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Power of Attorney & Living Wills - What You Need to Know

When Can a Power of Attorney Make Changes to a Will?

If you are thinking about your estate and considering granting a power of attorney you may be wondering “Can a power of attorney change a Will”? When it comes to estate planning, Having a Will is a vital part of ensuring your wishes are carried out including financials, possessions and properties. A power of attorney is a legal document that

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who inherits assets when there is no will in ontario?

Who Inherits Assets When There is No Will in Ontario?

Originally Published: September 2021 Updated: July 2023 An important part of estate planning is creating your Will, which outlines how your assets should be distributed after death. So, who inherits assets when there is no Will in Ontario? If you die without a Will, Ontario law states that you have technically died “intestate,” meaning that you have left no instructions

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How to Fight a Will Challenge

When a loved one passes away, their Will should lay out their wishes for their property and other aspects of their life to minimize disputes and represent their best interests. In some situations, families and friends cannot agree to the terms set out in the Will or the validity of the Will itself. This may lead to an individual contesting

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Last Will & Testament Lost or Destroyed

What happens when an original Will is lost or destroyed?

Originally Published: April, 2018 Updated: May, 2023 What is a Will and what happens if it is lost or destroyed? A last Will and testament is a document that sets out the deceased’s final wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and the handling of their affairs after death. When you have a Will in place it provides the peace

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Family Estate planning document

Your Guide For How To Make A Will In Ontario

You are never too early to make your Will in Ontario. Having said that, according to an Angus Reid Institute poll from 2017, more than half of Canadians don’t have a last will and testament.  Of that group, 18 percent cited cost as the main reason they hadn’t written a will, while 5 percent answered that it’s too time-consuming. Even

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Two sisters fighting over a will

What Are The Grounds For Contesting a Will in Ontario?

When a loved one dies, you will have a number of legal responsibilities to deal with… one of the major ones being locating the person’s will and administer the estate according to the wishes laid out in it. However, the most complicated legal battles around wills are when disagreements arise.  Have you considered what happens when a will is contested

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wills and divorce

January 1st – New Changes to Married Couples & Wills

Effective January 1st, Ontario is enacting new laws which are focused on the validity of wills when it comes to re-married/divorced couples.  When someone remarries after a divorce, their Last Will and Testament from the previous marriage will no longer be deemed invalid. We have outlined an example scenario of the new changes and explained in detail what is involved

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Wills and Estates

Mississauga Wills & Estates

Taking the time to plan ahead by preparing a will is an important and necessary step for protecting your family. Without a will, your family may have to make tough decisions, or may not necessarily divide your estate in accordance with your wishes. Trust Epstein & Associates Barrie Wills & Estates lawyers to provide the experience, knowledge and attention-to-detail necessary

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Power of Attorney & Living Wills - What You Need to Know

Power of Attorney & Living Wills – What You Need to Know

It is important to note that there is a very large difference between a Last Will and Testament and a Living Will (or what we call a Power of Attorney for Personal Care in Ontario).  A Last Will and Testament deals with your wishes for the distribution of your estate after you have passed away. A Living Will is a

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What are valid reasons for revoking a will?

If you have a will or plan on making a will, you also should know the number of ways it can be revoked or cancelled. Most commonly, marriages, divorce and a new baby or family member, may change how you want your estate divided. In these cases, you may wish to revoke your will. When can a will be revoked?

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How often should I update my will?

How often should I update my will?

Updating a will can seem like a chore that can always be put off until tomorrow. Of course, we know that a will is specifically for planning what happens in the event that an unexpected or tragic incident occurs. While it may be uncomfortable to think about for some people, this is exactly why it is important to be proactive

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Lawyer predict outcome of divorce

Will my lawyer be able to predict the outcome of my divorce case?

We all like a little bit of reassurance. So if you ever find yourself up against the uncertainty of a divorce case, it’s very reasonable to ask your family lawyer how they expect it’s all going to turn out, based on what they have experienced. But how much credibility can we put into their response? Is it possible to accurately

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A woman thinking about what to do after her husband died without a will in Ontario

What happens if you die without a will in Ontario?

