Common-law relationship splits have unique challenges. In the past 10 years, the number of common-law couples (non-married couples who have a household together) in Canada has continued to grow, and now comprises about 20% of families across the country. For many people, a household based on a common-law relationship is something that sort of ‘happens’. […]
Asking the right questions will help you find the right fit The truth is that sometimes in life, you need a family lawyer: To help with estates, Wills and powers of attorney; for property division and mortgage agreements; for marriage and co-habitation agreements; and, yes, for separation, divorce and child custody agreements. It’s a
Persistent litigants make everyone suffer Persistent family law litigants who bring applications or motions to vary without pursuing them by consistently delaying proceedings are abusing the justice system and responding parties – and they typically don’t face any consequences, says Ottawa family lawyer Timothy N. Sullivan. “There should be a rule of court to address parties who
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
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
