In the midst of a divorce, emotions can run high – so high that you may seek to voice your loss of respect for your (former) significant other. In the past, venting to a friend or family member either in person or on the phone was the norm. Today it means turning to your social
Mother's Day has traditionally served as a special opportunity to recognize all of our important ‘mothers’ who have contributed to our lives in many ways, in our formative years or today as adults. For some, it's a day of reflecting upon all of the supportive, loving, and kind memories recalled with your own mother, mother-in-law
Being mindful that your divorce may invite friends and immediate family to pick sides or disappear from the fray, it doesn’t need to be that way for extended family. Fence the conflict in and you’ll keep it away from relatives you want to keep close. Maintaining personal boundaries honor and respect the friendship you’ve developed
Keep everyone out: Remind yourself of that universal proverb: good fences make good neighbours. No pre-selection of who will be brought into your inner circle once the divorce has been granted and no sharing your story with your spouse’s employer, best friend and sports friends. Privacy prevents the wrong message from circulating and respects relationships.
Feeling guilty about causing the end of your marriage? One mistake too many or the one time you got caught? Even though your spouse has made it very clear that your marriage is now over, strongly resist handing over all the funds in your investment account or ramping up your line of credit as a
By Guest blogger Dionne Chambers Part II: Can signing a domestic contract protect you from future child support obligations? In Part I, we looked at some indicators in blended families where the relationship you form with your partner’s children begins to attract child support obligations for you should the relationship between you and your partner
A Roman history, a call to beloveds, a Hallmark creation, a candy bonanza. For me, it’s the people. The best friends, the embracing ‘family’, the intergenerational gathering. It’s the warmth, camaraderie and gently sincere queries which go deeper than a ‘how are you’ in passing. It’s the hugs and cheek- to- cheek kisses from long
By Guest blogger Dionne Chambers Part I: When are you a parent for the purposes of child support? You’re the parent who has been living with your partner and his children from a previous relationship. You have two special children yourself. The kids share time with their other biological parents at different locations on a
Ask yourself what outcomes you are seeking before you confirm your decision to separate. Who can assist you to understand the consequences of and implications to others when exercising those plans? Use both listening and hearing without projecting your ideas, judgments, and opinions. Allow your mind to become silent to the 'noise' within to really
Separation is accompanied by conflict, loss, and confusion for both the parents and children. The extended families may be fending off taking take sides. From their perspective, their long-standing involvement in the kids’ lives could be seriously jeopardized. Emotions already at a high, can be easily enflamed. Misunderstandings outnumber kind gestures. Children feel unsettled and
There’s a reason why you need to see a family law lawyer now. The need can become pretty overwhelming in your mind. Time is important to you and your family. Here’s what to do. How you do see the problem? It’s your perspective on what’s been happening. Include the dates when important events happened, the
When reconciliation is no longer an option: If you’re still considering trying to make your marriage work; work on it! If you know separation is the only option, share your decision with your spouse in a letter or email. In Canada, this date starts the countdown for the one year period prior to applying for
