“I’m still married, but now I have a live-in girlfriend. We both have kids. What does this mean, legally speaking?” Whenever a married couple separates – especially if there are young children involved – it’s best to document any custody and parenting arrangements, even if they’re only to be used on an interim basis. […]
As with most things in law, the answer is “It depends.” Mediation is one way of resolving a dispute. It’s not the only way. It can be a great way to solve differences in family disputes – but isn’t always the best approach. It’s complicated. Lawyers typically have very little to do with mediation, so
Engaging legal counsel shouldn’t be intimidating. We provide smart, candid, appropriate and thoughtful legal advice. Our approach is to help our client make informed decisions and find the best way to a resolution. As part of this approach, we’re part of the Collaborative Practice Ottawa network. What is collaborative law? “Collaborative Practice, also known
The law is pretty clear – which is why your Will should be, too Lawyers are often criticized for nagging clients (and potential clients, and family members, and friends) about the importance of making a Will, but it’s really just that we know, better than most, the unfortunate consequences of dying intestate. And when you’re
by Emily Murray, Litigation Associate “The ownership of a dog is a more complex and nuanced question than the ownership of, say, a bicycle.” [1] According to Canadian courts, when a couple separates, whoever paid for the pet is the owner, unless the pet was bought as a gift.[2] If the cost of buying
Glitter lacks substance and makes a kindergartener’s art a masterpiece without increasing its value. I am a lawyer licensed to practise law in Ontario. I am also a commissioner of oaths. I am also a notary public. What does all that mean, and what does that have to do with glitter? As a lawyer (a
April 9, 2025 at 11 am and 6 pm. SullivanLaw is pleased to present a Zoom call to inform you about the issues which arise on separation and some of the processes to use to resolve the issues. Wednesday, April 9 at 11 am and again at 6 pm, join me via Zoom. No
“My common-law partner just cheated on me, so we’re breaking up. Will he still get half the house, even though I’m the one who put up the down payment and paid most of the mortgage?” It depends. If the house was jointly owned – so both names are on the deed – the likelihood is
by Timothy Sullivan What is joint tenancy? Generally speaking, property can be owned either personally or jointly. Joint tenancy is when people own a property together and the right to an individual’s share of the property passes, in equal shares, to the surviving owners. (Tenants in common, on the other hand, see their share of
So you have a problem you think you need to talk to a lawyer about. How do you hire a lawyer? Every lawyer or firm may have different procedures. Generally, however, when you identify someone you want to hire, a lawyer will need the following: Names of anyone involved to avoid a conflict of