As many as three-quarters of Canadians don’t have an up to date will. While it may be uncomfortable attending to questions about your own mortality, a will is an important and necessary document to protect your estate. Dying without a will moves control of the future of your estate out of your own hands and allows it to be divided

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A woman considering her credit rating after getting a divorce

Will getting a divorce ruin my credit rating?

It’s well-known that a divorce has the potential to substantially affect your financial situation. Depending on the nature of the split, you may be required to give up assets as part of the property division process and you could be required to pays support payments on an ongoing basis. But how does all of this impact your credit rating? Will

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Wills and Estates

Richmond Hill Wills & Estates

Making decisions regarding the administration of your estate can be an uncomfortable task – but it’s important for preserving what you’ve worked for and for protecting the ones you love. Epstein & Associates of Richmond Hill can help guide you through the important steps and decisions when you are preparing your will. Making the time to prepare your will in

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Wills and Estates

Barrie Wills & Estates

Taking the time to plan ahead by preparing a will is an important and necessary step for protecting your family. Without a will, your family may have to make tough decisions, or may not necessarily divide your estate in accordance with your wishes. Trust Epstein & Associates Barrie Wills & Estates lawyers to provide the experience, knowledge and attention-to-detail necessary

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Wills and Estates

Newmarket Wills & Estates

No one wants to spend time thinking about their own death – but it is important to plan ahead to spare your loved ones from having to make difficult decisions regarding your estate. Finalize the plans for your will and estate by working together with the Wills & Estate Lawyers at Epstein & Associates of Newmarket. We can help guide

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Will I stop needing to pay spousal support when I retire?

If you are responsible for making regular spousal support payments from a divorce or separation agreement, you might begin to wonder how things might change as you near retirement. Once your income stream changes your support payments will change as well? If so, what can you expect? No automatic adjustments One thing to keep in mind is that your spousal

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A man preparing his final will and estate

When is the right time to prepare a Will?

It can be uncomfortable to think about planning ahead for your own death. The fact remains, however, that this is something that everyone needs to prepare for in order to guarantee that the hard work we have done over the course of our life is not done in vain. Without a will, assets acquired over years of labour can be

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A Newmarket Estate Lawyer Helps With Estate Administration

How An Estate Lawyer Can Help If You Are An Executor Or Beneficiary Of A Will

With a loved one’s passing comes the sometimes daunting task of sorting out the terms of the Will and dealing with the deceased’s finances. If you have been named the executor (a.k.a. estate trustee), you will want to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities, how to determine the applicable probate fees (i.e., estate administration tax) and that all obligations

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Under What Circumstances May a Will be Contested in Ontario?

The death of a relative or someone you had a relationship with can be challenging.  Learning that the Will was not what you expected can raise suspicion about whether the Will was a true reflection of the deceased’s intention. In this blogpost we outline some of the circumstances under which a Will may be challenged.  Failure to Provide for Financial

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How is pension divided during divorce?

Will My Pension Be Divided When I Get a Divorce?

Over the course of your working life you will contribute a lot of money within your pension. If your relationship has soured, and it looks like things are coming to an end, you will likely begin to wonder how you can expect property and assets to be divided between you and your partner once the divorce is finalised. Evaluating Your

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Man Signing a Will in Newmarket

What Happens If I Have Not Made a Will? Intestacy

Last week we discussed the forfeitures that you surrender by not leaving a Will. Today we will discuss the SLRA and laws of intestacy that govern your estate in the absence of a will. Laws of Intestacy Apply By leaving no Will, the  Succession Law Reform Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. S.26  (the “SLRA”) will govern how your property will be

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An Estate Executor Forfits Their Duties in Newmarket

What Happens If I Have Not Made a Will? Forfeitures

Nobody likes to think about their own mortality, but failing to make a Will can cause significant problems and expenses for your estate and loved ones if you were to pass away suddenly or unexpectedly. Leaving no Will can cause uncertainty and place your loved ones in a difficult financial and emotional situation. Leaving no Will can also add delays

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How can I make sure my will is bulletproof?

How can I make sure my Will is Bulletproof?

Whether you are deciding how your assets will be distributed after you pass on or are helping a loved one make their decisions, you want to ensure that the careful estate planning doesn’t go to waste. Inconsistencies in the will, or questions about the conditions under which the will was created, can cause changes to be made after the death

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What happens if there is an error or mistakes in a last will and testament?

