by hussainlaw | Aug 10, 2022 | Uncategorised
It is the responsibility of both parents to pay child support in Ontario. In the event that you do not live together with your other parent, you must share the costs of raising your children.
What is Child Support?
Child support is an amount paid by one parent to the other parent to help cover the costs of raising the child. It is not uncommon for the parent with the higher income to pay the other parent-child support in order to keep both households at similar living standards.
Child Support In Ontario
The Ontario Child Support Act recognizes child support as a child’s right. Whenever it comes to determining how much child support should be paid, this is the starting point.
The Family Responsibility Office (FRO) is a branch of the provincial government that enforces child support orders and agreements that are filed with it, in addition to seeing the funds arrive in a bank account. It is important for FRO’s online database to contain all the correct information in order for payments to be made.
Myths About Child Support in Ontario
There are many myths and misconceptions about child support, which can cause parents to have unrealistic expectations about what they might owe or receive.
- Raising income: Changing the recipient’s income does not affect the payor’s obligation to support where there is no shared custody arrangement. It is important to keep in mind that child support is not intended to equalize parents’ income. Changing income will not affect a recipient’s support amount. Changes in income can, however, lead to a change in support.
- Age for Child: In Ontario, child support is not automatically terminated when a child reaches 18. When a child is enrolled in full-time, career-oriented education or is unable to withdraw from their parental care due to illness, disability or other reasons, child support can continue.
- Waive Or Bargain: According to Ontario law, child support is the child’s right, not the parent’s. This right cannot be waived or bargained away by parents. It is a child’s right to receive child support, and courts protect this right as they do most children’s rights.
Lawyer’s Role In Child Support
Having a healthy relationship with your former spouse may be difficult after a divorce. In this article, we will discuss some of the things child support lawyers will be able to assist you with:
- Legal Negotiations: Lawyers help divorced parents negotiate child support in Ontario fairly. In a divorce, the parties may have to go to court to determine who pays child support. To protect the children’s interests when divorce is final, a lawyer should be hired for mediation.
- Legal Troubles: When it comes to child support issues, hiring a professional lawyer is the best option, because getting personally involved may result in domestic turmoil. Keeping another parent from visiting the children may not be legal. By choosing a lawyer, you can protect your rights and improve your chances of success.
- Continuity In Payments: When a parent fails to pay child support, divorce and child support lawyers can help. A drastic change in the former partner’s financial situation may also account for the lack of consistency in payments. Divorce lawyers may be able to assist you if your partner is delaying payments or if your child is receiving less financial support.
Factors Affecting Child Support In Ontario
- Unexpected Expenses: These expenses include daycare costs, medical and dental premiums, and uninsured health care. Depending on their income, the parents share these expenses.
- Aspects Of Parenting: If you have shared or split custody, the judge will consider how much time the children spend with each parent.
- Financial Hardship: A parent who has financial difficulties may find it extremely difficult to pay child support. Evidence of this is needed, which is sometimes difficult to prove.
Prepare For Child Support 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.
by hussainlaw | Jul 25, 2022 | Hussain Law
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.
by Janita Pannu | Jun 1, 2022 | Hussain Law
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:
- Considering the age of the bride and groom
- The duration of the marriage
- 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.
by hussainlaw | Mar 14, 2022 | Uncategorised
Spring break holidays are coming. It feels good when the weather warms up and we get a few more minutes of sunlight each day, accompanied by warmer breezes. Parents and family lawyers can also expect new issues in spring break.
Divorced parents during spring break holidays may need to work on the scheduling of any potential trips and, more importantly, parenting time. It is possible that the divorce agreement addresses the spring break parenting time issue. The issue may be effectively dealt with if scheduling is well coordinated. Problems and disagreements can nevertheless arise even with the best-laid plans.
These 5 tips will help you and your children get through a divorce during the spring break holidays in Ontario.
1) Follow The Court’s Custody Order
If you have a custody order and parenting plan, check to see if spring break holidays have been discussed. You may have a difficult time getting custody if you and your ex-spouse decided outside of court. You should have documentation showing when and what time your child will be visiting during spring break if you have spoken about it. The court can enforce it if needed, as it keeps both you and your ex accountable.
2) Your Child’s Needs Should Come First
Children experience divorce as a traumatic event. During the spring break holidays, parents should be free from any worries about their children. There is no need to fight over custody during this time. Be mindful of your child’s feelings and what makes them happy instead. Be flexible with your parenting plan and let your children spend the week with their ex if their idea would make your children happy.
3) Stay in touch with Your Ex-Wife
You should keep your child’s other parent informed if you are going on a vacation for the spring break holidays out of town. Their minds will be at ease if they are aware of what is going on. If you can give a quick update over the phone, that will be helpful. You don’t have to be in constant contact. Co-parenting is beneficial for your relationships.
4) Divide The Spring Break Holidays In Half
Spring break holidays can be handled simplest and most naturally if each parent takes half of the time. There are typically two weekends for parents to split when most school districts have an entire week off.
