For women
Helping your kids stay safe after separation: A practical checklist
Separation can bring big changes, especially for children. As you sort out parenting arrangements, it’s essential to think about how to keep your kids safe, supported, and prepared. This checklist offers simple and practical ways to help your child feel more secure and know what to do in situations that might feel confusing or unsafe. …
Read moreCourt Etiquette – What to know before you go
Navigating family court can be an overwhelming experience. Understanding and practicing courtroom etiquette can help ease some pressure and help ensure your day proceeds as smoothly as possible. Here are some key tips to help you feel prepared: By following these guidelines, you can focus on presenting your case and avoid unnecessary distractions. Remember, being…
Read moreTips for building a safe co-parenting relationship
Violence does not always end when the relationship ends, especially when children are involved. If you share children with your ex-partner, establishing a new co-parenting dynamic is necessary. However, ensuring this relationship prioritizes your safety is crucial, and that can present significant challenges. Here are some tips, from our toolkit, The Law and Parenting Arrangements…
Read moreParenting Arrangements: Understanding the Best Interests of the Child Test
Family courts use what is called the Best Interests of the Child (BIC) Test to make decisions about parenting arrangements after separation or divorce. The BIC test helps courts prioritize the needs, safety, and well-being of children, to ensure parenting decisions serve the child’s best interest, both now and in the future. Whether a family…
Read more10 Essential family law terms to know
Understanding family law can feel overwhelming, especially when navigating a case. To help, we have compiled 10 key terms that are essential to know in family court. These terms will provide clarity and empower you as you move through the process. Application A proceeding in family court begins when one person brings an application, in…
Read moreEmergency Motions Toolkit
For women experiencing intimate partner violence, an Emergency Motion can be a critical step toward ensuring their safety and the safety of their children. However, navigating the Family Court process, especially during a time of crisis, can be overwhelming, with many women feeling unprepared to take this step. At Luke’s Place, we’ve updated and expanded…
Read moreThe Importance of a Safety Plan
For women experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV), safety can feel out of reach. Having a safety plan is essential for women staying in relationships in which they are being abused, as they are leaving and after they have left. Creating a safety plan is a proactive step toward ensuring both physical and emotional security, as…
Read moreLuke’s Place Legal Clinic: Providing support for women navigating family law
The Luke’s Place Legal Clinic provides free, confidential services to support women across Ontario in navigating family law. Our clinic connects women with experienced family law lawyers who provide summary legal advice. Who can Access the Clinic? Our services are available to self-identified women who are currently experiencing or have previously experienced intimate partner violence…
Read moreEmotional safety: Boundaries for the holidays
The holiday season is a busy time of year. You may find yourself in more situations that put you in contact with your former partner. It can be helpful to plan for these situations in advance by thinking about setting boundaries. Below are strategies for creating an emotional safety plan by setting healthy boundaries with…
Read moreTeaching your kids to be safe: a post-separation checklist
When a relationship ends, parents must sort out arrangements for the children. This includes when the children will spend time with each parent and who has decision-making responsibilities about important things that affect the children. Until these issues are resolved, the law sees both parents as equally responsible for the children’s care. While you navigate…
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