What happens if there is an Error in a Will?

In the aftermath of the death of a family member, friend or colleague, you may be entitled to a portion of their belongings or estate. Unfortunately, depending on how precise and current the deceased’s will was, there may be some uncertainty over whether the will properly represents their final wishes. The wording used in the will is misleading, mistaken or

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Wills and Estates

Wills & Estates

Wills & Estates Lawyers No one likes to think about their own death – or that of a loved one. But having a Will, or determining a Power of Attorney are important ways to care for yourself and your family should the unthinkable occur. At Epstein & Associates, you will always meet with a lawyer to discuss your estate planning.

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How much child support will I have to pay?

Individuals who are facing a divorce with children may wish to know how child support payment amounts are calculated in Ontario. The amount that will be owed by the payor parent each month is calculated using that parent’s gross income. Gross income is the amount of money the parent earns before taxes are deducted.   When estimating how much child

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Is It Possible to Get a Divorce Without The Consent of My Spouse?

Originally Published: July, 2022.  Updated: January 2024. For most, divorce is an unsettling process that requires many difficult conversations with your spouseIn many cases, it may be difficult to get that spouse’s consent to a divorce. So, is it possible to get a divorce without the consent of my spouse in Canada? The answer to this question is not straightforward.

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Employees vs. Independent Contractors in Ontario: What you need to know

Employers in Ontario are faced with a decision to make: hire employees or independent contractors. There are benefits and challenges to each; however, from a legal perspective, there are important distinctions that may have lasting effects on your business. The classification of employee vs. contractor impacts worker’s entitlements and employer responsibilities under the law. In this article, we will explore

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How long can debt be collected in Ontario?

With the cost of living on the rise, there are more individuals facing debt and debt collectors. You may be wondering if your debt can expire. The answer is not exactly. It is important to know your rights and responsibilities regarding debt collection in Ontario to protect yourself and dispute claims if necessary. Navigating debt collection can be stressful and

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How long can an uncontested divorce in Ontario take?

In Ontario, many couples explore the option of an uncontested divorce as a more amicable and efficient way to dissolve their marriage. The timeline for an uncontested divorce in Ontario can vary, but it usually (post pandemic) takes between 5 to 7 months from the filing of the divorce application to the issuance of the divorce order. This estimate is

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When can a civil case lead to criminal charges

While family matters primarily fall under the jurisdiction of civil law, there are instances where a case can unexpectedly take a criminal turn. In this article, we’ll explore the circumstances under which a civil case may lead to criminal charges and shed light on the complexities that families may face. Understanding the Distinction Between Civil and Criminal Cases Family law

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How to Protect Your Children During a Divorce

If you are thinking about getting a divorce, you are probably worried about how it will affect your children. The reality is that divorce is a real change in everyone’s life, and children notice that. However, there are things we can do during the process of your divorce to help you protect your children. Our primary focus as lawyers is

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Meet Gabriel

Gabriel began his post secondary education at York University where he graduated with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science.  Gabriel continued his education in London, England where he received his B.A. (Hons.) Degree in Law from the University of Law.   For as long as he remembers, Gabriel has always been interested in law, history and the politics

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Protecting Your Future: The Importance of a Separation Agreement Review

It can be challenging to keep track of everything during a divorce or separation, however, it’s important to ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities throughout the process. A separation agreement is often a part of a divorce or separation. A separation agreement is a legal document that outlines the terms and conditions of the separation. A separation agreement can

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Meet Rhonda

Rhonda graduated from O’Sullivan College based in Montreal, Quebec in the late 1980s where she obtained a DEC (diplôme d’études collégiales) and, acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to work in the legal environment. Rhonda Binstock is a law clerk with over 35 years of experience. Rhonda worked with a prominent sole-practitioner in Toronto for over 22 years before joining

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Incorporation Guide: federal vs. provincial incorporation pros and cons

Are you considering incorporating your business? In Canada, as a business owner, you have the option to incorporate your business provincially or federally. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, however, understanding the differences will help you make the best decision for your business. In this article, we will explore federal vs. provincial incorporation pros and cons. What is the

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Father’s Rights in Ontario: Chances of Getting 50/50 Custody

