Two COVID-19 family law decisions addressing the issue of what makes a case “urgent” under the present court regime in Ontario have been decided on in the past week. One has been reported (Smith v Sieger, 2020 ONSC 1861); the …
Case law: First two COVID-19 family law decisions Read More »
Toronto Star reporter, Jim Rankin, interviewed Luke’s Place and other women’s services on the impact of social distancing and self-isolation during the COVID-19 crisis. Nearing the end of March Break, a woman gets a call from her ex. He says …
Star article: Abused women stay home amid COVID-19 Read More »
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 …
Social distancing? Safety tips for women living with an abusive partner Read More »
The connection between COVID-19 and the safety of women living in or attempting to flee abusive relationships may not be immediately obvious, but those of us practising family law, in particular, need to be aware of it. Public policy decisions …
Updated Mar. 20/20 – Luke’s Place Support & Resource Centre is committed to providing services to women who have been subjected to intimate partner violence while mitigating the risks associated with COVID 19. For women in Durham Region: Intake and …
COVID 19: Luke’s Place services available by phone Read More »
Early in my law career, the opposing party on a family law file involving family violence was representing himself. I was retained on a bare bones legal aid certificate. In my naivete and desire to save my client the cost …
How lawyers can stay safe in family violence cases Read More »
Becoming fully competent in working in the spirit of reconciliation is a process. This tip sheet is intended to provide you with ideas to think about and for you, your colleagues and your organization to work towards over time. Community …
Towards Reconciliation: A tipsheet for working supportively with Indigenous clients Read More »
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 …
I’m new to Canada and my partner is abusive. What happens if I leave him? Read More »
Many women who leave abusive relationships are dealing with multiple legal issues, each of which has an impact on the other(s). When there is a family law case, a child protection investigation, criminal charges and/or family members’ status in Canada …
Family law, criminal law and immigration issues: Webinar on intersecting legal issues Read More »
Bill 161, the Smarter and Stronger Justice Act, will amend more than 20 existing pieces of legislation. Of particular concern to advocates for women fleeing abuse are the proposed revisions to the Legal Aid Services Act 1998. While it is …
Bill 161 could jeopardize access to justice for women fleeing abuse Read More »
