All Posts

Deducting Legal Fees

As we head into tax season, we thought it was a good time to share some information about when legal fees may be tax deductible.

Mediation

Attending Mediation with Lawyers Present

Mediation is an option that many separating couples are choosing these days. If you have agreed to mediate with lawyers present or have been served with a Notice to Mediate, here are some important things to know.

Mediation

The Benefits of Mediation

These days, more and more separating couples are realizing that they have options. Options that don’t involve wasting tens of thousands of dollars and hundreds of stressful hours going through the court process when they separate.

Team

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

We are currently seeking a receptionist / administrative assistant to join our Vancouver team. This position carries with it the opportunity to perform high-quality work and to grow alongside Connect as our business continues to expand.

Money

Spousal Support Reviews

Whether a spousal support “review” is warranted depends on the nature of the existing agreement or court order dealing with spousal support.

Kids

Joint, Shared, Split – What’s the Difference?

Family law in Canada uses a number of different terms to describe ex-spouses’ parenting arrangements. What does it all mean? Kaity Cooper explains various types of custody and parenting and whether there is any real difference between them.

Kids

Family Violence: Getting Help

Family violence can occur in any family, regardless of social standing, economic level, race or creed. During the separation process, episodes of family violence can increase or even occur for the first time.

Property

Do Stepparents Have to Pay Child Support?

As a general rule, each biological parent of a child has a primary responsibility to provide support for the child. However, even if you are a stepparent, you may have an obligation to pay child support if you are separating from your spouse.

Property

Recap: Realtor Lunch and Learn 2018

Realtors and mortgage brokers often face family law-related issues in their business dealings. Connect recently hosted a lunch and learn for real estate professionals to debunk three common separation and divorce myths.

Divorce

Back to Work, Post-Divorce

The prospect of returning to work after being out of the paid workforce can be daunting at the best of times. Making this leap on the heels of separation or divorce can seem downright overwhelming, if not paralyzing.

Money

Child Support When Parenting is Shared: Who Pays What?

Shared parenting by separated spouses is becoming more and more common. Despite this increased prevalence, many ex-spouses are still confused about their child support obligations when parenting is shared.

Team

We're Expanding in Kelowna!

Are you ready to take your practice to the next level? If so, we’d love to hear from you. Connect Family Law is seeking a lawyer to complete our Kelowna team.

Kids

The Voices of Children

Sometimes, in an effort to spare their children from the stress of separation, parents may inadvertently keep them from having a voice in the process.

Kids

Pot and Parenting

Legal marijuana has the potential to impact most areas of a family law case, but the shadow of the pot leaf will lie most heavily on cases involving children.

Money

Imputing Income to the Payor Spouse

The first step in calculating how much child or spousal support one ex-spouse must pay the other is to determine the paying spouse’s income. The starting point for this is the amount reported on line 150 of the payor’s most recent tax return.

Marriage

Moving In Together? Consider a Cohab

With the cost of living constantly on the rise (particularly in BC’s Lower Mainland), more couples are moving in together, perhaps sooner than they anticipated, as a way to save money. If you’re in this position, consider a cohabitation agreement.

Team

Recap: #Retreat2018

Summer is (almost) here, so it must be time for the Second Annual Kent/Connect Team (+ Family and Pets) Retreat!

Collaborative Law

Modernizing the Divorce Act

Leisha weighs in on proposed changes to the Divorce Act, which will bring federal law in line with provincial legislation.

Team

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

Are you ready for a change? Do you crave interesting, meaningful work done in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment? We're hiring in Vancouver, and Connect Family Law may be just the firm for you.

Kids

“A Child of the Marriage”: Child Support Obligations and Post-Secondary Education

Most people who come to me for advice believe that their obligation to pay child support ends when their child reaches the age of 19. In fact, this is not always the case.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon Recap

Our February Divorce Salon in Kelowna was led by Therapist, Child Specialist and Divorce Coach Sharla Schofield, RCC, RCSW. Conceptualizing divorce as a “journey”, Sharla helped Salon participants prepare for their travels and beyond.