Child custody (now known as decision-making responsibility) battles can be emotionally challenging for both parents. Fathers in Ontario often wonder about their chances of securing 50/50 custody of their children. The misconception that decision-making responsibility is only given to mothers is rooted in a not-so-distant reality. In the mid-90s’s The Government of Canada reported, that only 8.4% of children coming

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Meet Rachel

Rachel Bangura joined Epstein and Associates in 2023 after being called to the Ontario Bar earlier this year.  She received her law degree from the University of Sussex in England and a Master of Arts from Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo. During her time at law school, she gained advocacy experience by participating in various negotiation competitions. With her former

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family law act and divorce act in Ontario

Clean break in divorce – what is it and when should you use it

Ending a relationship by separation or divorce can be a difficult decision. Once the decision has been made things like division and distribution of assets and spousal and/or child support agreements need to be negotiated and approved by the court. The process can be a long and arduous one and as such, consideration may be given as to whether or

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When Mental Illness Leads To Divorce

Feelings of failure, guilt, and loneliness can arise in adulthood due to childhood trauma, loss, work, life, and relationship pressures. When untreated, these negative feelings can lead to mental illnesses such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, which can impact daily life. At Epstein & Associates, we understand that mental wellness plays a large role in marriage and that the stability

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A new couple wondering about spousal support requirements.

Does Spousal Support End If You Remarry In Ontario?

If you were previously married and thinking about marrying you may be wondering Does spousal support end if you remarry in Ontario? Entitlement to spousal support and its payment obligations is one of the most commonly litigated issues in family law. There are many factors to consider including the type of support required, payment schedule, and whether child support is

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What Are The Different Types of Murder Charges in Canada?

As far as criminal offences go, none garners quite the same level of attention as murder. But when it comes to the details and differences between the various types of murder charges in Canada, there is often a lot of confusion. What is the difference between first- and second-degree murder? Where does manslaughter fit in? And what are the sentencing

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The Ultimate Divorce Consultation Checklist

You’ve made the difficult decision to end your marriage and get a divorce. Now what? The first thing you need to do is find the right legal representation. Finding the right lawyer can be stressful, but having a divorce consultation checklist prepared will help you make this important decision. Ensuring you have an experienced and dedicated lawyer on your side

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Meet Shay

Shay Kamaneh graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce while majoring in Law & Business from Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University). Shay then completed her law degree at the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law. Shay is an Articling Student and has passed both the Barrister and Solicitor Bar Exams. Throughout law school, Shay volunteered with Pro Bono Students Canada,

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Your guide to wrongful termination in Ontario

Do you feel that you’ve been wrongfully terminated, but you aren’t sure what options you have? This is your guide to wrongful termination in Ontario. What is Wrongful Termination? Wrongful termination in Ontario occurs when an employer fires an employee in violation of The Employment Standards Act (ESA) or in breach of their employment contract. Examples of Wrongful Termination To

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Child Support Regulations book. Law, rules and regulations concept.

Your Complete Guide to Child Support Laws In Ontario

Originally Published: January 2021 Updated: July 2023 This is your complete guide to child support laws in Ontario. It covers everything from the basics of calculating child support payments to determining tax designation for child support. There are many details that go into child support laws. They are in place to maintain the wellbeing of children. To keep with the

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Real estate roles ontario

What Does An Ontario Real Estate Lawyer Do?

Originally Published: January 2021 Updated: July 2023 Have you thought about buying a house or condo in Ontario? If so, you’ll need to know what a real estate lawyer does and how they can help represent you. A real estate lawyer protects your rights by making sure that all parties adhere to the terms of your agreement and that you

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A married couple working together to understand an uncontested divorce

What is An Uncontested Divorce?

Originally Published: August 2017 Updated: July 2023 Marriage and divorce can be complex and emotional. When navigating the process, you might be wondering which type of divorce is right for your unique situation. The two types of divorce in Canada are contested divorce and uncontested divorce. So, what is an uncontested divorce? An uncontested divorce occurs when both parties agree

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What is Collaborative Family Law?

