Parents involved in separation and divorce often wonder if the children should be involved in the process of creating a new reality for the family. On the one hand, the change has a profound impact on every aspect of a child’s…
When deciding which parent should have custody, judges and arbitrators give almost no weight, perhaps no weight at all, to what the parents want. The law requires that when a judge or arbitrator makes a decision in relation to a…
Many parents choose Ontario Private (or Independent) Schools for their children, aiming to secure a “superior education.” While numerous private schools offer excellent educational programs tailored to specific student needs, it’s not a guaranteed certainty. When it comes to private…
A lot of common-law spouses ask about how their assets are divided when they break up. In Ontario, the law is different for common-law couples than it is for married couples. For common-law couples, it is more complicated. You probably…
John Schuman on The National The scandal at St. Michael’s College surprised many parents and many more were shocked at how basic rules that apply to public schools, do not apply to private schools. John Schuman appeared on CBC’s The…
Many separated spouses want to save money working out their affairs and getting their divorce. Some have heard mediation is a way to save money, which it often is. However, a mediator supplements the parties each having their own lawyers,…
In our education law practice, around half of our cases are on behalf of parents against private schools because the school did not meet the parent’s expectations, or told a child to leave without good reason, or did not meet their…
Many grandparents have, or want to have, a close relationship with their grandchildren. There is social science research that says children benefit from knowing their heritage through contact with their ancestors. Many family court judges will tell you that children…
Recently, the Ontario Court of Appeal ordered a spouse to pay his spouse over a million dollars, but not in relation to property division child support, nor spousal support. The husband had to pay those amounts in addition to over a million dollars that the Court…
Parenting (formerly child custody) cases in Family Court are supposed to be about what is best for the children and not about the behaviour or concerns of adults, unless it impacts the children. But, the time after separation is a particularly difficult time…