Family
-
October 01, 2025
Changes to the Federal Child Support Tables
The new Federal Child Support Guidelines will come into effect on Oct. 1, 2025. Under the Divorce Act, the Federal Child Support Guidelines apply for children of married or formerly married parents. In Ontario, given that the Ontario Child Support Guidelines mirror the Federal Child Support Guidelines, the new Tables will also apply for children of unmarried parents or married parents who are separating and have child support claims under the Family Law Act.
-
September 30, 2025
Navigating family business transitions through commercial mediation
When families work together in business, they often share more than just financial interests — they share history, values and emotional investments. But when it’s time to make major decisions like winding down a business, planning for retirement or updating estate plans, those shared ties can become sources of tension.
-
September 29, 2025
Manitoba Justice receiving support for bilingual access to victims’ programs
Manitoba Justice is increasing access to bilingual support for victims of crime and domestic violence through a funding program aimed at bolstering French services in the province.
-
September 29, 2025
UN and Palestine: Recognition, refugees and Canada’s role
This week at the United Nations General Assembly, history was made. Several Western nations, including the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, France and Portugal, formally recognized the State of Palestine. In doing so, these countries joined the overwhelming majority of UN members — now 157 of 193 — that formally acknowledge Palestinian statehood.
-
September 26, 2025
Ontario opening of the courts ceremony highlights digitization, reform of Rules of Civil Procedure
On Sept. 25, judges, attorneys general, leaders of law associations and others met for Ontario’s opening of the courts ceremony, discussing various strategies that have been and will be undertaken to improve access to justice. This included digitization and reformation of the Rules of Civil Procedure.
-
September 26, 2025
CUSTODY, PARENTING, AND ACCESS - Removal of child from jurisdiction - Offences and penalties
Appeal by appellant from a decision of an application judge declining to exercise her jurisdiction to return the child to the United Kingdom (UK). This appeal was about what it meant for a parent to consent to or acquiesce in a child’s retention in a foreign country.
-
September 24, 2025
SEPARATION AND DIVORCE - Appeals and judicial review - Of final orders
Appeal by Wang from orders made in two related proceedings. The first proceeding was a family law action brought by Ms. Li against her then husband, Mr. Wang, in which Mr. Wang filed a counterclaim. The second proceeding was one brought by Ms. Li’s parents, Mr. Li and Ms. Peng against Mr. Wang.
-
September 23, 2025
Getting to ‘yes’: Settlement approvals for persons under disability
No settlement involving a person under disability, which includes the elderly incapable of managing their property and personal care, is binding on that incapable person unless the court approves of the settlement. That is because, while settling disputes before a hearing is encouraged by our judicial system, the legislature also recognizes that the incapable person would not have been able to properly consent to the settlement, and the court ought to review settlement for appropriateness to safeguard the incapable person’s interests.
-
September 23, 2025
Navigating the changing landscape of gift exclusions in family law
Giving gifts to family members has long been part of normal estate and financial planning. In Ontario — and in many other jurisdictions — parents often transfer money or assets, such as shares in a family business, to their children.
-
September 22, 2025
Ontario appoints two new judges to provincial court
Attorney General Doug Downey has announced the appointment of two new judges to the Ontario Court of Justice, effective Sept. 25, 2025: Justice Rachel Elizabeth Young and Justice Ghazala Shaheen Zaman.