Blogs

In an era where high-conflict parenting disputes increasingly test the limits of interim relief, Maile v. Reid, 2024 ONSC 1009, serves as a cautionary tale for Ontario family law practitioners. Justice Gibson’s decision outlines the stringent test applied to interim motions to change final orders, offering critical lessons on the threshold for variations, the nature […]

As blended families become increasingly common in Ontario, courts are frequently tasked with defining the rights of step-parents who assume parental roles without a biological tie. The recent Ontario Court of Justice decision in Van Scoy v. Leblanc, 2024 ONCJ 563, offers a roadmap for navigating these complex dynamics. Justice Jenner’s thoughtful analysis reinforces the

Justice Pazaratz’s endorsement in Churchill v. Elliot and Ward, 2024 ONSC 1907 offers a detailed roadmap for navigating interim parenting motions, particularly when a trial looms near. This decision underscores the judiciary’s reluctance to upend established arrangements absent compelling evidence, providing critical guidance for family law practitioners in Ontario on timing, evidence, and strategy.  Case

In a recent decision that provides valuable guidance for Ontario family law practitioners, Justice J. Breithaupt Smith of the Ontario Superior Court of Justice addressed the admissibility of vocational assessment expert testimony in Sud v. Sud, 2025 ONSC 1268. The ruling offers much-needed clarity on the use of vocational experts in income imputation cases and

In Rastkar v. Soltani, 2024 ONSC 1384, Justice Somji provides timely and pragmatic guidance for family law practitioners navigating the sale of a jointly owned matrimonial home—particularly where one spouse wishes to buy the property. Released March 5, 2024, the decision reinforces key principles surrounding fair market value, bidding rights, and good faith participation in

The Ontario Superior Court of Justice’s recent decision in Vargas-Hernandez v. Graff-Guerrero, 2024 ONSC 4164, released by Maxwell J. on July 24, 2024, offers valuable guidance for family law practitioners navigating motions for the advance of equalization payments, interim disbursements, and disclosure enforcement. This case underscores the evidentiary burden on moving parties and the judiciary’s

The British Columbia Court of Appeal’s decision in Mills v. O’Connor, 2025 BCCA 34 (February 4, 2025), delivers a meticulous analysis of property division under B.C.’s Family Law Act (FLA), S.B.C. 2011, c. 25, with implications that ripple beyond its borders—including into Ontario’s family law landscape. While rooted in B.C.’s statutory framework, this case not

NEW BLOG ALERT from GOLDHART LAW PC: Achieve better outcomes in family law mediation with the Essential Preparation Checklist.  Read the Checklist HERE. Key Takeaways: Techniques for effective negotiation and issue prioritization. Detailed guidance on legal document preparation. Best practices for effective communication and setting realistic expectations. Insights on mediation techniques and how to handle