Separated or Divorced: What’s the Difference and Does it Matter?
Yes, there is a difference between being separated and being divorced. Separation To be separated means one person in the relationship has withdrawn from it, you and your spouse have started living ‘separate and apart’ and there is no reasonable prospect of you reconciling. If you are a married couple, you can still be married […]
What is arbitration?
Arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution process available to separated couples.  The parties choose an arbitrator, who then acts like a judge to make decisions for the parties. The parties agree in advance what types of decisions the arbitrator can make, and what the arbitration format will look like. In most cases, the arbitration process […]
Mediation: Is it for You?
Throughout life, many people will encounter a family situation that calls for professional help and expertise that they do not possess. For instance, a person may need assistance to resolve a family conflict, help negotiate a workable child-focused parenting arrangement, or conclude other arrangements arising from separation or divorce. There are several options available in these circumstances, […]
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 […]
School Registration
As the school year draws to a close and children and parents alike are thinking about time off, summer vacation and ice cream, preparing for the next school year is probably not at the top of anyone’s list. However, now may be the best time to prepare for your children’s school registration for the next […]
Securing Support with Life Insurance: The Dagg v. Cameron Estate Case
When negotiating a Separation Agreement, a client’s primary concern centers often around the payment of child and/or spousal support. If there is support to be paid, it is important to ensure that there is a plan in place for that support to continue in the event of the death of the person who is paying […]
Family Law on Gifts and Inheritances: Yours to Keep or Yours to Share?
It’s not uncommon for a spouse to get a gift or inheritance from his or her family. Someone will get a sum of money for a down payment towards a first home. Others will get a car gifted to them or an inheritance under a will. But what happens to these assets in a separation? […]
