For women
Just how much financial information does a woman have to share when she leaves an abusive partner?
Financial abuse Many abusive relationships involve an element of financial control or abuse. For example, the abuser may: Monitor the woman’s spending Control all the money and give her an allowance Require her to justify her spending Insist that only his name be on bank accounts, investments, credit cards, etc. Not allow the woman to…
Read moreWhat should a woman think about when entering a second relationship so she protects her privacy, money and property?
Few people, even when they are entering a second (or third, or fourth) relationship consider that this one, like the previous one(s), might end. Love is in the air, and it is hard for most people to imagine that it would ever leave or that one person might treat the other badly. This seems to…
Read moreInfographic: Property Division
Marriage The law assumes that each spouse makes equal if different contributions. If the relationship ends, they share the family property equally. Equalization payment Person with greater new family property (NFP) must pay the other spouse half of the difference. Common Law If the relationship ends, no automatic right to equal share of the property.…
Read moreSafety planning before, during and after separation
This webinar examines key safety issues for women leaving an abusive relationship from the time the woman begins to consider separation, throughout the separation and family law processes and beyond. We will look at both physical and emotional safety issues, legal steps women can take, tech safety and keeping children safe, offering tips and strategies…
Read moreWebinar: Relationships, rights & responsibilities
A woman living with her common law partner for many years may think she has equal right to their property, but that might not be the case. There are significant differences in legal rights and responsibilities depending on whether people are married or living common-law. This webinar explores different kinds of intimate relationships, with a…
Read moreHow to manage tech abuse with safety planning & family law
This webinar provides information on how technology can be used against women experiencing intimate ex/partner violence and provides tips for survivors and advocates around safety planning, managing electronic communication and how to this may be addressed in family court. This webinar is another in the series on family law issues when there’s family violence presented…
Read moreFor some women, home is as dangerous as the virus
Published in the Globe & Mail by Elizabeth Renzetti Being trapped inside your house during this coronavirus crisis is hard enough. Now imagine being truly trapped: Let’s say you’re a woman who’s been living with an abusive partner, and planning to leave him. A decision about whether to leave, already dangerous and difficult, becomes almost…
Read moreWays to prepare for, prevent and respond to an international abduction: Webinar
This webinar looks at the issue of international abduction of children in the context of family violence, with a focus on steps a woman can take to pre-empt an international abduction as well as what she can do if her children are abducted. This is the latest in a series of webinars on family law…
Read moreSocial distancing? Safety tips for women living with an abusive partner
In an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Connect with the women’s shelter in your community (you can find a list at ShelterSafe.ca). Even if you don’t stay at the shelter, staff can provide outreach services to support you and can help you make an emergency escape plan as well as a safety plan. Check…
Read moreI’m new to Canada and my partner is abusive. What happens if I leave him?
If you are a newcomer to Canada or have sponsored your partner to come to Canada, immigration issues may arise when you and your partner separate. These can have an impact on your family law case, and your family law case can have an impact on your immigration status. Check out our section on Family…
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