Simply Family Law

10/10/2025

https://www.simplyfamilylaw.ca/post/federal-child-support-table-changes-coming-october-1-2025-what-parents-need-to-know

As of October 1, 2025, Canada’s child support tables are updated for the first time in eight years. These changes may affect how much support parents pay or receive, especially for those earning under $45,000. What Exactly Is Changing?The new starting point for child support is $16,000. If a paren...

05/18/2025

Tips on how to find the right lawyer for you:

1. Don't trust websites that rank lawyers in your area. Although I am apparently lawyer #4 in Kanata, it pains me to say those lists are absolutely random.

2. Google reviews could be helpful, but some lawyers offer discounts in exchange for good reviews... be suspicious of small firms with multiple five-star reviews.

3. Ask family and friends. Those who already spent thousands of dollars on a lawyer would have a couple suggestions for you and a lawyer or two to avoid.

4. Ask around. Some community groups on Facebook, your therapist, and your doctor might be helpful too.

5. Once you have a few names, don't hesitate to spend a few hundred bucks on finding the right person. Have a few consultations before making your final pick.

Legal process can be lengthy and expensive, so you want to have the right person in your corner from day 1.

03/12/2025

Tips for surviving separation while living under the same roof (Do's and Don'ts):

TIP #4: Communication



DO: communicate with your former spouse without blaming, gaslighting, raised voices, or expletives. Learn to communicate effectively after the separation (read the BIFF Method by Bill Eddy or another similar book).

DON’T: stall, avoid, blame, or insult your former spouse, use children to carry messages to the other parent, pressure your former spouse

TIP #5: Self Care



DO: have a friend or a family member who knows your situation. Consider counselling. If need be, have a safety plan for yourself and the children.

DON’T: keep your situation to yourself, avoid seeking help, ignore burnout.


TIP #6: Timelines

DO: focus on resolving your legal and financial matters as quickly and efficiently as possible. Hire a family law lawyer, if you need assistance. Move out as soon as reasonably possible.

DON’T: cause delays, ignore legal and financial disputes

10/28/2024

Tips for surviving separation while living under the same roof (Do's and Don'ts):

TIP #3: Children

DO: jointly choose a time and manner of telling your children about the separation. Divide up child-caring responsibilities. Share important medical, academic, and other information about the children. Create a schedule for each parent to spend time with the children. Attend a parenting course for separated parents.

DON’T: tell the children about the separation without the other parent's knowledge or prior agreement. Argue in front of the children. Blame the other parent in front of the children. Speak badly about the other parent in front of the children. Ask the children to keep secrets for you. Cause the children to miss or be late for activities or school.

08/16/2024

Tips for surviving separation while living under the same roof (Do's and Don'ts):

TIP #2: Cashflow

DO: split family expenses and bills, including children's expenses, utilities, mortgage or rent, property tax, and insurance. Keep track of these expenses and your contributions. Ensure that all bills are paid on time.

DON’T: withdraw funds from the joint lines of credit, use joint credit cards, or take money out of joint bank accounts without prior agreement. Refuse to pay for joint expenses, default on household payments, allow joint bank accounts to go into overdraft.

07/19/2024

Tips for surviving separation while living under the same roof (Do's and Don'ts):

TIP #1: Privacy

DO: keep a private space for yourself and let your former partner keep one too. This could be a bedroom, an office, part of a basement, etc. Always respect these spaces.

DON’T: invade your former partner’s private space; go through their phone; open, or read their mail, email, documents, or journal.

02/12/2024

If you paid a lawyer to establish, enforce, or increase child or spousal support, you can get those fees deducted from your taxable income.

Ask your lawyer for more information.