Money

Early Retirement, Interrupted (by Divorce)

Retirement. Long golden days stretching late into the evening. Time to focus on golf, painting, crossword puzzles and connecting with friends and family. Unfortunately, divorce can derail these plans, particularly when it comes to spousal support.

Collaborative Law

Fixed Fee Collaborative Model

Connect is excited to introduce its latest initiative designed to offer families a choice in how they resolve their family law matters: the Fixed Fee Collaborative Model (Pilot Project).

Money

Family Law Fraud: The Truth Will Out

Last week, CBC Web Writer Bethany Lindsay highlighted a real-life example of how the "truth will out" in family law disputes.

Team

Year in Review: Kelowna 2017

The recent snowfall here in Kelowna inspired an early start to this season of reflection. Before we say goodbye to 2017, we wanted to share some highlights from our first year as a member of this vibrant Okanagan community.

Divorce

Divorce: The Big Five

Inspired by a recent CBC interview with an Ontario family lawyer about the most common questions she hears from a couple who’ve decided to split, Crystal shares her own Big 5 (questions) with those of you living - and separating - in BC.

Kids

The Holidays: Plan Ahead, Reduce Stress

The holiday season and the expectations that come with it can be stressful for any family. Separated and divorced families face an additional set of challenges during this time. To help you to reduce your holiday stress, Jessica offers some tips.

Money

Distributing Family Assets to Pay for Litigation

Inspired by a recent Financial Post article about the court’s ability to require one spouse to pay the other’s legal expenses, Louise discusses another way that BC family law levels the playing field between spouses to increase access to justice.

Kids

Child Support: No Excuses

In this post, Rebecca shares the most commonly heard excuses for failing to pay child support and the Court's typical response.

Divorce Salons

Living on the Edge: An Evening with Dr. Gail Howell-Jones PhD

At our September Vancouver Divorce Salon in Vancouver, Dr. Gail Howell-Jones, PhD spoke about the challenges involved in life transitions ("edges") such as separation and divorce ) and offered coping strategies. Alex Boland recaps the evening here.

Separation

Can I Change the Locks?

Just because you can do something, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you may. Read Crystal's latest post, in which she considers the question "can I change the locks?"

Separation

Out-of-Court Options: Part 2

The conclusion to Rebecca's two-part post on the dispute resolution options available to separating spouses who are willing and able to avoid going to court.

Separation

Out-of-Court Options: Part 1

While separation and divorce inevitably involve some degree of pain, the process of separation need not be “a fight to the bitter end.” In fact, other than in exceptional circumstances, going to court ought to be a last resort.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon: DIY Divorce

Crystal Hansen led our Salon participants in a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from their personal experiences of separation to their perspective on how our legal system is evolving.

Money

Spousal Support: Three Common Misassumptions

Last month, my colleague F. Scott Murray debunked four myths about divorce. Continuing that theme, this month I clear up some confusion surrounding spousal support.

Kids

Back-to-School: Easing the Transition

After weeks of breathing smoked-filled air that made the city feel like the inside of a cigar-store closet, the breeze has turned and the evening wind brings with it a familiar bite. It all means one thing: Winter is coming.

Divorce

Divorce: Four Myths Debunked

Knowledge is power. When it comes to separation and divorce, the more you know about the process and what to expect, the better equipped you’ll be to handle this significant life transition.

Separation

Settlements: When Your Ex Reneges

You and your former spouse were able to settle your family law issues without having to resort to litigation and you signed a written agreement that contains your settlement terms. But your ex is refusing to follow the agreement. Now what?

Divorce Salons

Vancouver Salon Recap: Staying Together

Our June Divorce Salon in Vancouver, led by Relationship Coaches and Mentors Jack and Soorya Resels, involved a rich dialogue with our participants about how to rejuvenate their relationships and thrive.

Wills & Estates

Enduring Powers of Attorney

The third post in a 3-part blog series on estate planning services that lawyer Scott Murray offers our Okanagan clients.

Divorce Salons

Kelowna Salon Recap: Parenting After Separation

This month, we share three key takeaways from an evening with our wider Connect community, so that those who weren’t able to join us can benefit from the discussion.

Team

Kelowna Team Retreat 2017: Recap

Now that our Okanagan office is (already!) six months old, we thought it high time for the Vancouver gang to take a field trip to check out the new digs.