Divorce and separation can be stressful for families, however, your divorce does not need to cause family conflict. Whether you have children you want to protect or just want to come out of a divorce without confrontation, you may be wondering what options you have. If this is the case collaborative family law may be the answer. So, what is

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Meet Anna

Anna Jablonski joined Epstein and Associates in 2023.  She graduated with a Law Clerk Diploma from Centennial College in 2014 and has worked exclusively as a Family Law Clerk since then. Anna brings a strong background to the firm and, with over eight years in the industry, is able to handle all facets of a family file.  Her confidence and

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A real estate contract ripped up after the deal fell through

What Happens When a Real Estate Deal Falls Through?

Originally Published: September 2017 Updated: May, 2023 The purchase or sale of a piece of real estate can often be a long and complicated process. With proper due diligence, communication and adherence to the process, most real estate deals will go off without a hitch – but sometimes a deal can fall through, leaving both buyer and seller in some

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Woman with child at airport

Do I need my ex’s permission to take my children on vacation outside of Canada?

Originally Published: June, 2019 Updated: May, 2023 “I’m divorced and looking to take my children on vacation outside of Canada, do I need my ex’s permission?” Divorce can create challenging situations, not only at the time of separation but also in the years ahead. These situations can become even more complicated when the divorce involves children. If you’re considering traveling

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small business law / incorporating a business

Do I Need a Lawyer to Incorporate my Small Business?

Originally Published: September, 2021 Updated: May, 2023 Do I need a lawyer to incorporate my small business in Canada?There is no legal requirement to retain a lawyer to incorporate a company, but a lawyer with your best interest in mind will ensure your business is properly incorporated. While any person can incorporate a company, it can be beneficial to seek

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Landlord-Tenant Disputes: How a Lawyer Can Help

Residential landlord-tenant disputes can be complicated and lengthy. When it comes to renting in Ontario, it is important for both parties to understand their rights and responsibilities. It is beneficial in having an experienced lawyer able to advise and represent you in matters concerning residential tenancies. An experienced landlord-tenant dispute lawyer can assist you in dealing with illegal acts, eviction,

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Navigating Inheritance Disputes Between Siblings

Inheritance is the distribution of a person’s property, including their debts and obligations, upon death. Typically, inheritance usually passes from an older generation to a younger generation.  In Ontario, the person that transfers the inheritance out of the estate is known as the estate trustee, and the person who receives the inheritance is known as the beneficiary.  Beneficiaries can be

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How to Get a Prenup Agreement in Ontario

Protecting yourself, your assets and your property is often a concern of spouses when entering into a marriage. A marriage contract or better known as a prenup or prenuptial agreement can protect either spouse from unwanted costs or loss should a marriage dissolve through separation, divorce or annulment. You might wonder how to get a marriage contract in Ontario and

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How to Get A Marriage Annulled in Ontario

A marriage annulment in Ontario is a rare process used to end a marriage that was never valid. This is based on the principle that the marriage in question was not a legal contract from the start.  Annulments are different from divorce where the spouses are ending a valid marriage. The process of marriage annulment in Ontario requires a court

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Is it possible to terminate parental rights in Ontario?

When going through a separation or divorce it is important to ensure that your children’s welfare is being considered. There can be difficult decisions that need to be made to make sure your children feel supported through this process. The decision to terminate parental rights can weigh heavily, however, knowing when this may be necessary and the process of doing

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Do you need a Lawyer for Family Court?

Family courts in Ontario hear a variety of disputes all of which can be emotionally and psychologically stressful. Cases are complex and can place a large burden on individuals disputing something in family court. In addition, the decisions made in family court can affect your financial future and the well-being of your family. To prevent additional stresses that come with

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What are the financial implications of divorce in Ontario?

Divorce can be a daunting and emotionally stressful process in Ontario. When thinking about divorce it is important to consider all the financial implications that come with it. This includes the previously laid out agreements and contracts, the cost of divorce, the division of property, child support and spousal support. The financial implications of divorce are unique to each relationship

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What if Your Spouse Won’t Sign a Separation Agreement in Ontario?

A separation agreement provides both spouses with control over the separation process in Ontario. In Canada, there is no legal requirement for a separation agreement before a divorce or separation, however, creating a separation agreement allows for both parties to outline their desires in the divorce or separation and come to an agreement on the division of assets and other

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How does common law spousal support work in Ontario?

