Raising children requires countless decisions, both big and small. When parents separate, determining who has the authority to make those bigger decisions becomes important. Questions about who chooses a child’s school, consents to medical treatment, or signs them up for extra-curricular activities can quickly become disputes between parents. While many …
Understanding Dependant Support Claims in Estate Law: What Executors and Families Need to Know
In Ontario, dependant support claims arising after a person’s death are governed primarily by Part V of the Succession Law Reform Act (“SLRA”). These claims may arise where a deceased individual has failed to make adequate provision for the proper support of a dependant through their Will or through intestacy. …
Child Relocation After Separation: Your Legal Roadmap
A parent’s decision to relocate with a child following separation can give rise to complex legal issues. The law recognizes that such a move may significantly affect a child’s relationship with the other parent. Understanding the legal framework governing relocations can help parents make informed and thoughtful decisions. What is …
Protecting Family Bonds: Understanding Grandparents’ Rights in Ontario
Grandparents often play a vital role in their grandchildren’s lives, offering emotional support, stability, and a connection to family history and culture. Although grandparents do not have an automatic right to access their grandchildren, there are legal avenues available to seek contact through the courts. At Northern Law, our experienced …
The Complexities of Intestate Succession in Ontario: Why Planning Ahead is Essential
Intestate Succession under the Succession Law Reform Act When a person dies without a valid Will in Ontario, they are considered to have died “intestate”. In such situations, the distribution of their estate is governed by Part II of the Succession Law Reform Act (“SLRA”), which outlines the rules for …
Untangling Finances: Managing Debt After a Common-Law Relationship Ends
When common-law couples separate, they may be surprised to discover there is no legislative formula for dividing or distributing their debt. Creditors are not obliged to release debtors after separation, so it is not uncommon for one spouse, perhaps the one with better credit, to bear the burden of the …
Inheritance Hijacking: Protecting Your Estate
Inheritance hijacking occurs when a person or persons steal or receive a part or all an inheritance they are not entitled to receive or is meant for another. Inheritance hijacking is not new, but it appears to be on the rise. There are multiple reasons for the increase in inheritance …