Now Accredited: Parent-Child-Contact Problem (Alienation) Online Course 

We’re excited to share that our free e-learning course on the Parent-Child-Contact Problem (Alienation), is now accredited by the Law Society of Ontario.  Whether you’re a lawyer, law student, or a service provider supporting survivors through the family court system, this self-paced module offers evidence-based, practical content grounded in legal experience.   About the Course  Developed…

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Luke’s Place Contributes to New Publication on Family Violence and Family Law  

We’re excited to announce the release of Understanding Family Violence in Family Court Proceedings: Providing Effective Responses for Victims, Children, and Perpetrators, a vital new resource published by the University of Toronto Press.   This book addresses the growing recognition in Canadian legislation and case law that the family law legal system needs to do more…

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Understanding Coercive Control: A Conversation with Pamela Cross

On a recent episode of CBC Radio’s Just Asking with Saroja Coelho, feminist lawyer and advocate Pamela Cross joined the conversation to talk about a form of abuse that’s all around us, but still largely invisible: coercive control. Pamela Cross brings decades of experience to this issue. She’s a member of Ontario’s Domestic Violence Death…

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Case Comment: Paralegals in family court 

The mother, in this case, applied for leave to have a licensed paralegal act as her agent in a family law proceeding that involved parenting issues and family violence. While Justice Sah makes it clear that she has no concerns about the skills or integrity of the paralegal, she denies the mother’s motion. In December…

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Mental Health Awareness Week: Self-care as a Feminist Act 

Arms hugging a heart on a urple background, text reads "Mental Health Awareness Week. May 5th-11th, 2025".

May 5th to the 11th marks Mental Health Awareness Week. This year at Luke’s Place, we are focusing on the role that self-care plays in sustaining feminist movements, particularly for women impacted by intimate partner violence (IPV) and those who work tirelessly to support them.  Taking time to care for yourself can sometimes be met…

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Court 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…

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Case Comment: Parenting time and decision-making  

This case, written by Justice Pazaratz, provides a good overview of status quo and without prejudice interim parenting orders.  The applicant mother and the respondent father had one child together, who was eight years old at the time of this motion. The other respondent, who did not participate in the motion, was the mother of…

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10 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…

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Case Summary: An interim parenting arrangements motion

This case explores the issue of family violence in the context of an interim parenting arrangements motion. The mother and father were married in India in 2017, after which they moved back and forth between India and Canada twice. They have two young daughters; one born in 2018 and the other in 2023.  The mother…

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