You shared a home. Shared your life. Shared the bills. But if you're in a common law relationship, and separating in Ontario? The law doesn't automatically split things 50/50 like it would for married couples. That family home in your partner's name alone? Yeah, that part stings.

The third time you sit in a lawyer's waiting room, the details feel cruel in their familiarity. Same stiff chair. Same outdated magazines. Same dry mouth when the door opens, and someone calls your name. Maybe a decade has passed. Maybe your hair is different, your kids are older, your fi

Summer is finally here, but for co-parents, the real heat often comes from the schedule. Navigating vacations and custody transitions is a lot to juggle when you’re trying to keep things drama-free for the kids. Here is how to keep the peace this season: ☀️ Sync calendars now. Early

Now imagine it telling a judge a law that doesn’t exist while you're the one standing there holding the bill. We trust AI to find us the best taco spot in Toronto or summarize a long work email, but when it comes to splitting up your life, a chatbot might just be the most expensive 'frie

Diplomas, proms, and... the Ex-Factor? 😬 Don't let co-parenting tension overshadow your child's big moment. We’ve put together a "Peace Treaty" guide for graduation season—from seating arrangements to the "both parents" photo strategy. Read more here: https://abso

So you opted to get paid your equalization in monthly payments instead of a lump sum because your ex couldn’t come up with the money. It was the practical choice at the time, but it leaves one big, uncomfortable question: what happens if your ex dies before the balance is paid? It’s a scena

Moving in together? Getting married? In Ontario, the rules can be a bit of a trap if you aren't prepared. But you don't have to spend thousands on two separate lawyers just to get a fair agreement. See why mediation is the faster, cheaper, and way more chill way to protect your future w

The concept of a 'healthy divorce' can feel like an oxymoron. We are often conditioned to believe divorce is a battle, but as an accredited Mediator and Parent Coordinator at Absolute Dispute Resolution, I see families choose a different path. A healthy divorce is not the absence of

Our pets are part of the family, and the law in Ontario is finally catching up! Gone are the days when cats and dogs were treated as simple property during a separation. Recent shifts now recognize them as “companion animals,” reflecting the deep bond they share with their families. T

Signing off on a separation agreement without full financial disclosure is the ultimate "trust fall." It’s tempting to skip the paperwork to save time, money, or just to get it over with. But as a mediator, I see why this shortcut often backfires. Disclosure isn't a sign of distrust;

Ever feel like you’re starring in a bad reality show called "My Roommate from Hell"? Except the roommate is your ex, and the set is your own home. Think you can just change the locks because your name is on the title? Think again. Under Part II of the Family Law Act, R.S.O. 1990, c.