Kids

Are You My Mother?

The law often has difficulty keeping pace with changes in our social landscape. Examples of this disconnect are readily found, but one of particular interest to families is the challenge lawmakers face when it comes to defining a “parent”.

Wills & Estates

Representation Agreements: Creating Certainty

The second post in a 3-part blog series on estate planning services that lawyer Scott Murray offers our Okanagan clients.

Team

Kelowna Office Launch

We were delighted to have a reason to play host to the Okanagan community last month at the official opening of our Kelowna office!

Divorce

Infertility and Divorce

One challenge in divorce that is all too common but rarely discussed is infertility which, even if overcome, can lead to separation or divorce.

Appeals

Considering an Appeal? Read our Top 3 Tips

Unfortunately, even when litigation is the right choice, the experience can feel like a waste of time and money if the judge does not rule in your favour. To avoid that feeling, unsuccessful litigants tend to think: We should appeal!

Wills & Estates

Wills: Protecting Your Interests

For Okanagan clients wanting support with long-term financial planning, Scott Murray in our Kelowna office is available to assist on a wide variety of estates issues.

Separation

Moving Provinces Post-Separation: What Are the Implications?

Where separated spouses live in different provinces, this can impact how their family law issues relating to property, support and divorce are resolved.

Litigation

Going to Court: When Litigation Makes Sense

While any aspect of litigation can be both emotionally exhausting and expensive, there are reasons why it may still be worth considering.

Property

Pet Disputes are “Ruff”

Many pet parents are horrified to learn that, when it comes to dividing a pet post-separation, there is no requirement to consider the “best interests of the pet”. Learn what happens to a pet on separation in our latest blog post.

Divorce Salons

Children, Anxiety and Divorce - Alyson Jones Presentation

In November 2016, we were fortunate to have Child and Family Therapist Alyson Jones lead our Divorce Salon on the topic of children, anxiety and divorce. Here, we share Alyson's presentation from that evening with our wider Connect community.

Divorce Salons

Divorce Salon Recap: Co-Parenting Challenges

Our January Divorce Salon, led by parenting expert and child specialist Alyson Jones MA RCC, involved a rich dialogue with our participants about co-parenting issues that can arise on separation and divorce.

Divorce

The Family Home: Three Facts You Should Know When Separating From Your Spouse

In Vancouver, making decisions about whether (or when) to sell your house can be overwhelming at the best of times. Contemplating those decisions in the context of a family law dispute can cause that overwhelm to tip into panic.

Team

Year in Review

December is a natural time to look back on the challenges and achievements of the previous year. For us, it’s a particularly fitting time for reflection, since it marks Connect’s one year anniversary.

Team

Join Us: Family Law Lawyer

We are currently seeking an experienced family law lawyer to join our creative and dynamic team, someone who shares our passion for legal advocacy and is energized by the idea of “doing things differently”.

Kids

Is it legal to spank or use physical discipline on my child?

In this post, we look at how spanking and physical discipline are treated under both criminal and family law in Canada, and encourage parents to use healthy alternatives when parenting your children.

Litigation

Connect Responds to Judges' Call for New Approach

Some of the top judges in Canada are beginning to speak out about a problem that many family law clients have been concerned about for years: access to legal services.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Jack R. Cartmel

As a follow up to our recent blog post Divorcing DINKs (Double Income, No Kids), we asked Jack Cartmel to share his perspective on being a “DINK”. Here’s what he had to say...

Kids

Two Homes for the Holidays

Holidays and special occasions can be a particularly charged example of how (nearly) everything changes post-divorce.

Kids

Children and Anxiety: What’s Your Role?

Since divorce is a major life transition involving many unknowns, it can bring with it a significant amount of anxiety. Questions like “Where will I live?”, “Who will I live with?”, and “What will happen to me?” can be overwhelming for a child.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Kim Hall

Kim Hall, Founder/Owner of Physio2U, was a speaker at our recent Divorce Salon "Women Rebooting their Career after Divorce.” We chatted with her after the event.

