Family Mediation: The Top 5 Benefits

Family Mediation: The Top 5 Benefits

Family Mediation: The Top 5 Benefits

There has been a change in the way Canadian couples get divorced. It is tiring to come out of such situations financially and emotionally.

What is Family Mediation? 

In family mediation, a professionally trained mediator assists in settling child custody issues and financial matters following a separation. 

There is no denying that divorce is emotionally and financially draining. It is not uncommon for divorces to turn unpleasant, leaving both sides fighting over every detail. Listed below are some of the benefits that you can expect if you are embarking on a journey through divorce and are considering family mediation as a possible option to consider.

 

1) The Possibility Of Avoiding Court 

Firstly, divorce court is very expensive. Experiencing a traditional divorce court proceeding will take both parties a great deal more time and money than they ever imagined. Family mediation does not guarantee a successful outcome. Rather than going to divorce court, it’s a better way to attain that result. The chances of reaching an amicable agreement increase when both parties show a willingness to cooperate. It also provides a way for your spouse and you to agree on the terms of your separation. 

 

2) Decision Making In Family Mediation

In addition to taking up a lot of time and money, divorce proceedings can also influence your decisions. During the process, the courts determine who has a claim to what assets, child visitation, and custody. There are always going to be unforeseen problems, even when the plan was well thought out. Mediation allows the parties to keep control of the decision-making process.

As part of the mediation process, you can decide how visitation and custody will be handled, who gets specific assets, and how financials will be handled. Conceding certain things might not feel great, but it’s better than losing the ability to make decisions. Regardless of how contentious divorce is, mediation can provide benefits to both parties. 

 

3) Stress-Free Environment 

It is no secret that divorce is costly and emotionally draining. Simply going through the process is enough to exhaust anyone. The great thing about family mediation is that it can reduce a lot of stress

There is no doubt that litigation can be extremely stressful, especially if there are children involved in the matter. At the moment, it may seem as if going to war over everything is the best course of action to take, but it is never the best solution. There is no point in winning a battle if both parties, regardless of who wins, will feel the impact of it. It is the purpose of mediation to remove the stress from the situation.

Having an impartial third party represent the middle ground means that both parties are working towards an amicable resolution. There is no guarantee that it will produce 100% satisfaction, but it will certainly come much closer than any court case could.

 

4) Cases Are Usually Settled

Depending on the province, the numbers may vary. According to estimates, about 96% of mediation cases in Ontario are settled. In addition, it is significant to note that even if the number is a little better than 50%, that would be sufficient evidence to pursue mediation rather than proceeding with litigation. Both parties understand what is at stake in a court case, which is why so many mediation cases settle. The aim is to avoid the hassles and expenses associated with the whole litigation process.

The mediation process allows parties to make preparations, negotiate agreements, and sign formal agreements without having to appear in court. By avoiding the emotional turmoil and pain of litigation, these couples can move forward with their lives.

 

5) Family Mediation Costs Benefits

One of the main reasons why mediation is a better choice than litigation is because of the costs involved in the process. It is more expensive to get divorced than ever before, though the cost varies by province. Getting the best outcome is what matters most in litigation. Moreover, it will be expensive.

Many divorces cost more than the five-figure mark, but plenty has gone much further in the pursuit of success. In comparison to litigation, mediation is more cost-effective even though it isn’t inexpensive. The financial savings will be evident as well as the time and emotional damage you will save. 

 

Prepare For Mediation With Hussain Law

We help you decide if this is the best process for you. Whether we are representing you in a contentious divorce, in negotiating a domestic contract, or in a collaborative process, our aim is to provide practical and cost-effective solutions.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.

How Does Divorce Impacts Your Credit Score?

How Does Divorce Impacts Your Credit Score?

How Does Divorce Impacts Your Credit Score?

It is common for people to overlook their credit score during the chaos of a divorce. Unfortunately, that’s not a good idea. 

Does a Divorce Lower Your Credit Score?

Since your credit report does not show whether you are married, single, or divorced, changing your marital status will not affect your credit score. Nevertheless, the way you manage any joint accounts with your former spouse can have an effect on your credit score.

There are several factors that affect a credit score after divorce:

1) Joint Debt Not Paid

Your credit score could be damaged if your ex-spouse makes late payments or does not pay altogether on the joint credit card account he or she was ordered to pay in your divorce decree. 

In the event that a larger portion of marital debt is accumulated than anticipated, consider refinancing options in order to save money on interest. For instance, debt consolidation loans can reduce monthly payments.

