Your relationship with your partner living common law or your spouse in a marriage has broken down. From the welfare of the children to your future financial stability to the long-term health of the family business on the line, you decide to seek legal advice. You either have your family law lawyer work with you
When the decision-makers of the family enterprise realize that their domestic relationship is breaking down balancing the family’s transition with the needs of the business is a tough act. Taking a collaborative approach to resolving the legal issues arising at separation bodes well for the ongoing health of the business. Here’s why. Emotional suffering distracts
The wedding is in weeks and the marriage contract needs to be concluded. A copy of the signed separation agreement identifying the size of your equalization payment is needed by the financing institution to qualify for the mortgage for your new home. Whether you are negotiating a prenup agreement, marriage contract, or separation agreement, you
This article was originally published in the Humanities section of the Canadian Medical Association Journal on July 25th, 2016. Regaining momentum In 1994, after 15 years of nonstop, sedentary postsecondary education, I vowed to learn a new sport every winter and every summer. So, in the winter of 2003, I set out to learn indoor
When you get married or enter a common-law relationship, is there a legal obligation to change your surname? A surname is a significant part of our identity. That identity may recall a familial, cultural, or religious heritage, the belonging or association with others, the memory of a special person or event, and an established personal
There is great confusion about common-law partnerships. They are a distinct domestic household union recognized by family law courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. Common-law partnerships are not a subset of being married, however, they share some elements in common. There is no distinction between same-sex or opposite-sex common-law partnerships. From the nationwide 2011
While many separations are amicable, there is no guarantee that the status quo holds for the duration of the negotiations. The more difficult the issues under consideration and the perceived disparity of shared value of the property, the greater the risk to your quality of life. Being aware of potential risks to shared technology and
Well-intentioned prospective clients are eager to share all the information they learned from the Internet with their lawyer. Without a critical eye to assess their personal circumstances objectively and without any formal education in the law, much of the ‘research’ can be misguided. Many clients don’t understand why a lawyer redirects their enthusiasm away from
Relishing the abundance of attention, the many warm embraces, congratulatory fist bumps, gathering of family, friends and special guests. Honouring all guests for joining with you for your union. Celebrating the spirit of the occasion, your hopes, dreams and plans coming to full fruition while stumbling and learning along the way and being humble and
Stock options are a form of non-cash incentive compensation for executives and directors to motivate strong service to the company and loyalty to corporate goals. This compensation is speculative in nature whether granted by public or private companies. They can also have a profound impact on the equalization payment arising from the property division scheme
I’d like to share my presentation with you at our inaugural South Toronto Collaborative event. More than a decade ago, I initiated and continue to facilitate the South Toronto Collaborative Small Interdisciplinary Practice Group. It started as a friendly forum for newly-trained collaborative professionals all working in their own fields of expertise - lawyers, financial
The alarm clock sounds – it’s 6:00 a.m. and you roll out of bed to begin your morning routine. Getting yourself and the kids ready for the day, checking for urgent business communications, and calling the plumber to deal with that persistent kitchen leak. Heading to the office, your phone rings – it’s your family
