The Mandatory Information Program For Family Law Disputes – What Does It Mean For You?
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]September 15, 2011 By Fhara Pottinger The legal system in Canada is designed to deal with property and not people. As a result, family disputes are a poor fit, because even when they appear to be about property, they are mainly about people. In spite of various no fault reforms, emotions tend to run high in […]
A New Option For Separating Spouses
December 17, 2010 [vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] “Love is a feeling, marriage is a contract, and relationships are hard” – Lori Gordon When relationships stop working and that contract needs to be dissolved, there used to be two options – either the parties came to an agreement, which became known as the separation agreement, or everyone went to […]
Child Support
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]March 30, 2010 By Brad Smith Child support, for married or unmarried spouses, is determined according to the Child Support Guidelines. Child support is the amount set out in published Tables according to the number of children, the income of the support payor plus “special or extraordinary expenses”. For example, according to the Tables, in Ontario, […]
Custody And Access Of Child
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]March 23, 2010 By Brad Smith Custody of a child is determined according to the best interests of the child. Factors considered in determining the best interests of a child include: the love, affection and emotional ties between the child and parent the age, views and preferences of the child the length of time the child […]
An Introduction To Family Law
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]March 17, 2010 By Brad Smith There are several issues that arise in family law, including spousal support, child support, possession, division, and equalization of property and custody and access of children. These do not arise just at the time of separation of spouses. These issues should be addressed several times in the life of you […]
Tax Free Savings Accounts And Family Law
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]March 9, 2009 By Brad Smith Most people have likely heard of the Tax Free Savings Account or TFSA. They became available January 1, 2009. A Tax Free Savings Account allows you to deposit $5,000 per year and grow without paying taxes. The deposit is not tax deductible. But none of the money withdrawn from the […]
Post Separation Changes In Value
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]February 27, 2009 By Brad Smith When married spouses separate, the property settlement (known as an equalization payment in Ontario) is based upon two dates: the date of separation and date of marriage. If an asset is owned by only one spouse, this normally means the owner spouse has the benefit, or burden, of an increase […]
The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]March 11, 2008 By Brad Smith The Children’s Fitness Tax Credit became effective January 1, 2007. A parent may earn a credit of up to $500 for each child under the age of 16 years. If you use the entire credit, this represents a tax saving of $75.00 per child. An eligible program must be: ongoing […]
The Child Tax Benefit After Separation
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]February 26, 2008 By Brad Smith There are often changes that arise as a result of separation that may impact the amount of the Child Tax Benefit received. This includes that a child has started to live with you, a change in the family income or shared custody. If your spouse previously received the child tax […]
Deducting Legal Costs For Child And Spousal Support
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]February 11, 2008 By Brad Smith In certain circumstances a support recipient may be able to claim a deduction for legal costs incurred to pursue or collect child support or spousal support. The legal costs you incurred for the following reasons may be tax deductible: Legal costs incurred to obtain spousal support under the Divorce Act. […]