Blog
Unpacking the Shankman v. Dennison Case: Substance Abuse and Settlement Agreements
The recent decision in Shankman v. Dennison, 2023 ONSC 4265, serves as an important reminder about the importance of clearly drafted minutes of settlement and consent orders when substance abuse is an issue. Background By way of background, the parties ...
Cheryl Goldhart Elected as Vice Chair and Secretary of the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario
We are pleased to share that Cheryl Goldhart, founder of Goldhart Mediation & Arbitration and Goldhart Law Professional Corporation, has been elected as the new Vice Chair and Secretary of the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario (FDRIO). As ...
Beaudoin v. Stevens: Guidance on Bad Faith and Enforcement
The recent decision in Beaudoin v. Stevens, 2023 ONSC 5265 by Justice Piccoli of the Ontario Superior Court provides helpful guidance for family law lawyers on several key issues relating to costs awards. The reasons in Beaudoin v Stevens address ...
Latreille v. Puyuttaq: Navigating Habitual Residence and Jurisdiction
Introduction The recent decision of Latreille v. Puyuttaq, 2023 ONSC 6172 addresses critical issues regarding jurisdiction and habitual residence that family lawyers should be aware of when representing clients in custody and access matters. This case serves as an important ...
Anderson v. Anderson: Autonomy and Fairness in Family Law
The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Anderson v. Anderson, 2023 SCC 13 provides useful guidance for Ontario family lawyers regarding the principles courts should apply when considering domestic contracts that do not meet statutory requirements for presumptive enforceability. In Anderson, ...
Sparkman v. Sparkman: Issues on the Interim Sale of the Matrimonial Home
The interim sale of the matrimonial home is frequently a contentious issue in family law cases. Should the home be sold immediately, or should one spouse be permitted to remain in the home until all financial matters are settled? In ...
C.B. v E.G.: At the Crossroads of Best Interests and Autonomy Rights
Parenting cases involving estranged or alienated adolescents present some of the most agonizing dilemmas in family law. The recent Ontario Superior Court decision in C.B. v. E.G., 2023 ONSC 1571 starkly highlights the tension that can arise between pursuing reunification ...
Zhao v. Xiao: Impact on Section 7 Expenses and Termination Date for Child Support
The case of Zhao v. Xiao, 2023 ONCA 453 revolved around an appeal concerning child support and related relief, and the appeal was ultimately dismissed. Two issues which stand out from the case are the role of household income in ...