D-Side

Tales from the D-Side: Michelle Schepel

We spoke with Michelle Schepel, Manager of Partnerships and Programs at the Boston Pizza Foundation, after a relaxed and compelling Divorce Salon gathering.

Money

Divorcing Dinks (Double Income, No Kids)

"The Lifestyle to Which You’ve Become Accustomed" No matter their age or how long they’ve been married, all Canadians who decide to divorce are subject to the same laws regarding spousal and child support.

Money

Back to School: Who Pays for What?

For parents of school-aged children, September can herald a (sometimes welcome) return to routine. However, fall can also bring with it added financial and logistical stresses, as parents adjust to new money and time demands.

Property

When is Equal "Significantly Unfair"?

Kids

Parenting After Divorce Easier With Flexible Scheduling

This Toronto Star article describes the potential advantages to creating a parenting plan that grows with your children. While some ex-spouses may benefit from such an approach, flexibility can also lead to uncertainty in terms.

Separation

5 Tips To Help You Through Your Divorce

This Huffington Post piece by Randall M. Kessler ( U.S. divorce lawyer, author, and law professor) offers five great tips to help get you through your separation with a minimum of cost and expense.

Collaborative Law

The “Good Divorce”

Is there such thing as a "good divorce"? Globe and Mail writer Zosia Bielski suggests there can be in her recent article, Divorcing with dignity: How modern exes are treating a split as an awakening.

Money

The "Divorce Mortgage"

A recent Forbes article (read it here) considered the "divorce mortgage" concept being floated by some UK lenders due to “a flood of older people being forced to sell their homes after they split in later life".

Divorce

Divorce App – A Great Tool For Spouses Who Can Work Together

We wanted to share this interesting piece posted recently on The Guardian (read it here) about the divorce app amicable that "lets you break up without breaking the bank".

Money

4 Things Newly Single Women Should Do With Their Finances

We wanted to share this terrific article from the Money section of US News & World Report by Masood Vojdani on how to prepare financially for a spouse's death since the suggestions apply equally in the context of divorce‬.

Kids

The Problem Of Child Benefits In Shared Custody (Maclean’s)

This Maclean's piece by Jennifer Robson is a very interesting social policy analysis on how the planned changes to federal child benefits will (or won't) impact separated and divorced spouses. Stay tuned for a possible Connect blog post...

Divorce

The Most Expensive Divorce In History?

(Originally posted May 2014. Updated May 2016.) A key issue in the recent high profile divorce of Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev was the trusts Mr. Rybolovlev created to hold most of his fortune. When the legal dust settled, a Swiss court....

Money

How To Avoid Losing Your Shirt (Or Shell) On Separation Or Divorce

(Originally posted July 2012. Updated May 2016.) While many people feel like a snail without a shell after a divorce, the reality is Canadian family law dictates that family assets are divided equally between spouses...

Money

Early Retirement And The Implications For Spousal Support

This blog post addresses the issue of voluntary early retirement and how this may affect spousal support orders. Voluntary early retirement is defined as someone who could continue to work, but chooses, ...

Marriage

What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas…Unless You Get Married

(Originally posted May 2012. Updated April 2016.) Like all good love stories, this one starts in the wee hours of the morning at the Little White Chapel in Las Vegas, Nevada. A man and a woman (both Canadian residents), having known each other...

Separation

The Difference Between A Separation Agreement And A Court Order

(Originally posted March 2012. Updated April 2016.) What's the Difference? A Separation Agreement is: a written contract between separating spouses; and negotiated by the spouses with or without the help of lawyers...

Money

Tax Treatment Of Legal Fees Related To Support Payments

(Originally posted April 4, 2012. Updated April 2016.) As we are in the heart of tax season, I thought it timely to offer some information about how Canadian tax laws treat legal fees relating to a family proceeding. Keep in mind that I am not,...

Money

How Divorce Can Affect Your Credit

We recently read another great article online dealing with the financial aspects of divorce. This one, by freelance writer Paul Sisolak, explains some of the ways a divorce can impact your credit indirectly and how to prepare yourself to recover...