 

2) Adapt To Your Income

It is possible to become financially drained by divorce, even if it is amicable. It is unlikely that you can maintain the same lifestyle if you go from having two incomes to one. If you’re owed alimony or child support, you shouldn’t rely on it for your budget; you should instead base it solely on your own income. You may be able to reduce your internet, cell phone, and grocery bills if you evaluate your expenses and discretionary spending. Be sure to pay your bills and make loan payments on time to preserve your credit score.

 

3) Reduced Credit Limits

Credit card companies usually lower credit limits when two incomes become one. You might suddenly find yourself in the overlimit danger zone if you carry a lot of credit card debt. It’s important to reduce your balance and not borrow more than a certain percentage of your maximum credit amount in order to maintain a healthy debt-to-credit ratio. You should take a look at your existing credit score before applying for another credit card to help distribute your existing debt. 

 

4) The Refinancing Process

If you are suddenly a sole borrower after refinancing a home, it can affect your credit. Applicants for mortgages leave hard inquiries on their credit reports, which may temporarily lower their credit scores. Your debt-to-income ratio will also be negatively affected if you’re suddenly responsible for the whole loan, which could have an impact on your credit score. When refinancing, make sure to shop around for the best deal. 

How to protect your credit score during a divorce

  • Important Documents: Before you divorce your spouse, gather your financial documents, such as tax returns and recent bill statements.
  • Financial Adviser: Seek realistic advice about the financial impact of your divorce from a financial adviser you don’t share with your spouse.
  • Bank Accounts: Open new bank accounts in your name alone and close joint accounts.
  • Keep track of your payments: Keep track of the due dates for your spouse’s accounts in your name, and check to see if they have been paid in time.
  • Divorce Lawyer: It is important that you hire an experienced divorce lawyer who will be able to help you locate all of your assets and debts and solutions tailored to your problems.

Along with the above-listed points, you should also strive to separate your fortunes so that they aren’t entangled, it’ll just make sense and remove a source of conflict during divorce negotiations and rebuilt the credit score.

Prepare For Divorce With Hussain Law

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and highly unpredictable. Learn more about how to avoid divorce mistakes as the right lawyer can provide you with divorce and family law solutions tailored to you.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. 

If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.

The 5 Major Divorce Mistakes To Avoid?

The 5 Major Divorce Mistakes To Avoid?

The 5 Major Divorce Mistakes To Avoid?

The process of divorce can be arduous. Anger, guilt, sadness, and loneliness are everyday feelings experienced by parties to a divorce. In spite of the commonality of these emotions, they may lead a couple to make divorce mistakes which may cause long-term financial and emotional consequences for that spouse.

There is more to divorce than just going to court. The process begins when you decide it’s your best option. Ultimately, the impact of your divorce will be determined by your actions. The following are 7 major divorce mistakes that can lead to a disastrous divorce if you don’t avoid them.

 

1) Inadequate Financial Planning

One of the most difficult aspects of transitioning from a two-earner household to a one-earner household is the adjustment period. In order to avoid making any divorce mistakes during this transition, we need to plan for it and not do anything that will exacerbate it. For this reason, you should prepare for your new financial situation by making a financial plan or budget. Make sure you have realistic expectations moving forward after divorce to avoid making this common divorce mistake.

 

2) Obtain Legal Advice To Avoid Divorce Mistakes

Despite the fact that you may have friends or family members who have gone through the divorce process, they are not experienced divorce lawyers and their advice may not be the same as your case lawyer. If you want legal advice, speak only with a divorce lawyer who is committed to your case. There is a lot of complexity involved in divorces, especially when it comes to dividing financial assets and making decisions about children’s futures. A qualified and competent divorce lawyer can provide you with tailored solutions to ensure your rights and responsibilities are protected during the divorce process.

 

3) Parenting Plan Not Well Thought Out

One of the most common divorce mistakes couples make is not setting up a parenting plan. Whereas, the establishment of a parenting plan is one of the most important parts of a divorce for anyone with children. A shared parenting agreement details where your children will live, who make decisions for them and how, how holidays and vacations will be spent, and many other essentials. Many people think that it is important to sign something quickly as a parenting plan can be easily changed later. In addition, not having a clearly defined decision-making protocol can also negatively impact parenting plans. Without knowledge, you cannot make informed decisions. Get advice from someone who knows how to set yourself up for success.

 

4) Dating Again Too Soon

Divorced people often make the mistake of dating again too soon after their divorce. It is advised to refrain from engaging in romantic relations with anyone while still married to your spouse. A new relationship may be used by your spouse against you in the divorce proceedings. You may also find it more difficult to negotiate with your spouse if you flaunt your new relationship. You should also be aware that new relationships may negatively affect your children. It can be confusing and possibly traumatic for a person to have a new figure in their lives right after they have been divorced, especially if it occurs too soon after the divorce. 

