Separation Agreements – 5 Reasons Why Family Enterprises Require Special Attention

Separation Agreements – 5 Reasons Why Family Enterprises Require Special Attention

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
Domestic Contracts: When It’s Not Quite Over

Domestic Contracts: When It’s Not Quite Over

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
Regaining Momentum: CMAJ Article July 2016

Regaining Momentum: CMAJ Article July 2016

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 is a Common Law Partnership ‘Official’?

When is a Common Law Partnership ‘Official’?

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
Family Law Lawyers Just Complicate Things

Family Law Lawyers Just Complicate Things

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
Oh Joyful Weddings!

Oh Joyful Weddings!

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
Inaugural South Toronto Collaborative Event

Inaugural South Toronto Collaborative Event

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