April 03, 2019
In a previous article (https://www.chapmanmcalpine.com/2018/06/21/3-common-family-law-and-divorce-myths/), we addressed some common myths about separation and divorce. Here, we will address some additional misconceptions: Myth 1: “I have to file for legal separation.” It is very common for people to come to us and say that they want to file for legal separation. However, when you and your partner or spouse separate, there is actually nothing to be filed to confirm that change in status. Even if you and your ex ultimately negotiate a Separation Agreement, you are not required to file that…
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March 25, 2019
If you’ve been served with court papers, it may have come as a complete shock, or it may have been something you knew was coming. Either way, you may have no idea what you need to do next and responding to the lawsuit may seem like a daunting task. Here are a few quick “do’s” and “don’t’s” if you’ve recently been served, or expect that you might be in the near future. Do Talk to a Lawyer Even if you are thinking of representing yourself, it is a good idea…
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February 13, 2019
Children are the most important consideration for parents in their separation and divorce. In negotiating a settlement with your spouse on parenting issues, the following is a non-exhaustive list of some of the issues you and your spouse should discuss and agree upon which can help your lawyers draft a Separation Agreement: Who will make decisions regarding the children’s education, medical decisions, religious upbringing and major extra-curricular activities? Will these decisions be made by one parent, or jointly? Where will the children primarily reside? What type of parenting schedule will…
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January 11, 2019
We normally think of “guidelines” as recommendations or informal rules that fall short of being mandatory. In this sense, the Child Support Guidelines are not really “guidelines” at all. They are regulations under both the federal Divorce Act and Ontario’s Family Law Act, and judges have to follow them, except in limited, specified circumstances. The Table set out in the Guidelines shows what amount of child support is payable based on a parent’s income and the number of children, and, in general, what the Table says goes. So, if, for…
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