We Are Able to Help Our Clients Remotely During Covid-19
Given the current recommendation of social distancing and COVID-19 we wanted to let our clients know what we are doing to help with this issue: 1. We are implementing a no hand shake policy until this issue is resolved. 2. If you are feeling unwell or are not sure if you have come into contact […]
How To Prepare An Uncontested Divorce In Barrie, Ontario
Written by Allison R. McAlpine In Ontario, obtaining an uncontested divorce is fairly straightforward. Our office prepares these on a flat fee basis so long as they are in Barrie and the other party cooperates with service. Please contact our office for information about fees. Before proceeding with a Divorce, you should ensure that you […]
Be Careful Who You Sleep With – Child Support and “Involuntary” Fatherhood
Written by Colin A. Steffler. Let’s say, hypothetically, that you, a male, meet a woman and begin an intimate relationship. You make it clear throughout that relationship that you are not ready to become a father and not interested in having children until some point far in the future (or, perhaps, not at all). She […]
An Open Letter to Self-Represented Parties
Written By Kara-Lynne Chapman Dear Self-Represented Party, We understand that there are many reasons why people represent themselves at court. Sometimes your income is at a level where you do not financially qualify for Legal Aid assistance but do not earn enough to be able to afford the expense of a lawyer. Sometimes you choose […]
Pension Division During a Divorce
Written by Allison McAlpine Typically, in a marriage, the largest assets a couple owns are the matrimonial home and a pension(s). When a client has a pension they often express a concern of having to give half of their pension to their ex-spouse. When a client’s spouse has a pension they often express a hope […]
Post-Separation Self-Care Ideas
Written by Kara-Lynne Chapman Separation from a partner or spouse can be stressful and heartbreaking. Here are some ideas for showing yourself some love as you heal. Go for a walk in nature. The trails at Springwater Provincial Park (https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/springwater) are particularly beautiful and are also open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. […]
Amending Agreements
By Allison McAlpine If you have a Separation Agreement it is not meant to be an Agreement that lasts forever. Certain terms can be changed. For example, parenting, child support, and spousal support can all be changed if there is a material change in circumstances of the parties. If the two parties agree on the […]
Case Conferences – Usually Your First Step in Front of a Judge
Written by Allison McAlpine After the Pleadings Stage and First Appearance (and any urgent motions) a Case Conference is held. This article provides information relating to Case Conferences in the Barrie, Ontario Family Court and is not meant to apply to other jurisdictions. A Case Conference is held in front of a Family Court Judge. […]
Luna – Our Office Mascot
Written by Kara-Lynne Chapman On a warm September day, I ventured out to the woods at the Tiffin Conservation Centre for a walk. To keep my heart-rate elevated, I was listening to a true crime podcast while enjoying the peace and solitude the trees offered. It was near the property line, with no one else […]
Urgent Motions Prior to Case Conferences
Written By Allison R. McAlpine Our last article “Starting a Family Court Case and First Appearances” dealt with the first step in a family court case being Pleadings and First Appearance. The next step (which most cases do not take) is an urgent motion before a case conference. Our next article will explain what a case […]
Starting a Family Court Case and First Appearances
Written by Allison R. McAlpine Being involved in a family law court case is overwhelming for most clients. The process involves numerous court dates which are not self-explanatory processes. Those include the pleadings stage, first appearances, urgent motions as opposed to motions after a case conferences, case conferences/DRO conferences, settlement conferences, trial scheduling and trial […]
A Caution Regarding Online Family Law Resources
Written by Colin A. Steffler This blog is one of many resources available online that attempts to provide some basic information about family law. Many other family law firms have similar blogs where they try to answer simple, frequently-asked questions relating to separation and divorce, or to the legal system more generally. There are also […]