 

5) Neglecting The Minor Details

Even if a divorce is not complicated, it can be exhausting to deal with the details. In lengthy legal proceedings, it is possible that you may have to divulge personal information about yourself. While negotiating for a divorce, you’re required to gather a staggering amount of data, and this data gathering and providing often does not stop after the divorce. Furthermore, it has also been observed that during this period, divorce mistakes are highly prevalent. 

 

Prepare For Divorce With Hussain Law

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and highly unpredictable. Learn more about how to avoid divorce mistakes as the right lawyer can provide you with divorce and family law solutions tailored to you.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.

Divorce Counselling: Everything You Should Know

Divorce Counselling: Everything You Should Know

Divorce Counselling: Everything You Should Know

What is Divorce Counselling?

Divorce counselling helps couples cope with their often complicated feelings about their divorce in a more constructive and respectful way than they may be able to on their own. Essentially, it is a form of talk therapy that provides partners with a safe, private setting for discussing relationship challenges and feelings. 

 

What is the Purpose of Divorce Counselling?

The two most monumental experiences of life are marriage and divorce. It is important to note that the main difference between them is that divorce can be extremely painful for everyone involved, including children, who are a part of it. There’s no doubt that divorce, regardless of how amicable it appears, is a stressful event that changes one’s life forever. It can be overwhelming to deal with so many legal, emotional, and logistical issues. 

In spite of this, things are expected to improve over time. During this challenging time in your life, an experienced divorce counsellor can provide invaluable advice and support.

 

What Are The Benefits of Divorce Counselling?

There is often great emotional pain and trauma associated with divorce for both partners. Couples who are divorcing may seek counselling to cope with the mental, physical, and financial strain of separation. The following are some benefits of divorce counselling:

  • A better understanding of what went wrong in the relationship and how to avoid it in the future.
  • An opportunity to resolve unresolved issues before you separated, giving closure to both of you and setting the stage for your future
  • Additionally, divorce counselling can provide strategies to minimize emotional damage during the divorce process.
  • Providing guidance through the divorce process and about your marriage’s future.
  • By providing an outside perspective, the divorce counsellor will ensure that both sides are heard and that no one feels undervalued or disadvantaged.
  • Transitioning into your new life and understanding that life goes on post-divorce.

 

How Does a Divorce Counsellor Help?

An experienced divorce counsellor can assist you through this painful and uncertain time, and provide you with the tools you need to move on. You can also learn how to reduce the impact on your children after divorce by working with a professional. Besides pre-divorce and post-divorce counselling, long-term counselling can also be used to work through divorce results. 

In addition to discussions, a divorce counsellor can teach coping skills, improve self-care, and assist in developing a new life plan. Therefore, when you are looking for a divorce counsellor, keep your goals in mind. It is definitely advisable to find a divorce counsellor who specializes in this area if you want to find a good one.

 

Major Divorce Counselling Issues

  • Coping skills: An experienced divorce counsellor first deals with raw emotions. Not only do they assist patients in healing their emotions and channelling their pain, but they also maintain their physical well-being.
  • Communication skills: Divorce shakes people’s confidence. When they receive divorce counselling, they gain self-confidence in communicating their thoughts and needs. 
  • Relationship coaching: You can also feel more confident in your relationship after divorce counselling. Your counsellor helps you move on in another relationship by re-instilling your belief in yourself.

 

Prepare For Divorce With Hussain Law

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and highly unpredictable. Learn more about divorce counselling in Canada because the right lawyer can provide you with divorce and family law solutions tailored to you.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. 

If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.

Parenting Coordination: Important Things To Know?

Parenting Coordination: Important Things To Know?

Parenting Coordination: What You Need to Know?

The Parenting Coordination is to help parents implement court orders and parenting plans, make timely decisions that are consistent with children’s developmental and psychological needs, reduce conflict between caretaker adults that negatively impacts children, and discourage unnecessary re-litigation over children.


The Role of Parent Coordinators:

A parenting coordinator is a professionally trained individual who assists co-parents in managing their parenting plan, improving communication, and settling disputes. 

 

The Benefits of Parenting Coordination:

  1. Reducing court involvement and/or intervention.
  2. Trying to reach a fair compromise.
  3. Identify the issues and propose resolutions.
  4. Find a solution with both parties.
  5. Provides a recommendation in cases of disagreement.

