By Christine E. McKeating, SullivanLaw Litigation Associate The global outbreak of COVID-19 It has led many Ontario employees to wonder what their rights are amidst a public health scare. Here is are some answers to a few questions workers may have. What precautions does my employer have to take to keep me safe? If […]
“I paid a contractor $35,000 to renovate the kitchen. It’s been 6 months, it’s only half-done, and I’m pretty sure he’s not going to finish it. What are my remedies in civil court?” Before we consider suing, we have to understand the reasons for the delay. The desire of the homeowner is to have the
Federal legislation that proposes “child-focused” language will likely do little to mitigate conflict between parties with children, Ottawa family lawyer and civil litigator Timothy N. Sullivan tells AdvocateDaily.com. The recently introduced Bill C-78 “aims to help families settle disputes outside court, emphasize the well-being of impacted children and better enforce child support,” Canadian Press reports. “Justice Minister Jody Wilson-Raybould
Guidelines mean more litigation and conflict The Supreme Court of Canada’s (SCC) new guidelines for international child custody cases will prompt more litigation and conflict in Hague Convention matters, Ottawa family lawyer and civil litigator Timothy N. Sullivan tells AdvocateDaily.com. The case involved a family of four Canadians living in Germany. Although the father had custody of the two
Residency should be flexible in adoption of adult child Judicial discretion should be exercised if someone wants to adopt an adult child from another jurisdiction, says Ottawa family lawyer and civil litigator Timothy N. Sullivan. So when Justice Bruce E. Pugsley said he could not grant an adoption order of a step-daughter because the intended step-father, a 71-year-old
by Timothy Sullivan, lawyer Custody battles can be costly. Family lawyers see this kind of situation all too often: A protracted custody and access battle between divorcing parents goes on far longer than it should, typically because one or both parties escalate situations restrict access or bring motions when a conversation should have sufficed. The
Avoid family conflict over disinheritance by being upfront There are circumstances in which disinheriting a child may be reasonable, and something that the other family members may support. However, disinheriting children is one of those things that can tear a family apart if it comes as a surprise, revealed only after the parent in
“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.
by Timothy Sullivan, Principal We hear it all the time: “I don’t have much, so I don’t need a Will.” Preparing a Will is a conscious effort. From deciding to have one, discussing with your intended heirs, finding the lawyer you’re comfortable with and going through the appointments with a lawyer and the decision-making about
Even highly-educated professionals should see independent legal advice In some ways, getting a divorce is a pretty straightforward proposition: There’s well-established case law, mostly-clear standards, and generally accepted principles for dividing property and establishing spousal and child support. And there’s a fear that ‘bringing lawyers into it’ can turn what may otherwise be an