Negotiation

How Financial Planners Can Help When Negotiating Divorce Settlements

We wanted to share this great article by Toronto family law lawyer Nathalie Boutet about the important role that financial planners play in negotiating out-of-court divorce settlements. We often use financial planners and/or tax specialists...

Separation

Spousal Support: Post-Separation Increases In Income

(Originally posted April 2014, updated April 2016). You have been working hard and finally obtained that promotion, which includes a significant pay raise. Your talents and hard work have paid off. In the midst of merriment and celebration,...

Divorce

How Vancouver’s Hot Real Estate Market Can Affect Divorce Settlements

Connect Partner Leisha Murphy speaks to Global BC about how Metro Vancouver’s hot real estate market can affect divorce settlements.

Litigation

A Harsh Reminder Of The Limits Of Litigation

Earlier this week, we read an interesting piece in the Toronto Sun covering a recent family law court ruling out of Hamilton, Ontario. In the words of the article's author, the judge's decision was "an astounding plea for sanity",...

Divorce

The Impact Of Rising House Prices On Divorce Cases

Connect Partner Leisha Murphy speaks to CBC about how skyrocketing house prices are impacting divorce cases in the Lower Mainland.

Money

“Divorce Lenders”: A Solution To The High Cost Of Divorce?

We wanted to share this interesting piece we found in The Guardian on “divorce lenders” in the US and UK. These financiers are capitalizing on the high US divorce rate by lending money to the “non-monied spouse”, at a high interest...

Divorce

No Such Thing As A “Quickie” Divorce

A recent family law blog post out of California on the topic of “bifurcation” (which allows a court to separate aspects of a family law case and grant a divorce before other issues are resolved) brought to mind the concept...

Mediation

Tenison Between Family Law Privacy Rights & the Open Court Principle

In the recent case of Chellappa v. Kumar 2016 BCCA 2, the BC Court of Appeal had the opportunity to address what it termed “the tension between the open court principle and a litigant’s privacy rights in a family law case”.

Divorce Salons

Divorce Salons – A New Trend

I recently read an article in the New York Times entitled: “A New Cadre of Experts Helps Women Navigate Their Divorces”. This is an interesting idea that I think could work for men as well as for women. Creating a community of support....

Divorce

How To Avoid Divorce Lawyers & Keep Your Relationship Going

(Updated April 11, 2016) A while back, a colleague sent me this Huffington Post article, “10 Ways to Stay the Hell out of My Office”, by divorce lawyer Krista Barth. While the piece is a couple of years old now, its suggestions...

Separation

What To Consider When Making A Marriage Or Separation Agreement

Under the Family Law Act, which came into force March 18, 2013, you and your partner/spouse may make an agreement dividing property and debt between you. The Agreement can be made in the event of a future separation (Marriage or...

Marriage

Do Men Have A Voice In The Debate On Work-Life Balance?

The voice of men has been noticeably absent from the debate on work-life balance and the new economic realities of families. While women struggle with their traditional role as the “homemaker” and the emotional and financial consequences of...

Divorce

Social Media Savvy: Things To Consider When Separating

Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, have led to an unprecedented sharing of personal information on public platforms. In many instances our discretion has not caught up with our desire to share our activities, triumphs...

Divorce

To Work Or Not To Work: The Dilemma Of The Modern Working Mother

Never has there been a time in history when women were so prevalent in the workplace. This has caused a significant shift in gender roles, identity, and expectations. Or, so we think. I recently read a poignant and captivating article...

Divorce

Highlights Of Major Financial Changes To The Law

The new Family Law Act comes into force today (March 18, 2013). This means that all claims, except property division claims, that started under the old Family Relations Actwill continue under the new Family Law Act. If you start a fresh...

Separation

Whose Debt Is It Anyway?

Daisy and Eric have decided to separate. They agree to equally divide their assets, but Daisy does not want to pay for half of the Line of Credit which Eric used (without Daisy knowing) to go to Vegas (without Daisy),...

Divorce

Is It Possible To Get Out Of Settlement Agreements?

Frank and Jamie McCourt, the infamous former owners of the LA Dodgers, are back in court. Jamie alleges that Frank vastly understated the value of the Dodgers, which was sold earlier this year for approximately $2 billion, leaving her with an...

