By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • For more than two years, Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman has been telling people how important it is to make full and honest financial disclosure when they are involved in a family law dispute. That message is still not getting through to everyone, though he says he is […]
The courts demand full financial disclosure in family law cases Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • Men who question if the child they are paying support for is really theirs should ask the court to order a paternity test – though the result may not change their obligations, says Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman. “If the test shows you are not the father and
Results from paternity tests may not affect support obligations Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • When Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman appeared before the Justice Committee in Ottawa when it was considering amendments to the Divorce Act through Bill C78, he argued that legislative reforms concerning “child custody” should establish a rebuttable presumption of equal shared parenting as the philosophical starting point. “That
CBA’s surprise embrace of rebuttable presumption is welcomed Read More »
Parenting time should not end when the sun goes down. Unfortunately, some people assume it should. Thus, it can be a battle to secure the right to have overnight parenting time (access) to your baby or toddler. However, with legal support, you can work to secure a parenting plan that allows you to be with
Preparing your home – and yourself – for overnight parenting time Read More »
Too often, engaged couples dismiss the idea of having a “prenuptial agreement” or “marriage contract” because they associate it with conflict and mistrust. Of course, a prenup is valuable if a marriage ends, but it can also be a tool in helping to clarify goals and expectations. For some people, the process of creating a
The unexpected benefits of creating a marriage contract Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • The amended Divorce Act’s focus on the “best interests of the child” is to be applauded as long as judges are willing to consider guidance from social scientists in this area, says Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman. “Our firm will be advancing the argument that the court should
Social sciences offer guidance on the best interests of the child Read More »
A divorce does not just affect the two parties ending a marriage. Numerous people are affected by others’ splits, including the couple’s children, in-laws and close friends. And don’t forget the furry, feathered companions. When owners split up, they must decide what will happen to their pets. This can be a surprisingly complicated and upsetting
What will happen to your beloved pet if you get divorced? Read More »
By Paul Russell, LegalMatters Staff • A proposal to create a new type of legal professional called a Family Law Service Provider (FLSP) should be embraced as a way to provide legal services to those who cannot afford lawyers, says Toronto family lawyer Gene C. Colman, even though he thinks it doesn’t go far enough.
Lawyers should embrace new breed of legal professional Read More »
Children may experience a great deal of stress and emotional challenges when parents divorce. Child custody and access cases are certainly most challenging for parents and their children. Children often must adapt to new living arrangements, and they may be struggling with anger and confusion. As parents, you have a great deal of influence over
Make your children the number one priority during your divorce Read More »
Divorce is a process; for some, it is a lengthy process. And during that time, other aspects of life continue normally. Children still go to school; mortgages still need to be paid; our health and well-being still require attention. For many divorcing spouses, this means that there will still be a need to communicate about
Communicating during a divorce? Be sure to use an app for that Read More »