In Ontario, the process for common-law partners to achieve spousal support upon a separation can be stressful and complicated. Common law partners do have rights when it comes to spousal support but the process of proving eligibility can be complicated. Here we outline what relationships are considered common-law and the eligibility criteria for spousal support. However, reaching out to an

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Meet Katarina

Katarina graduated from the Accelerated Law Clerk Program at Seneca College of Applied Arts and Technology in 2002. She previously worked at numerous downtown firms dealing with corporate, litigation, wills and estates, as well as, tax law.  Prior to joining Epstein & Associates, Ms. Gottfried spent almost 8 years working as a Law Clerk for a local municipal office dealing

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Can you live in the same house and be legally separated?

Are you living in the same house as your spouse, but considering a legal separation?  You may think that it’s impossible to separate while still living together, but there are actually several options available.  In Ontario, couples can be legally separated without having to move out of their home. Moreover, marriage contracts can also be put in place so that

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Meet Ibrahim

Ibrahim attended McMaster University where he obtained an Honours Bachelors of Arts Degree in Justice, Political Philosophy, and Law, and later obtained his Dual J.D. Degree from the University of Windsor and University of Detroit Mercy. During his legal studies, Ibrahim volunteered with Windsor Law’s Community Legal Aid, the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office and the William Booth Legal Aid

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How to start divorce proceedings in Ontario

Divorce proceedings in Ontario can be daunting and emotionally traumatic for individuals seeking to file. In this process, there will be many hard or complicated decisions that must take place to ensure the successful filing of the divorce. Consulting with a lawyer can help you ease that burden, better understand your options, and help interpret the divorce process in Ontario.

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Family law concept on white table against blue background

What has changed in family law in Ontario in the past year

This past year has brought notable changes to the Divorce Act. Specific changes came into force on March 1, 2021 and additional federal support enforcement laws will come into force at different times over the next two years.  The changes to the Divorce Act amend Canada’s federal family laws related to divorce, parenting and enforcement of family obligations. There are

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Set of cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrency in Estate Planning

Cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin, is a virtual, modern, and non-governmentally issued take on money. This form of currency poses some highly interesting questions in the realm of estate planning. Take, for example, an adult who has accrued a valuable sum of cryptocurrency and attends a law firm looking for a Will that encompasses the entirety of their assets, including their

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Little black girl crying on mothers shoulder

How Can Family Violence Impact Relocating with your Child?

Family violence can include a range of behaviours such as harassment, threats, financial or physical abuse to name a few. None of which are easy to cope with, especially when children are involved. If you are seeking to relocate with your children, it is important to know what steps you need to take to do so. In the recent case,

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Can my ex take my retirement funds or pension plan in a divorce?

Originally Posted: July, 2019 Updated: January, 2024 When a marriage ends, deciding the equal distribution of assets to each person is a necessary step. Under the law, the value of any kind of property or assets that was acquired by a spouse during marriage and exists at the time of divorce must be divided equally. This covers pension and retirement

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Understanding the Laws Around Child Support Payments in Ontario

Understanding how provincial law affects child support payments can help minimize confusion when parents are determining child support arrangements between each other. In Ontario, there are Child Support Guidelines that can serve as a basis to determine which approach should be taken. Under the law in Ontario, child support payments are based on several considerations, including the Determination of annual

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Divorce and adultery

What happens in divorce if you commit adultery?

This post was originally published on August 21, 2019, and has been updated as of January 3rd, 2023. Adultery can complicate a divorce case and may affect how decisions are made regarding child custody, property division and spousal support. For example, if a spouse has committed adultery during the marriage, courts may take this into account when considering an uneven

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How does common law marriage work in Ontario?

Ontario recognizes common law relationships as a valid form of union between two people. Common law relationships are legally recognized in Ontario and can bring many of the same rights and responsibilities that married couples enjoy. However, there are important differences between common law and traditional marriages. In this post, we will explain how common-law marriage works in Ontario, what

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Meeting of foreign colleagues

Foreign-Trained Lawyers Moving to Canada Are Not Travelling “Light”

What skills are transferable for lawyers from other jurisdictions coming to Canada? When a foreign-trained lawyer comes to Canada, they bring with them many important skills that are built while practicing law in another jurisdiction. In many ways, a foreign-trained lawyer will possess highly similar skills to a Canadian-trained lawyer because the role of a lawyer involves strong legal research,

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Why Do You Need A Divorce Lawyer?

