Hey there! You’re probably here because you’re curious about how child support and parenting tie into being a step-parent, right? Well, you’ve come to the right place. No need for a long boring intro let’s dive right into it.   The Big Responsibility Question: Stepparenting and Child Support   Alright, so let’s consider the following scenario:  you’re with someone who has a child/(ren) from a past relationship. If things go south between you and your partner (fingers crossed they don’t!), a question you may have is: could you end up shelling out for child support? Well, the ..read more

So, you’ve finally found “the one” and you’re ready to embark on the wild ride of forever together! You’ve nailed the proposal, got a resounding YES (fingers crossed), and now you’re diving headfirst into planning your happily ever after. Whether it’s picking out the perfect wedding cake or debating where to build your love nest, you’re all in, baby!  But wait a minute… in the midst of all this excitement, a sudden realization hits you like a ton of bricks. Marriage isn’t just about lovey-dovey stuff; it’s also a legal contract! Cue the dramatic music!  You’ve been meaning to bring u ..read more

What are excluded properties? Section 4 of the Family Law Act states that property that a spouse owns on the valuation date does not form part of the spouse’s net family property if it is property, other than a matrimonial home, that was acquired by gift or inheritance from a third person after the date of the marriage. If you are wondering why this is important to you, let me explain.   Net Family Property  Generally following a separation, each party is required to account for his/her assets and debts for the net family property calculation. This means that the spouse who has ..read more

This is an interesting case that demonstrates an effective use of Rule 1(8) of the Family Law Rules where the court can order costs for violating a court order. The order explicitly stated for the parties to limit communications between each other, but the Respondent did exactly what was asked not to do on the court order by sending harassing emails and text messages to the other party.  Here’s the facts of the case:  D.C.A., the applicant father, and A.E.C. are the parents of E.A.C who was less than 3 years of age at the time. This is a high conflict case involving parenting and oth ..read more

The landmark decision in Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia 2022 by Justice Renu Mandhane of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice created the tort of family violence in family law. This was a ground-breaking decision because it has important implications for survivors of intimate partner violence throughout the province. This case involved a 17-year traditional marriage of the parties. At trial, the judge assessed damages at $150,000: $50,000 for each of compensatory, aggravated, and punitive damages. The husband disputed the amount of award, and he raised objection to the novel tort in family law.  ..read more

Remember that not all circumstances in a divorce are the same and that not all parties separate amicably. Often separating parties find it difficult to mutually agree on decisions about children. If the children are at the center of the divorce battle, then several decisions are required to be made. For instance, where the parties will meet to exchange the children or whether a previously agreed-to location can be changed.  A parenting coordinator is a neutral third party brought into family law cases to reduce the level of conflict between parents about parenting arrangements or parentin ..read more

The following cases are a good reminder that sometimes love leads to a bitter divorce. If you are happily married, then perhaps appreciate your significant other a bit more or let this be a happy reminder of why you chose to be single.  1. The legal battle over $34.84 in Canadian Tire Money  Couples tend to usually blend all their assets during a marriage. One type of asset that parties usually pay less attention to is loyalty points that are accumulated through household shopping. In the following case, you will see the couple litigate over this matter.  Like most divorce cases ..read more

The following cases are a good reminder that sometimes love leads to a bitter divorce. If you are happily married, then perhaps appreciate your significant other a bit more or let this be a happy reminder of why you chose to be single.  1. The legal battle over $34.84 in Canadian Tire Money  Couples tend to usually blend all their assets during a marriage. One type of asset that parties usually pay less attention to is loyalty points that are accumulated through household shopping. In the following case, you will see the couple litigate over this matter.  Like most divorce cases ..read more

“I love meeting people’s moms. It’s like reading an instruction manual as to why they’re nuts.”  Ted Lasso is my favorite TV show that is still airing. Well, actually by the time this is posted, the show might not be airing anymore. Still not fully clear on that season three thing. Is it the final season or is it not? Anyways, never have I ever watched a show where I truly like everyone. Even the villains. It is one of the few shows that is feel good. Genuinely feel good. All the characters are properly fleshed out and it just makes my heart all warm and fuzzy. Not very many shows do that ..read more

I started watching One Tree Hill for the first time ever. I know, I know, I am a fake millennial. Anyways. I started season two yesterday and I like it quite a bit actually. All the characters annoy me, it is set in a fictional small town (if it is a real town, I sincerely apologize to the Tree Hillians) where everyone knows everyone and everyone sorts of dates everyone. It is the perfect early 2000s show. Anyways, if you do not know the show, it’s about this high school kid, Luke Scott. His mother got pregnant in high school and was abandoned by the father of the child. Now the father (Dan) h ..read more