Determining the quantum and duration of spousal support can be complicated and unclear. Unlike child support, there are no federal or provincial tables that clearly set out your entitlements. While there are advisory guidelines that the courts have informally adopted, the determination of entitlement, quantum, and duration of support is ultimately at the court’s discretion. All spousal support orders aim to meet the following objectives:

1. To recognize any economic advantage or disadvantage to the spouse arising from the marriage or its breakdown. In arguing this point, it is important to make a connection between the marriage roles. A common example is where one parent quits his or her job to care for the children and now lacks the requisite experience or credentials to re-enter the workforce.
2. To compensate for hidden costs. This is a less common objective because the areas of compensation often overlap with child support. One example of this type of expense is a vehicle suitable for transporting children as a single parent. If you have six children and had previously shared transportation responsibilities with your spouse, you may need to purchase a larger vehicle to cope as a single parent.
3. To relieve any economic hardship of the spouses arising from the breakdown of the marriage. This is one of the more common objectives. “Economic Hardship” encompasses a number of items, such as loss of income stream, increased day care needs, and the cost of one spouse returning to school with a goal to enter or re-enter the workforce.
4. To promote the economic self-sufficiency of each spouse within a reasonable period of time. This point expands on point 3 and specifically recognizes the hidden costs of going back to work. This may include tuition costs, child care costs, and any other cost incurred as a result of re-entering the workforce.

For more information on separation, divorce, and other family law matters, please visit MyOntarioDivorce.com.

Sincerely,

Robert Berman B.C.L, LL.B
Founder & Family Lawyer

Going through a divorce can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s important to remember to take care of number one (that’s YOU) throughout the process. If you have children, you may be inclined to push your own needs aside to focus on theirs. While we always encourage you to prioritize the needs of your children, you can’t take care of them if you’re not healthy yourself. Here are some tips for staying healthy during your divorce:

1. Exercise. Taking care of your body while you’re dealing with emotional trauma is one of the most important things you can do. In addition to the general health benefits of exercise, taking some time to yourself several times a week to go for a walk or take an exercise class can help increase your cognitive function and provide an outlet for frustration. Furthermore, regular exercise can help you sleep better, and let’s face it: you need all the sleep you can get.

2. Ask for help. Whether you need help caring for your children, running errands, or a shoulder to cry on, now is the time to turn to your friends and family for support.   You may be surprised by the number of people who step up to help in your time of need.

3. Seek professional help. You may be dealing with issues that you are unable to manage on your own, or that your friends and family are unequipped to help you with. A counselor who specializes in separation and divorce issues can provide you with an impartial perspective and offer coping mechanisms.

4. Relax. Take some time for yourself every day to think, meditate, or clear your mind completely. Whether you enjoy cooking, reading, or even watching trash TV, taking the time to quiet the tornado of thoughts in your head is crucial for your health. Book a massage, take your kids to the park, and make sure you take care of yourself.

5. Let your lawyer help. Trying to navigate the legal system can be overwhelming. At MyOntairoDivorce.com, we have provided you with the information and resources you need to self-represent. However, completing these forms can be time-consuming, and if you’re already overwhelmed, it may be too much to handle. A qualified family lawyer can help alleviate some of the pressure.

For more information on domestic contracts, separation, divorce, and other family law matters, please visit MyOntarioDivorce.com.

Sincerely,

Robert Berman B.C.L, LL.B
Founder & Family Lawyer

Navigating a divorce can take a toll on your mental and physical health. It’s important to remember to take care of number one (that’s you!) throughout the process. If you have children, you may be inclined to neglect your own needs to focus on theirs. While we always stress putting the needs of your children first, you can’t take care of them if you’re not healthy yourself. Here are some tips for staying healthy during your divorce:

1. Exercise. Taking care of your body while you’re dealing with emotional trauma is one of the most important things you can do. In addition to the general health benefits of exercise, taking some time to yourself several times a week to go for a walk or take an exercise class can help increase your cognitive function and provide an outlet for frustration. Furthermore, regular exercise can help you sleep better, and let’s face it: you need all the sleep you can get.
2. Ask for help. Whether you need help caring for your children, running errands, or a shoulder to cry on, now is the time to turn to your friends and family for support.  You may be surprised by the number of people who step up to help in your time of need.
3. Seek Professional Help. You may be dealing with issues that you are unable to manage on your own, or that your friends and family are unequipped to help you with. A counselor who specializes in separation and divorce issues can provide you with an impartial perspective and offer coping mechanisms.
4. Relax. Take some time for yourself every day to think, meditate, or clear your mind completely. Whether you enjoy cooking, reading, or even watching trashy TV, taking the time to quiet the tornado of thoughts in your head is crucial for your health. Book a massage, take your kids to the park, and make sure you take care of yourself.
5. Let Your Lawyer Help. Trying to navigate the legal system can be overwhelming. At MyOntairoDivorce.com, we have provided you with the information and resources you need to self-represent. However, completing these forms can be time-consuming, and if you’re already overwhelmed, it may be too much to handle. A qualified Family Lawyer can help alleviate some of the pressure.

For more information on divorce and other family law matters, please visit MyOntarioDivorce.com or BermanBarristers.com.

Sincerely,

Robert Berman B.C.L, LL.B
Founder & Family Lawyer

I’m hosting a FREE webinar this Thursday, May 27th @ 7PM EST.

During “How To Get Divorced Without Hiring A Lawyer,” you’ll discover:

• The easiest way to negotiate a Separation Agreement with your ex;
• How to identify all the issues you need to know about before you sit down to negotiate;
• How to represent yourself in court if negotiations fail;
• And so much more!

To register for the Webinar, click here.

Helping you help yourself,