From our computer to yours
Here at SullivanLaw, we have diverse web-surfing interests – it’s how we stay on top of our game. These are some of the sites that we’ve found useful, and think you might, too.
Of course, some of the sites may have changed since we first found them useful. If you discover any of these to be obsolete or unfortunate, please let us know.
GETTING THROUGH COVID-19:
FREE ONLINE RESOURCES
In these exceptional times having to respect social distancing, consider some of these online resources, curated by SullivanLaw.
Be cyber safe. These links are not guaranteed to be secure. Whenever using online resources, remember to be cautious about cyber security. Do not reveal personal information like names and dates of birth, addresses or passwords to anyone online. Do not post pictures with names of children or dates of birth or addresses. Never post your Social Insurance Number.
Learning at home:
Scholastic Learn at Home – Day-by-day projects to keep kids reading
PBS Kids Learn and Grow – Educational Activities for Kids
Science Crash Course Kids Youtube Channel – Science for kids
Imagination Tree Blog – Home Activities for Kids
ABC Mouse – Math, science and art lessons Use code “AOFLUNICEF”
Khan Academy – Online classes for all levels and ages
Games and fun:
LUNCH DOODLES with Mo Willems – Daily streaming from Mo Willems, children’s author
National Geographic Kids – Learning games and videos for kids
Playworks – online game library
Mindful Schools – online mindfulness classes for kids, broadcast Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
Google Arts and Culture – Online tours of famous museums
Thisissand – Making virtual sand pictures on your screens
Physical activity:
100 Mile Club – 26 day at home fitness challenge for kids
LEGAL RESOURCES
These aren’t exhaustive but they might be a helpful starting point on a number of subjects.
Information before you begin a Family Law case in court in Ontario
An overview of security interests and liens
Limitation periods for filing suit
Family Law primer (Ontario)
Holiday pay calculator (Ontario)
Dumaime’s Law Dictionary (because the lexicon can frustrate you)
Basic legal advice video which is less helpful than you’d think I’d offer (warning: language)
Getting your hands on various court documents should not need a lawyer. Here’s a guide to some of the more common family law documents you might want or need.
CHILDREN & FAMILY LAW
We have a special place in our hearts for children. We also know that parenting can be tough at the best of times. A separation or divorce can be particularly tough on kids. Everyone involved should be attentive to the needs of the children affected by changing family relationships.
Parenting through high-conflict times.
What happens next? Information for kids about separation and divorce
*** Good advice about teaching kids to avoid ‘tricky’ people *** I recommend this to family and friends with young children
A division of the Ontario Attorney General’s office is the Family Responsibility Office. Its mission is to enforce child and spousal support orders unless withdrawn or an agreement if filed. It does not decide how much support should be or whether it is due or not. Its enforcement powers are impressive.
When you separate, you will have to consider if you will be splitting your Canada Pension Plan credits. In fairness, there is little that can be addressed by a lawyer about one’s CPP, so this is about the most you’ll see from me on this subject. Upon application by either spouse, the administrators at CPP will split the credits, notwithstanding anything contained in a separation or cohabitation/marriage agreement dealing with CPP.
Spousal support calculations are something of a mug’s game. Ten lawyers could give 10 different but reasonable answers about amount and duration of spousal support if entitlement is established. Some academics have made the challenge into a mathematical formula and is now referenced as the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, or SSAGs.
The federal Divorce Act affect married couples and regulates access (now “parenting time”) and custody (now “decision making), along with child and spousal support and procedures involving Divorce. Some changes to the Divorce Act came into effect on March 1, 2021 with those changes explained here.
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
Mental health is often an issue in legal disputes. Lawyers need to be aware of, and able to identify, mental health issues. (Here at SullivanLaw, we could probably write a book about how mental health affects clients, families and the practice of law.)
We’re offering these links as a resource. Of course no website is an adequate substitute for information provided by qualified mental health or medical professionals, so – as always – check with your doctor first.
1 in 6: Defining unwanted sexual experiences for men
Preserving mental health during a family dissolution
Get connected to mental health and substance use support and resources with Wellness Together Canada.
ONLINE SAFETY AND SECURITY
These might be good places to start.
Are you experiencing ONLINE HARASSMENT?
The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has helpful hints to protect your personal or commercial systems here.
Internet safety for parents or children or teens
CHARITIES AND NON-PROFITS WE SUPPORT
We are often asked what charities and community efforts we support. While we’ve contributed to lots of causes and charities over the past decade, these are some of the ones we like to recommend.
Plan Canada: Because I’m a Girl
PODCASTS
Advice for law students
Timothy Sullivan has been open and welcoming to law students and new lawyers about finding jobs and the legal jobs market to anyone who asked. He’s spoken to law clerks at school, high school students at career day and has been a panellist at the Law Society’s Solo and Small Firm. Hear what he has to say to The Law School Show – Starting Your Own Solo Practice.
Wills preparation: Before, during and after you see your lawyer
Timothy is not shy in telling anyone who will listen that a lawyer-prepared Will solves several problems, from proper drafting and execution, to early preparation before coming in to give instructions, to advocating the answer to the question “Where’s the Will?” being “It’s at the Lawyer’s Office”. Hear what he has to say to Caregiving Matters – The Importance of Communication When Dealing with Wills.