Things to Think About

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Spring Cleaning While Social Distancing

Social Distancing is a reality for the next weeks.  Although it limits many actives it offers a great opportunity to address those things we put off. Cleaning the basement, minor house repairs and working on hobbies are a great kick off to the change of the season.

It is also a great opportunity to get organized and move forward with legal issues. Collecting past child support, filing for a Divorce, updating you Last Will and Testament, or discussing a Cohabitation Agreement are things we sometime put off.

If you are looking for legal advice or representation to help, we would be happy to help.

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Negotiate to get what you want

Although there are commonalities between legal matter, every person and every situation is different.

What is important to one person may not be as important to someone else.  The best way to ensure that you walk away from a dispute with what is important to you is to negotiate a settlement, rather than going to Court.

Because the legal system tries to treat people equally, it may not address the uniqueness of your goals and interests.  We can help you to understand the types of outcomes that a court is likely to offer so that you can decide if a negotiated settlement is a better solution to your dispute

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Changes to Child Support and Common Law Property Rights

There are recent changes to the legislation governing the obligations people living in common law.  Notably, new obligations for child support and parental rights in relation to children that you have been parenting, but who aren`t your children.

Additionally, the Government of Nova Scotia is in the process of amending the laws related to property division between common law spouses.

Speaking to a lawyer can help you to understand and make conscious decisions about your role and obligations to your partner`s children.

While care has been taken to ensure the information contained herein is accurate, the information provided is based upon the laws of Nova Scotia and is supplied for general interest purposes only.  It is not intended, nor should be considered to be specific legal advice or opinion

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Relocating with Children

It is becoming harder and harder for one income households to make ends meet.  When a couple splits, they find themselves struggling to survive on a single salary and often times they need to move to find work, or better employment opportunities.

In situations with children this raises a number of issues around custody access and support.

In Nova Scotia, the Parenting and Support Act requires specific Notice to be given to the other parent to allow time for a court hearing if there is no agreement on the move.  An Application to Vary an existing order can take months and should be started well before you are looking to do any move which will affect the custody or access provisions of a current order.

Whether there is an existing court order, or not, both parents should contact a lawyer to discuss their rights and obligations concerning custody, access and support of their children.

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Grandparents Rights to Access

There are recent changes to the legislation governing the rights of grandparents to have contact time with their grandchildren.  These changes include the right to be a party in Custody and Access proceedings,  Speaking to a lawyer can help you to evaluate your rights and decide if you want to actively participate in any court decision affecting grandchildren`s life.