Law

In almost all provinces and territories of Canada there are two ways you can file your own papers to apply for divorce: you and your spouse can file as joint applicants, or one spouse can file as a sole applicant...

What is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a type of contract signed when you and your spouse decide to separate. This contract is intended to lay out the terms of your separation in order to:

• avoid confusion and conflict,
• assist in financial planning, and
• make the separation process simpler and more straightforward.

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An oft-forgotten but crucial element of financial restructuring

If you’re going through or have gone through divorce proceedings, you know just how much work is put into restructuring your finances.

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When someone dies without a will, or a will cannot be located, or is located but is deemed invalid, the person is said to have died intestate. Provincial laws deal with this situation, as each province has a potential interest in the deceased person's estate.

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The short answer is yes, you can. Ninety percent of divorces in Canada do not need a lawyer — the couple divorcing do not have a complicated financial situation and agree that they want their marriage to end...

You should read your will at least once a year to make sure it is current. It is easier to add a codicil than to write a new will, but multiple codicils can be a problem for your estate...

Joshua and Ruth have lived together for a year. They are worried about family law being extended to cover common-law relationships, and have decided a cohabitation agreement is necessary in their situation. A business is involved...

Many Canadians prepare and file their divorce papers without using a lawyer. If you choose to do your own divorce, remember that divorce law can be complicated and you will need to pay attention to detail and complete the forms correctly. This article originally appeared as a chapter in the book, Divorce Guide for Canada, written for Self-Counsel Press by lawyer Alison Sawyer, BA, LLB.

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You and your spouse have separated and now your spouse has left Canada and obtained a foreign divorce. Is this divorce legal in Canada...

From January 2009, Canadians over the age of 18 can save up to $5,000 a year in a Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA). There are some potential issues you should know about regarding your TFSA and your will...