Family

  • September 15, 2025

    Ottawa could waive biometrics visa requirement for Palestinian trapped in Gaza ‘crisis’: judge

    A Federal Court judge has highlighted that Ottawa can remove a potentially fatal roadblock for Palestinians facing starvation and intensified bombardment in the Gaza Strip, who have applied to come to Canada under the now-closed federal Temporary public policy to facilitate temporary resident visas for certain extended family affected by the crisis in Gaza.

  • September 15, 2025

    How does my child get a lawyer in a family law dispute?

    Let’s talk about something that often comes up in family law disputes — can a child have their own lawyer?

  • September 15, 2025

    Business succession: It’s not business, it’s personal

    In an earlier article, I wrote about taking responsibility for planning for the succession of personal and business affairs and threatened that my wife, Maureen McKay, and I would write subsequent articles to explore this topic.

  • September 11, 2025

    The Friendly Bar Series, No. 11: When clients treat the law like an à la carte buffet

    In litigation, procedure and evidence are non-negotiable; they are the foundation of effective advocacy. Lawyers are entrusted with translating clients’ objectives into legally sound, procedurally compliant applications.

  • September 11, 2025

    Canada, Ontario privacy commissioners sign updated MOU to enhance information sharing

    Ontario’s information and privacy commissioner and Canada’s privacy commissioner have signed an updated memorandum of understanding (MOU) to “enhance collaboration and information sharing between their offices.”

  • September 11, 2025

    When caregiver of an incapable elderly person goes ‘rogue’

    Lawyers dealing with elder issues face an uncomfortable dynamic when those responsible for seniors take advantage.

  • September 10, 2025

    New OBA president hopes to bring ‘more conversational experience’ to position

    The Ontario Bar Association (OBA) has a new leader at its helm. Katy Commisso took over the top job from former president Kathryn Manning at the beginning of September after serving a term as the first vice-president of the OBA, which is the professional association for Ontario's lawyers, judges and law students. She will serve for the 2025-26 term. Commisso, a native of Burlington, Ont., said she did not grow up wanting to be a lawyer.

  • September 10, 2025

    Mounting challenges of being ‘the solicitor of record’

    My friend, lawyer Steve Benmor, hit a home run with his recent Law360 Canada article: “Do judges remember what it was like to be a lawyer?” I will not even try to expand upon his views; there is no need. He hits all the points I would have made and more. I agree entirely with him. Rather than a “rinse and repeat,” I want, in this article, to reflect and focus on his analysis of the mounting challenges of being “the solicitor of record.”

  • September 09, 2025

    P.E.I. looking to public input on changes to child support recalculation service

    Prince Edward Island is looking for residents’ input on possible changes to legislation governing the province’s child support recalculation program.

  • September 09, 2025

    The benefits of AI in family law online dispute resolution

    Family law disputes represent some of the most sensitive and emotionally charged conflicts within the legal system. Unlike many other areas of law, family law cases often involve deep emotional and psychological challenges, which can complicate negotiation and prolong resolution. The high personal stakes and interpersonal dynamics in family disputes necessitate processes that are not only legally sound but also emotionally supportive and efficient.