If you are considering a divorce, you may be wondering whether or not you need a lawyer. The answer to this question depends on the specific circumstances of your situation. In general, however, it is always a good idea to consult with an experienced divorce lawyer to discuss your options and make sure that your rights are protected. Here are

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House for rent label on christmas holidays. Wooden house symbol with rent tag on blue background

New Year, New Rent Increases

With inflation raising the costs of everyday life, it may be wise to start strategizing for potential lifestyle cost increases in the new year. Every year the Province of Ontario sets the maximum increase landlords can impose on their tenants without approval from the Landlord Tenant Board (LTB). For 2023, the maximum rent increase is set at 2.5%. Ex. Your

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African american businessman gives a phone consultation

How to Have a Successful Consultation

Starting the legal process on a matter can be overwhelming, especially if it is the first time you are seeking the services of a lawyer. The purpose of a consultation is for the client to see if the lawyer is the right person to tackle their matter and for the lawyer to become familiar with the details of the case. 

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Is Divorce Law Federal or Provincial?

We often get asked whether divorce law is federal or provincial. The answer may surprise you – it’s actually both! While the Divorce Act is a federal law, each province and territory also has its own laws surrounding divorce. Here’s a quick overview of how divorce law works in Canada. The divorce process in Canada is governed by both federal

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Is It Expensive to Get a Divorce in Ontario?

Getting a divorce is an emotionally challenging experience and is often accompanied by financial strain. In Ontario, the cost of getting divorced can vary significantly depending on a number of factors, such as how complicated the divorce is and how contested the issues are. Here are the main cost considerations when filing for divorce in Ontario: Costs of filing an

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A citizen holds their passport and wonders what will happen after their divorce

How does a divorce affect your citizenship?

Original Publish Date: November 10, 2017 Revised October 20th,  2022 Getting a divorce means a lot of things will change. It could mean that you have new financial obligations, or that you will see your kids on a visitation schedule.  For those who have recently moved to Canada, there can also be questions about whether or not getting a divorce

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Is Falling Out Of Love Reason Enough For Divorce?

Original Publish Date: October 28, 2019 Revised October 12th,  2022 Deciding to divorce or separate from your partner is often not an easy thing to do. As hard as the situation can be, you should know that you aren’t the first or the last person going through these circumstances. Divorce is a decision that requires much thought and consideration. There

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A man holding an engagement ring after a divorce

Who keeps “the ring” after an Ontario divorce?

Original Publish Date: November 29, 2017 Revised: September 28th, 2022 Making the decision to end a marriage or break off an engagement will inevitably lead to a number of personal, emotional and financial consequences. In the middle of the different issues that require attention during this time, a common question is about the ownership of engagement and wedding rings. In

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Couple arms crossed on sofa

How soon can I divorce after marriage?

Original Publish Date: June 26, 2019 Revised: September 21st, 2022 When marriages break down, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of the next steps.  The only legal reason you need to be granted a divorce is that your marriage hasn’t worked.  Getting an annulment is another possible solution, but an annulment is only applicable in certain situations. Read on

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What can you do if your spouse refuses to sign the divorce papers?

Original Publish Date: July 15, 2019 Revised: September 15th, 2022 Unfortunately, marriages break down, and in some cases, one spouse may refuse to agree to a divorce. They may not accept that the relationship is over. While others may believe, getting divorced conflicts with their beliefs. Under Canadian laws, you don’t need to get your spouse’s consent to get a

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What Happens When a Landlord Sells a Property in Ontario?

Original Publish Date: February 15, 2017 Revised September 2022 If a landlord sells a property, it is best if the landlord and tenant can handle it cooperatively. Unfortunately, conflicts often arise. A common reason is that the landlord will want to show the property to many potential buyers, which can be inconvenient for the tenant who wishes to live in

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what to do when your spouse turns your child against you

What To Do When Your Spouse Turns Your Child Against You

Children are typically not the ones asking their parents to split up, so divorce can be a scary and very unsettling situation for them if not handled carefully. Parental Alienation; a parent’s worst nightmare when they are already leaving a spouse and that spouse is trying to take the child with them by manipulating their feelings. We have outlined some

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