Money

The Cancer Of Family Law: Non-Disclosure Of Financial Assets

Non-disclosure of assets is the cancer of matrimonial property litigation -Cunha v. Cunha (1994), 99 B.C.L.R. (2d) 93 (S.C.) Non-disclosure of financial information, whether real or imagined, is almost invariably claimed by one spouse...

Divorce

Donated, Sold And Stored: Sperm As Family Property

Like so many issues that come before our courts, moral and philosophical considerations must be tackled. Unfortunately, the court, ensnared with procedures, legislation and rules, is often ill-equipped to handle the existential questions...

Divorce

Video Seminars On Wealth And Divorce

I discuss the financial implications of divorce and separation with Heather Holden of Hayashi Holden Wealth Management. Quick, informative and personal (you get to see me talking instead of reading a post)...

BLOG

All Posts

Deducting Legal Fees

Attending Mediation with Lawyers Present

The Benefits of Mediation

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

Spousal Support Reviews

Joint, Shared, Split – What’s the Difference?

Family Violence: Getting Help

Do Stepparents Have to Pay Child Support?

Recap: Realtor Lunch and Learn 2018

Back to Work, Post-Divorce

Child Support When Parenting is Shared: Who Pays What?

We're Expanding in Kelowna!

The Voices of Children

Pot and Parenting

Imputing Income to the Payor Spouse

Moving In Together? Consider a Cohab

Recap: #Retreat2018

Modernizing the Divorce Act

We're Hiring in Vancouver!

“A Child of the Marriage”: Child Support Obligations and Post-Secondary Education

Kelowna Salon Recap

Early Retirement, Interrupted (by Divorce)

Fixed Fee Collaborative Model

Family Law Fraud: The Truth Will Out

Year in Review: Kelowna 2017

Divorce: The Big Five

The Holidays: Plan Ahead, Reduce Stress

Distributing Family Assets to Pay for Litigation

Child Support: No Excuses

Living on the Edge: An Evening with Dr. Gail Howell-Jones PhD

Can I Change the Locks?

Out-of-Court Options: Part 2

Out-of-Court Options: Part 1

Kelowna Salon: DIY Divorce

Spousal Support: Three Common Misassumptions

Back-to-School: Easing the Transition

Divorce: Four Myths Debunked

Settlements: When Your Ex Reneges

Vancouver Salon Recap: Staying Together

Enduring Powers of Attorney

Kelowna Salon Recap: Parenting After Separation

Kelowna Team Retreat 2017: Recap

Are You My Mother?

Representation Agreements: Creating Certainty

Kelowna Office Launch

Infertility and Divorce

Considering an Appeal? Read our Top 3 Tips

Wills: Protecting Your Interests

Moving Provinces Post-Separation: What Are the Implications?

Going to Court: When Litigation Makes Sense

Pet Disputes are “Ruff”

Children, Anxiety and Divorce - Alyson Jones Presentation

Divorce Salon Recap: Co-Parenting Challenges

The Family Home: Three Facts You Should Know When Separating From Your Spouse

Year in Review

Join Us: Family Law Lawyer

Is it legal to spank or use physical discipline on my child?

Connect Responds to Judges' Call for New Approach

Tales from the D-Side: Jack R. Cartmel

Two Homes for the Holidays

Children and Anxiety: What’s Your Role?

Tales from the D-Side: Kim Hall

Tales from the D-Side: Michelle Schepel

Divorcing Dinks (Double Income, No Kids)

Back to School: Who Pays for What?

When is Equal "Significantly Unfair"?

Parenting After Divorce Easier With Flexible Scheduling

5 Tips To Help You Through Your Divorce

The “Good Divorce”

The "Divorce Mortgage"

Divorce App – A Great Tool For Spouses Who Can Work Together

4 Things Newly Single Women Should Do With Their Finances

The Problem Of Child Benefits In Shared Custody (Maclean’s)

The Most Expensive Divorce In History?

How To Avoid Losing Your Shirt (Or Shell) On Separation Or Divorce

Early Retirement And The Implications For Spousal Support

What Happens In Vegas, Stays In Vegas…Unless You Get Married

The Difference Between A Separation Agreement And A Court Order