During the week, each can have a weekend and a few days off. Especially if your family doesn’t plan any extensive traveling this year, it’s an excellent solution.
5) Keep Everything Easily Understandable
Making everything understandable goes well beyond just spring break holidays and other vacations, and it pertains to the overall writing of custody plans and agreements.
It is imperative that you consider the possibility that you, your ex, and a Judge may review these documents many years in the future. Thus, determining who has certain times with the kids should be fairly straightforward. This document can always serve as a reminder of what time of day you should spend with the kid so you remember when to spend time with them.
Protect Your Divorce Rights During Spring Break Holidays With Hussain Law
Make sure you are in control of your fate, not a judge. Divorce can be emotionally and financially draining and extremely unpredictable. Protect your divorce rights during spring break holidays 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 the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. 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 protect your divorce rights during spring break holidays that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain (Family Lawyer Toronto) at 647-428-3919.
by Janita Pannu | Dec 20, 2021 | Uncategorised
Experiencing a divorce can be one of the most stressful times in one’s life. Especially for children who are still developing mature coping mechanisms, divorce can present serious challenges; this is why supporting them through a divorce is so important. Many parents don’t realize the unhappy feelings of their children because they aren’t adept at expressing them.
In addition to the stress of divorce, kids often have other worries, such as school disruptions, and news. As a result, we have seen a troubling spike in mental health crises including depression, and anxiety. Fortunately, divorce can be a real blessing for kids if they have parents who are supportive.
These are 5 strategies that will help minimize the negative effects of divorce on children:
1) Peaceful co-parenting
Let your anger and intense arguments fester until you have time to be alone.
Despite how hard it might be, do not lash out at your children. Be cautious about displaying overt hostility by threatening or screaming. The emotion that you put out there for your kids is a sponge, and they will soak it up, taking it personally even if it is not intended for them.
The secret to effective co-parenting after divorce is to encourage your children to spend time with their other parents. These four tips will make transitioning between homes easier for your children.
- Tell your children a few days before the transition that they will be spending time with their other parents. In this way, they can anticipate and adapt to change.
- Try to establish a routine for daily life in each home. Ensure mealtimes, bedtimes, etc. Are the same in both houses as much as possible.
- Organize in advance so that your child can bring items that are important to them to the new residence.
2) Don’t put your children at risk
It may be difficult to restrain your emotions when a marriage dissolves. Unresolved relationship issues can be further complicated when upset, disappointed, or betrayed feelings are still fresh.
Children shouldn’t witness you arguing with the other parent. If you know your partner’s emotional triggers and insecurities, you can hit where it will hurt the most when you are both in the heat of the moment and hurling accusations you know to be false.
Seeing these quarrels increases your children’s perception that their crumbling family is turning into a disaster – causing them anxiety, fear, and depression.
Explaining the situation calmly, rationally, and without ascribe, any blame will only lead to frustration and resentment. If you feel resistance when you are speaking, stop and wait until another time.
It is best for your kids to work out your emotional issues with a therapist and your legal issues with a lawyer or mediator – and don’t fight in front of them!
3) A consistent approach
Children thrive on routines and to the extent, you can preserve continuity in their lives, that will make the divorce easier on them.
You must also stay consistent with discipline as well, and not allow your own guilt to let children take advantage of you. As hard as it may be, follow through with consequences and you’ll be doing your child a greater favor than if you let them slide.
In order to be consistent, parents must have self-discipline. As a result, discipline will probably be most difficult when you are consistent with your child. If you maintain consistency, you will promote your child’s growth and maturity as well as your own.
4) Practice coping skills
This may be a case where you would benefit from taking a course on parent education.
Irrespective of whether we are custodial or not, we want to impart values and morals to our children. In the absence of collaborative parenting, divorced parents fail to teach their children anything other than conflict and power struggles.
Educating children on age-appropriate coping skills can give them avenues to vent their feelings and behaviors in a healthy, constructive manner. Furthermore, kids are empowered and feel less helpless when they learn to deal with changes on their own.
5) Make sure that you are reassuring
In a divorce, children may experience abandonment issues. Make sure they feel safe and secure. Quality time with children is invaluable.
Reassure children on a regular basis that life will go on, that you love them, and that their presence is valuable to you. Be honest with yourself, but make sure your words are framed in a way to minimize the impact on others.
Ensure that you communicate positively with your child, showing interest in their schoolwork, friends, hobbies, and activities.
In order to minimize the long-term effects of divorce on your child, you should maintain a healthy relationship with your child and spend quality time with him or her.
To conclude
Divorce has most commonly been associated with negative effects on children, but recent research suggests that parents can reduce conflict between them and increase communication (between them and with their children).
At Hussain Law, we focus on helping our clients navigate the emotional and financial challenges of separation and divorce. 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 that you need assistance with, please contact Ayesha Hussain at 647-428-3919.
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