 

How Do Parenting Coordination Guide Parents? 

During the initial stages of the process, the parents will discuss both short and long-term goals, identify challenges, and brainstorm ways to combat these challenges. The purpose of these conversations is to help parents understand what strategies they can use to help resolve disagreements, with the help of the parenting coordinator. As the program develops, they will monitor the changes in the children’s behavior and how they are interacting with their families.

There might be minor changes that have to be agreed upon between the parents or ambiguities in their parenting agreement that has to be resolved or incorrect interpretations of what was meant by the agreement that needs to be dealt with. Parents who are unable to reach an agreement with the parenting coordinator will be made responsible for any decisions.

 

Tips for Effective Parenting Coordination

To ensure that parenting coordination is successful, here are a few tips: 

  1. It is important to establish specific goals with the parent coordinator in order for them to be met.
  2. Choosing a parent coordinator who can provide you with tailored recommendations is crucial.
  3. Make sure you understand the expectations and standards of the judge
  4. Prepare a comprehensive order for parenting coordination that meets all the needs of parents.
  5. Continually work with your divorce lawyer to resolve your legal issues

 

Parenting coordination Vs Mediation 

In order to resolve disputes, Parenting Coordination incorporates mediation techniques. In spite of this, Parenting Coordination and mediation have some significant differences in terms of their approach. There is no confidentiality involved with Parenting Coordination, unlike mediation. In addition to sharing information with the parents, lawyers, and the court, a Parent Coordinator can share anything they say during the session.

In contrast to a mediator, a Parent Coordinator is impartial. In other words, a Parent Coordinator is completely neutral and can serve as a tiebreaker even when they have no allegiance to either parent. When it comes to mediation, the mediator will never take sides with a parent on any unresolved issue between the parents.

 

Prepare For Divorce With Hussain Law

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and highly unpredictable. Learn more about parenting coordination in Canada because the right lawyer can provide you with divorce and family law solutions tailored to you.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. 

If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.

4 Key Trends Related To Divorce In Canada

4 Key Trends Related To Divorce In Canada

4 Key Trends Related To Divorce In Canada

A majority of people do not plan on getting divorced when they get married. In spite of this, nearly 45% of married couples divorce in Canada.

The following are four key trends associated with divorce in Canada

 

1) Increasing Divorce In Canada

Throughout Canada and around the world, business closures, quarantines, and household isolation measures continued, leaving couples forced into a common home for an extended period under pressure. Experts in divorce law predict divorce proceedings will rise as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, which could have serious consequences for married business owners.

A survey by Toronto Sun revealed that “Canada had the 29th highest divorce rate — one out of every 309 adults are divorced — with a probability of .324%.”

 

2) The Custody of Children

The legal authority to make decisions for a child whose parents are no longer in a relationship is called child custody.

Canada’s family law gives both parents equal rights of custody unless a court decides otherwise. You will not be able to counter any motions from your spouse unless the courts award you custody. It is therefore vital you become familiar with Canadian custody battles before you can begin your court battle so that you are able to convince the courts to give custody of your child to you.

 

3) The Breakdown Of A Marriage

It is insufficient to look at Canadian divorce rates alone since they do not include judicial separations, overseas divorces, or desertions. Divorce rates are not reflecting the breakdown of common-law unions, despite the increase in these unions, as they have become easier to obtain since divorce has become easier to obtain.

Three significant factors are associated with the risk of a breakdown in marriages:

  1. Considering the age of the bride and groom
  2. The duration of the marriage
  3. A spouse’s commitment to their marriage.

Moreover, remarried Canadians are considerably less likely to report that being married is an important source of happiness for them.

 

4) Changing Federal Policies

Separation and divorce are federal matters. Despite legal and other difficulties, divorce became easier to obtain. There are two ways to obtain a divorce: either through a matrimonial offense or through the end of a marriage. 

According to the revised act, divorce is now “no-fault” and sole cause of divorce depends on either living apart for at least one year or committing adultery or physically or mentally abusing the other spouse. 

According to the latest divorce statistics, almost 95 percent of divorces resulted from at least one year of separation between the parties.

 

Prepare For Divorce With Hussain Law

Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and highly unpredictable. Learn more about trends related to divorce in Canada with the right lawyer who can provide you with family law solutions tailored to you.

At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate separation and divorce’s emotional and financial challenges. Our office remains fully operational, and we have implemented various new procedures that allow us to continue to advise clients seamlessly during this time. 

If you have a family law issue or want to prepare for divorce that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain a divorce lawyer in Toronto at 647-428-3919.