law partners have the same rights as married couples is not uncommon. Despite the similarities between common law and married couples, the two relationships are not always treated the same under the law in Ontario. This blog post sheds light on the inheritance rights upon death of a married spouse versus […]
Married vs Unmarried: What’s Mine is Not Necessarily Yours
One of the biggest differences between married and unmarried couples relates to the division of property in the event of separation. Along with marriage comes the right to a special regime of property division. The matrimonial home Defined under the Family Law Act as the home that was ordinarily occupied by the married spouses as […]
Married vs Unmarried: Not All Spouses Are Equal
The misconception that common law partners have the same rights and obligations as married couples is not uncommon. Despite the similarities between common law and married couples, the two relationship are not treated the same in Ontario for all family law purposes. Misconception #1 “Common Law” After One Year of Cohabitating No single definition of […]
Do I Really Need a Lawyer To Prepare My Will?
This is a very common question from clients, friends and acquaintances. With the availability of will kits and the ability to Google, there is a misconception that preparing a will is simple and that the time and cost to have a lawyer prepare yours is not worth it. Even the simplest of estate plans, however, […]
What is a Will and What Happens If I Don’t Have One?
A will is a document that provides instruction and direction on how you wish your estate to be dealt with upon your death. A will may include such instructions as the appointment of estate trustees (also commonly referred to as executor), instructions for the gifting and disposition of your property, appointment of guardians for minor […]
Separating with Civility: Alternatives to Battling in Court
As a family law lawyer, I have seen firsthand the toll that expensive, divisive and protracted court battles can take on families who are going through a separation. When separating spouses are involved in the court system, there is often a significant amount of stress and anxiety and this can add to the tension that […]
Travelling with Children Post-Separation – Tips for Smooth Sailing
The temperatures outside have dropped to frigid lows and perhaps you are dreaming of a sunny vacation in a southern destination. If you are separated and have not yet travelled alone with your children, you may be wondering about your rights and responsibilities with respect to travel. Below you will find a few tips that […]
Estate Issues to Consider When Separating
If you are separating from your spouse, you should review your estate plan with your lawyer and consider what adjustments should be made in light of changing family dynamics. Below you will find a list of general steps to consider, but you should always obtain legal advice regarding your particular family and financial situation. Update […]
Caught in the Middle – Children’s Voices in Disputes About Parenting
Without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions I receive from clients is “When can my child decide who they want to live with?” At a certain age, children’s views and preferences about their parenting arrangements are given more weight and consideration. There is no magic age at which this occurs. Some children […]
