Posts

Types of Spousal Support: Compensatory and Non-Compensatory

Types of Spousal Support: Compensatory and Non-Compensatory

Our previous blog post on spousal support dealt with how spousal support is calculated, specifically the amount of spousal support and the duration of its payment.  I also made mention to the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (“SSAG”) and how they influence the calculation of spousal support in Ontario. In this post, we will be delving deeper […]

Exclusive Possession of the Matrimonial Home

One of the more difficult choices to make when separating is deciding who will get to live in the matrimonial home, or what is otherwise known as exclusive possession.  Both parties have likely developed an attachment to the home, and uprooting your life to move somewhere else can be a daunting and stressful experience. So […]

Unequal Division of Net Family Property

Unequal Division of Net Family Property

When married spouses separate, s.5(1) of the Family Law Act (“FLA”) provides that there will be an equalization payment made from the spouse with the greater net family property to the spouse with the lesser net family property (see our blog post here for an introduction to how net family property and equalization work). To […]

Child Support - Undue Hardship

Child Support: Undue Hardship

As discussed in the previous blog on child support, child support is generally seen as a non-negotiable support payment in the eyes of the court.  However, there are ways to alter child support payments.  This can be done through either a shared custody arrangement (see our blog post here), or by proving undue hardship. S. […]

Breakdown of Marriage: Physical and Mental Cruelty

Separation alone is difficult to deal with.  When the issues concerning adultery, physical and mental cruelty become involved, it can make a difficult situation that much worse.  If these concerns are a part of the separation between two spouses, courts here in Canada will implement a “no fault” regime.  This means that when a person’s […]

Past Conduct of Parents in Determining Custody and Access

Can the Past Conduct of a Parent be Used to Determine Custody and Access?

I have had clients in the past come to me with this question wondering if they could use the behaviour of their former spouse as evidence that custody or access should be limited as a result of their actions. While this could be true, generally it will only matter where those actions have an effect […]

The Divorce Process

Should you determine that your relationship is over and that you wish to get divorced, you will need to follow the process outlined below in order to officially terminate your marriage.  If you are unsure about the nature of your relationship, take a look at our previous blog posts regarding Common law vs. Marriage and Separation […]

Separation and the Matrimonial Home

Separation and the Matrimonial Home

On separation, parties often have to make hard decisions regarding how they will split assets, who will pay support, and how they will move on from the relationship.  At this time, one of the most contentious and difficult items to deal with is the Matrimonial Home.  Who gets to keep it? Will the kids remain […]

Net Family Property and Equalization: An Introduction

Equalization is a payment from one spouse to the other at the end of a marriage.  This equalization payment ONLY applies to married spouses, not to common law spouses.  S. 5(1) of the Family Law Act (“FLA“) provides for Equalization when: A divorce is granted; Marriage is declared a nullity; When (married) spouses are separated and there is […]