Articles 2020

Today
Today

Access to Justice Challenges: COVID-19 and Support Obligations (Part 2 of 2)

  • July 09, 2020
  • Vanessa Lam

Part 2 of Vanessa Lam's two-part series delves into how the courts have actually been dealing with applications to change support during the pandemic. Vanessa’s work includes information on how the government has acted during this time of uncertainty where reduced incomes in one household may be relied upon by another household to provide support at the same or similar pre-pandemic levels.

Family Law, Student Forum

A Huge Problem Without a Clear Answer: COVID-19 and Support Obligations (Part 1 of 2)

  • July 09, 2020
  • Vanessa Lam

While we know that COVID-19 has had an impact on family law cases, Vanessa Lam’s two part series gives an in-depth analysis of how support obligations may have been affected by the pandemic. Part 1 offers a refresher on some of the principles underlying support, including the test a litigant must meet if s/he seeks to change a support obligation.

Family Law, Student Forum
The Honourable Justice Stanley B. Sherr

Q&A with the Honourable Justice Stanley B. Sherr, OBA Award for Excellence in Family Law Recipient

  • May 15, 2020

The Honourable Justice Stanley B. Sherr, Ontario Court of Justice, is being honoured this year with the OBA Award for Excellence in Family Law in Memory of James G. McLeod for his outstanding leadership and contribution to the advancement of family law. Gain a glimpse of what motivates him and how he is making a difference in the administration of justice in this candid Q&A.

Family Law, Student Forum

New Tort of “Publicly Placing a Person in False Light”

  • April 15, 2020
  • Andrea Dunsmuir, associate, Wood Gold LLP

This is a tort that is sure to have further application in the family law realm. Andrea clearly outlines how it has been used so far, and why it is relevant to family law lawyers who may be advising their clients on what on-line behaviours are acceptable or punishable in terms of damages awarded.

Family Law, Student Forum

Antiquated Technology Holding Ontario's Justice System Back During COVID-19 Crisis

  • April 15, 2020
  • Laurie H. Pawlitza, senior partner, Torkin Manes LLP

This is an informative article about the strengths, and short-comings of the Ontario Courts' ability to function remotely during the COVID-19 crisis. Modern technological updates are required, and the light shed on this need may be one of the few positive results of a post-COVID-19 Court system in Ontario.

Family Law, Student Forum

Exposed: What COVID-19 Has Taught Us

  • April 15, 2020
  • Gary Joseph, managing partner, MacDonald & Partners LLP

Gary's article offers insightful comments on the struggles evinced by the court system during this unprecedented time. He notes that the current court system is "paper intensive and people intensive" which isn't working any longer. In particular, he passes the torch to the younger members of the bar to ensure that complacency is over-ruled in favour of proactive actions by those best placed to know what needs to be done: the lawyers.

Family Law, Student Forum

A Focus on Family Violence – Bill C-78

  • February 24, 2020
  • Katherine Batycky, counsel, Stoner & Company Family Law Associates,

Two of the key objectives of the amendments to the Divorce Act in Bill C-78, as outlined in the preamble to the Bill, are to establish a non-exhaustive list of criteria with respect to the best interests of the child and to assist the courts in addressing family violence.

Family Law, Student Forum

My First Trial: Lessons Learned

  • February 24, 2020
  • Alison Southern

In the beginning of this month, I had my first trial – a five-day, high conflict parenting trial. Prior to this, I had never sat in on or assisted with a family law trial, so it was an incredible and highly nerve-wracking experience. Now that I have had a bit of time to breathe, I offer here some of my “lessons learned” from this experience for others who will find themselves in my shoes.

Family Law, Student Forum