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Common Law Spouses and Sale of Home
Fournier v. Giannousopoulos, 2026 ONSC 2813 Facts KF and MG were common-law spouses and parents of twin daughters. The family lived in a home on Squires Avenue in Toronto, which was legally owned solely by K. After their separation in November 2024, M remained in the home while K moved out and continued to pay all mortgage, tax, insurance, and utility expenses. K sought an order requiring M to vacate the property and allowing her to sell it because: She could no longer afford
Shankar Law Office
Jun 104 min read


New Intimate Partner Violence Tort
Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, 2026 SCC 16 In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court of Canada recognized, for the first time, a new common law tort of intimate partner violence (IPV). The case arose from a 16-year marriage characterized by severe abuse, including physical violence, emotional abuse, intimidation, humiliation, isolation, financial control, sexual coercion, and patterns of coercive and controlling behaviour by the husband toward the wife. During divorce proceedin
Shankar Law Office
May 264 min read


Understanding Equalization Payments in Ontario: Insights from
In Razavi v. Golzari, 2026 ONSC 2686, the Ontario Superior Court examined whether a wife was entitled to an equalization payment after the breakdown of a challenging seven-year marriage. The husband contended that, despite their legal marriage, they functioned more like roommates or landlord-tenant equivalents. He argued that equalization under Ontario’s Family Law Act should not apply. Additionally, he claimed that a handwritten 2019 document constituted an agreement alterin
Shankar Law Office
May 203 min read


Imputed Income and Forgone Commissions
In Bistron v. Soni, 2026 ONSC 2567, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice addressed a child support dispute between unmarried parents who shared parenting of their five-year-old child under a longstanding 2-2-3 parenting arrangement. Although the parties had already resolved most parenting issues through a Parenting Agreement, they disagreed significantly over each parent’s income for child support purposes and whether certain payments, benefits, and forgone earnings should b
Shankar Law Office
May 143 min read


Importance of Financial Disclosure in Family Law
Summary of the decision In Watson v. Zita, 2026 ONSC 2466, released April 24, 2026, the case concerns child support for a child, J.Z., whose mother died in January 2024. The applicant is the child’s maternal aunt and has been the child’s primary caregiver since January 2023. The respondent father had already consented to primary parenting to the applicant by consent order, so the remaining issue was mainly the amount of child support he should pay. The respondent’s Answer h
Shankar Law Office
May 64 min read


Unjust Enrichment Remedies Ontario: Understanding Your Rights and Options
When someone benefits unfairly at your expense, the law steps in to restore balance. This principle, known as unjust enrichment, plays a crucial role in Ontario’s legal system. If you find yourself in a situation where another party has gained something without a valid legal reason, understanding unjust enrichment remedies in Ontario can help you protect your interests and seek fair compensation. Unjust enrichment is not just a legal term; it’s a concept that affects real peo
Shankar Law Office
Apr 144 min read


Breach of a Consent Order in Family Law: Consequences
D v. B, 2026 ONSC 947 The Ontario Superior Court of Justice in D v. B addressed a motion concerning the breach of a family law consent order, specifically regarding the removal of property from the matrimonial home. The Respondent Father argued that the Applicant Mother violated the terms of a comprehensive settlement agreement incorporated into a final court order by removing nearly all household contents when she vacated the home. Facts H D (Applicant Mother) and O B (Respo
Shankar Law Office
Apr 83 min read


Incomplete Financial Disclosure and NFP
Recently, the superior court delved into a case involving net family property equalization, but where one of the parties had not provided sufficient financial disclosure. Degagne v. Paquette , 2026 ONSC 1145 TD (Applicant) and OP (Respondent) were married on July 4, 2008, and separated on April 8, 2017. They have four children, who live with Ms. TD pursuant to a 2019 Ontario Court of Justice order requiring Mr. OP to pay $1,076 per month in child support, which he failed to p
Shankar Law Office
Mar 183 min read


Understanding Ontario Common-Law Rights: Legal Rights in Common-Law Separations in Ontario
Knowing your legal rights is essential when a relationship ends, especially for common-law partners in Ontario. Unlike married couples, common law partners lack automatic legal protections, which can cause confusion. Here is an overview of key legal rights in common law separations in Ontario to help you feel informed and prepared. What Are Ontario Common Law Rights? In Ontario, common law relationships are recognized differently from marriages. To be considered common law, c
Shankar Law Office
Mar 94 min read


The Consequences of Dying Without a Will in Ontario: Understanding Ontario Estate Laws
When someone passes away without a Will, it can create a complicated and stressful situation for their loved ones. In Ontario, Estate Laws provide a clear process for distributing assets, but dying without a will often means the deceased’s wishes are not known or followed. This can lead to delays, disputes, and unintended outcomes. I want to walk you through what happens in these cases, explain Ontario EstaLte, and offer practical advice to help you avoid these pitfalls. What
Shankar Law Office
Mar 65 min read


A Comprehensive Guide to the Steps in a Real Estate Purchase Transaction
Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions many people make. The process can feel overwhelming without a clear understanding of the steps involved. Knowing what to expect helps buyers move confidently from searching to closing. This guide outlines the key stages of a real estate purchase transaction, providing practical insights to help you navigate the process smoothly. Understanding Your Budget and Financing Options Before starting your home search, it
Shankar Law Office
Feb 223 min read


Understanding Ontario Separation Agreements: What You Need to Know
When a relationship ends, especially a marriage or common-law partnership, sorting out the details can feel overwhelming. One of the most important tools for managing this transition is a Separation Agreement . In Ontario, these agreements are legally binding contracts that outline how couples will divide their assets, debts, and responsibilities after separation. I want to walk you through the essentials of Ontario separation agreements, so you feel more confident and inform
Shankar Law Office
Feb 184 min read


Steps to File for Divorce in Ontario: Understanding the Ontario Divorce Process
Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming when you’re not sure where to start. If you live in Ontario and are considering ending your marriage, understanding the steps involved in the Ontario divorce process can clarify the process and make it less stressful. I’m here to walk you through the essential steps, explain what to expect, and offer practical advice to help you navigate this important life change. What Is the Ontario Divorce Process? The Ontario divorce process is t
Shankar Law Office
Feb 105 min read
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