By David Harris-Lowe  – Partner, Family Law You may hear about lawyers talk to you about legal costs when a court action is started.  This refers to two things – the amount you pay your lawyer for legal representation and also whether one litigant has to pay the other legal costs for the cost of the law suit.  In family law cases, this is governed by Rule 24 of the Family Law Rules.  The idea…

By Lindsay Hayes, Articling student We’ve all seen the posts of an over-sharer on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc., whether it’s disparaging comments about their ex or ‘not safe for work’ photos from a rough weekend. These dirty laundry posts can not only have damaging  consequences, such as being fired or getting arrested ,but can also end up being used as damaging evidence  in a court of Family Law. A 2012 Harvard University study provided insight…

Thomas Dart, Partner, Family Law How people approach climate change and how people approach family conflict are amazingly similar. Here are some of the similarities: Climate change Family law disputes People deny climate change is happening At least one of the parties denies that there is a conflict which needs attention Those people who accept that climate change is happening do not know what to do about it People in family conflict do not…

Timothy Gronfors. Associate, Family Law.   As a playful means for highlighting millennials’ preference for spending on luxuries rather than saving for essentials, a recent BBC article has developed the satirical ‘avocado toast index’. Using statistics from across the globe, the index calculates how many years it will take to afford a down-payment on a house by merely forgoing a daily ‘smashed avocado-on-toast’ breakfast. And good news Mexico City millennials – your abstinence from avocado…

  By Douglas J. Manning, Partner, Certified Specialist in Family Law There has been some press coverage over the past couple of months about Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s marital breakup and their fight about the children.  However, the amount of coverage has been far less than in a lot of Hollywood divorce cases. Why is this? While there have been hints in the gossip media about differences in parenting styles and priorities and…

By David Harris-Lowe, partner, Family Law   Which spouse owns the family home, whether you’re married or in a common law relationship, matters.  The rules around ownership are important and can make a significant difference to how property issues get resolved.  Some rules that are often surprising to people include: a)      When you get married, ownership of assets, including the matrimonial home matters.  Family law does not change ownership. b)      If you own the…

 Catherine Hyde, Paralegal “Alternative facts” has now become a new catch phrase. What is an alternative fact? My take on it is that if I am doing the telling I believe my statement to be a plausible alternative to the truth. The question is, if it is an alternative to the truth is it in fact a lie? In a matrimonial matter there are two parties and for ease of reference we will…