Divorce is fraught with emotional and legal intricacies, and when the parties involved possess substantial wealth, the process becomes even more complex. High net worth individuals navigating the world of divorce law face a unique set of challenges, from identifying and assessing assets to ensuring that financial disclosures are comprehensive and accurate. This blog post will canvass some of the financial disclosure issues in high net worth divorces. Other Resources at our website and blog Financial Disclosure has long been one of my ‘pet issues’.  I delivered a webinar on the topic in 20 ..read more

Appealing a family law order in Ontario can be a daunting prospect.  Let’s be realistic: The appellate court will dismiss most appeals. However, there is a glimmer of hope provided that the judge committed a significant legal error. In this blog, we will introduce some basics with respect to the complexities of appealing family law orders in Ontario.  We will explain the process in our firm of how we consider whether or not to launch an appeal. Different Routes In Ontario, family law appeals can take different routes depending on the court where the original order was made. You might ..read more

Navigating the waters of family law can be complex and emotional, especially when it involves the well-being of children. For parents in Ontario contemplating relocation or faced with opposing relocation, there is much to learn. In this blog post, we will explore some of the intricacies of relocation laws in Ontario, highlighting some factors that the courts consider, and offering invaluable tips to parents facing this situation. Statutory Framework Ontario’s legal framework for relocation aims to prioritize the best interests of the child while ostensibly respecting the rights of both parents ..read more

Navigating the complexities of spousal support can be a challenging aspect of separation or divorce. Spousal support in Canada may involve federal law and may involve Ontario provincial law. In Ontario, the laws surrounding spousal support are designed to ensure fairness and provide financial assistance where it’s due. (Caveat: Many support payors will not agree with that statement!) Understanding these principles is vital whether you’re seeking support or may be required to pay it. In this blog post, I share with you some of my philosophical insights into the statutory and practical framework ..read more

Divorce is a challenging process, and when high net worth and international elements are involved, the complexities can multiply. For Ontario families with substantial assets and international ties, the dissolution of a marriage requires strategic planning, particularly with respect to choosing optimum jurisdiction. In this blog, we will explore some of the key elements and strategies associated with international high net worth divorces. 1.   Jurisdictional Issues The first step is determining the jurisdiction where the divorce will be handled. Canada’s Divorce Act has jurisdictiona ..read more

In a world where technology connects us all, social media has become integral to our lives, altering the way we communicate. Yet, as convenient as it is, social media presents challenges, particularly for those undergoing divorce and other family law cases in Canada. This post explores the impact of your online presence on divorce and family law cases and offers tips to safeguard your interests. Social Media Risks: Almost anything posted online can be used against you in court, making platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram potential sources of evidence. Seemingly innocent posts can be ..read more

If you are a high-income earning father in Ontario contemplating a divorce, you likely have questions about spousal support and the potential obligations toward your ex-partner. Understanding spousal support, also known as alimony, is crucial in navigating the complexities of divorce. Understanding Spousal Support Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a type of payment that a higher-earning (and not so higher-earning) individual pays to their ex-spouse after divorce. It is not a punishment but a financial duty to help a lower-earning former spouse maintain their standard of living. Courts ..read more

Are you considering filing for or in the middle of a high net worth divorce in Ontario? If so, here’s what you need to know about divorce litigation and private med-arb, an exciting alternative dispute resolution process. WHAT IS DIVORCE LITIGATION? Court: Divorce litigation is a complex legal process that involves resolving divorce-related matters through the court system. The involvement of substantial assets in high net worth divorce cases only makes the litigation process more complicated. Courts Backed Up: Many Ontario courts are simply hopelessly backed up. There are many Superior C ..read more

Divorces with large amounts of money, investments, and property at stake require careful handling to achieve an optimal outcome. With professional assistance, you can make well-informed decisions and tackle the legal aspects of your high net worth divorce with confidence. The Unique Challenges of High Net Worth Divorce in Canada Divorce is never easy, but high net worth divorces often involve complexities that others do not. Here are some of the unique challenges that accompany such divorces: The General Approach: Remember that in Ontario we do not divide individual assets and liabilitie ..read more

Are you in the process of separating from your partner? Whether you are doing so in preparation for a divorce or if you were never formally married, there are certain things you’ll want to keep in mind as you proceed. In Ontario, a separation agreement should ideally address five specific issues stipulated by the Family Law Act. #1 – Property Division A valid separation agreement must address the ownership and division of property. Both parties must create an inventory of all joint and separate assets. This list should include not just real estate but also bank accounts, investments ..read more