Plaine Family Law

05/24/2026

This is going to sound real weird, I know:

The real test of character is how you act in the situations where you have every reason to treat someone badly. I know, being the bigger person sucks. Why should you have to be nice when someone else is an a$$hole. I get it.

But the truth is it isn’t for them. They don’t deserve grace. It’s for the truth. It’s for your soul. It’s to avoid going into the mud pit you never created.

Just remember the goal is to stay safe in the storm. You deserve better because you are better.

My goal is to stop them from dimming your sparkle.

05/10/2026

Pssssst PSA: your kid’s mom doesn’t want breakfast in bed tomorrow or 8 am hugs. She wants to sleep super late and look at her phone until noon without anyone needing her attention. Thank you for your attention to this matter. 🤣

Just kidding, but seriously we all should take time tomorrow to show our love for the caretakers in our lives who show up, rain or shine, sickness or health, baseball game or school play, because they are the glue that holds our worlds together. Now go hug your mama and baby mama and step baby mama and aunt and you get the picture.

05/09/2026

Now happily accepting retainer payments in the form of Craig's Cookies YUMMMM 🍪🍪

04/25/2026

A question we get asked A LOT at our office: is child support still payable when parents share parenting time?

 How it works in shared parenting

If each parent has the child at least 40% of the time, this is considered shared - although the Court has discretion when the parenting time is greater than 40% but less than 50%.

In that situation, Courts don’t just apply the standard table amount to one parent. Instead, they typically use a set-off approach:

* Each parent’s income is used to calculate what they would owe the other under the guidelines.
* Those two amounts are offset against each other.
* The parent with the higher income usually pays the difference.

Example (simplified)

* Parent A would owe $900/month
* Parent B would owe $600/month
➡️ Parent A pays $300/month (the difference)

But it’s not always that simple.

Courts can adjust the amount based on:

* Actual costs of the shared arrangement (e.g., duplicated housing, transportation)
* The needs of the child
* Any disparity in household standards of living

Contact us if you need information or advice on how child support is to be paid in your specific circumstances.

*This is not legal advice*

04/17/2026

Co-parenting with a narcissist is EXHAUSTING. It means constant high conflict, broken boundaries, questioning decisions and the child being used as a pawn. Instead of collaboration, it is resistance and struggle. However, it is predictable and therefore manageable. The key is it requires strict boundaries, emotional detachment, and detailed documentation. It also means creating a high empathy environment at home. There are lots of great resources for those struggling with a narcissistic co-parent

12/25/2025

We hope you have a blessed and memorable 2025 holiday season and here is to 2026 Jennesa Plaine

06/15/2025

If you know a father that cannot be with their children today, please give them some support. Fathers and male role models are so important in the lives of children.

06/16/2024

Happy Father’s Day to the men who tirelessly support their children. We see you. For the Dad’s who do not get to see their children today, remember that you are needed and important

01/22/2024

Helpful resource for the courageous souls attempting to navigate the family law system without assistance

Looking for answers to questions relating to family law? Check out Steps To Justice's Family Law page for answers: https://stepstojustice.ca/legal-topic/family-law/

06/19/2022

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dads, Step-Dads, Big Brothers, male role models and important men in the lives of little people. Research proves the important role you play in their hearts and minds. You will never know how vital your role is not just in each child you love but in our communities and our world. You are irreplaceable.

Sending a special Happy Father’s Day message to the dads who will not be seeing their children this weekend. I can’t imagine the struggle you are facing, this weekend especially. Please remember YOU ARE VALUED AND IMPORTANT IN YOUR CHILDREN’S LIVES, even if you are unable to be with them. Those facing alienation, it is not ok that this is happening to you or your children. Men are heavily pressured not to show their emotions. It’s ok to be sad. It’s ok to let out your hurt. Do not give up hope. This day is for you.