Separation Agreements through Mediation: Frequently asked Questions
Since at least 1983, Ontario family courts have encouraged and upheld out-of-court processes wherever possible. Finally, in 2021, the federal Divorce Act and the Ontario Children’s Law Reform Act were amended to encourage separating couples to try alternative dispute resolution before they start a court action. Mediation is one of the dispute-resolution techniques that they… Read more »
Common Law Pension Entitlement
Read as Family Lawyer Ira Marcovitch breaks down the question of pension entitlement in a common-law relationship: I was in a common-law relationship for 13 years. We have 2 children together. He is taking out his $100,000 union pension and returning back to Ireland for good. Am I entitled to half of his pension? Entitlement… Read more »
Is Mediation Right for You?
Given the increasing cost of family law litigation – not to mention the acrimony that accompanies the court process – many Canadians are seeking alternative avenues for resolving parenting and financial issues arising from their separations. Alternative dispute resolution, or ADR, is becoming increasingly popular across the country, with mediation as the top choice of… Read more »
A legal timeline of 2SLGBTQ+ Rights in Canada
2SLGBTQ+ rights have come a long way in Canada. Our Family Law group has created a timeline that revisits key legal decisions and events that have contributed towards progression 2SLGBTQ + rights in our country. While progress has been made, it is still important to recognize that there is a large gap between legislated rights… Read more »
Income Fluctuations during COVID-19 and their Impact on Support
Depending on where you live and the industry in which you work, you (and your income) may have made it through the last year of COVID-19 unscathed. However, for many Canadians, the pandemic has significantly impacted their incomes and the nature of their employment. This impact has come in the form of windfalls for a… Read more »
Vaccine Hesitancy and Parenting
Custody and the COVID-19 Vaccine
Dividing Your Property After Separation
After separating, married spouses have the right to apply for an equalization of their respective net family properties under the Ontario Family Law Act. A married spouse also has this right when the other spouse dies. On death, the surviving married spouse may elect to equalize family property instead of receiving any bequests left to… Read more »
How a marriage breakdown threatens your business (and vice-versa)
Separation during Coronavirus: Can I? Should I? What are my options?
The pandemic has changed all aspects of our lives. Many families are reporting significant increases in stress due to social isolation, confinement, financial trouble and lack of familiar resources. For many, any weaknesses in spousal relationships have been tested to the limits resulting in an increase in those considering separation and divorce. Just as COVID-19… Read more »