Beesley Gahrns

07/22/2025

https://www.instagram.com/p/DMbDLzvOeNd/

02/19/2025

The mediation intake meeting is the first step in the process once we've been retained. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGRNLLsysrX/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

01/13/2025

WHY DIVORCE MATTERS

You don’t necessarily need to get divorced after you separate. You could resolve the corollary issues (e.g. the parenting plan, child and spousal support, equalization of net family property, etc.) in a separation agreement, but remain legally married. But there is a difference between being separated and divorced. Here’s why it might matter to you:

1. Limitation Periods: A married spouse has 2 years from the date of divorce, or 6 years from the date of separation, whichever is sooner, to file a claim for equalization of net family property if the issue is not resolved.

2. Medical and Dental Benefits: Most extended health benefits allow separated but married spouses to remain on an employee’s plan. Once you are divorced, you lose access to these benefits.

3. Survivor’s Benefits on Pension Plans: If you are married, you may have a right to survivor’s benefits on your spouse’s pension plan (depending on the terms of the plan), unless the issue is resolved by agreement or court order in such a way that you have released your claim to these benefits. For most pension plans, a divorced spouse has no claim to a survivor’s benefit. For some pensions, e.g. HOOPP, the spouse you are married to at the time of retirement is the spouse who is entitled to the survivor’s benefit, unless there is an explicit release of these benefits in a separation agreement. The implications of divorce on survivor’s benefits is dependent on the terms of the plan, but this is something to consider.

4. CPP Survivor’s Pension: If you are married at the time of death, your married spouse is entitled to your CPP survivor’s pension. If you are married to one person and living common-law with someone else, CPP might divide the pension between your married spouse and your common-law spouse.

5. Emotional Closure: Some people want to get divorced in order to bring a feeling of emotional closure to their lives.

6. Dating: Some people like to be able to “market” themselves as divorced when they enter the dating scene, as opposed to just separated.

7. Remarriage: If you want to get married again, you need a marriage license. To get a marriage license, you can’t be still married to someone else. You will need a Divorce Certificate when you apply for the license.

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09/12/2024

09/11/2024

Did you know that under the Succession Law Reform Act, if a person dies intestate (aka without a will), only a married spouse may inherit? This restriction does not apply to the support of dependents. Common law is not the same as marriage in many ways, especially with respect to property rights.

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05/09/2024

Badmouthing an Ex on social media has legal and financial consequences.

Throughout the ten years post separation, the wife had taken to Facebook with a smear campaign against the husband.

02/29/2024

https://familyllb.com/2024/02/29/minimizing-the-impact-of-divorce-on-children-in-ontario-strategies-and-signs-of-distress/?utm_campaign=Blog&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=296238903&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9Lb8ANGu66J9sBsROqB_7xAyhMJhiwdt4IUhTE2sNATplHytY85JQFyZDIowIVM0UTlCn0TzwL6e1O3l3EzX0cXOxaMA&utm_content=296238903&utm_source=hs_email

Divorce can be a challenging experience for everyone involved, especially for children.

01/18/2024

Here's a terrific explanation of the collaborative divorce process. It's one of our favourite ways to assist people in resolving the issues of their separation.

As of 2024, collaborative divorce has become an increasingly popular option for couples in Ontario seeking an amicable separation.

01/02/2024

Infidelity might matter to you, but it doesn't matter in family law.

Adultery and Affairs: Understanding the Basis for Divorce in Ontario Adultery and Affairs The only ground for divorce in Canada is the breakdown of a marriage. This can be proven in three ways: (1)…

12/06/2023

Don't get triggered into conflict this holiday season. Here are some tips.

We all have idealized images of the holiday season–perfect gifts and the warm glow of togetherness. But the gap between expectations and reality can be huge when parents are recently divorced, and grief, anger, and bitterness can intensify holiday stress.

11/30/2023

Navigating the holidays is tricky in a co-parenting relationship. Here's a little webinar that might help.

Russell Alexander’s Family Law Now 🎙 LIVE presents a virtual event with collaborative family lawyers Russell Alexander, Rick Peticca, & Daniela Di Rezze.

10/31/2023

There's a new therapeutic supervised visitation program in Ottawa.