Posts Tagged ‘family law’
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 moreVictim & Survivors of Crime Week: The Power of Collaboration
This week, the Government of Canada marks Victim and Survivors of Crime Week, a national initiative designed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by victims and survivors of crime, while highlighting the critical services, assistance, and laws available to support them. At Luke’s Place, we are dedicated to helping women who have experienced intimate…
Read moreMental Health Awareness Week: Self-care as a Feminist Act
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…
Read moreCelebrating National Volunteer Week 2025: Volunteers Make Waves
At Luke’s Place, we are proud to honour the incredible impact of our volunteers who help shape a more just and supportive legal system for women and children subjected to intimate partner violence (IPV). This year’s National Volunteer Week theme: Volunteers Make Waves, highlights how each act of volunteering, big or small, creates momentum, contributes…
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 moreTwo Years Later: The Urgent Need to Implement the Mass Casualty Commission’s Recommendations
On March 30, 2023, the Nova Scotia Mass Casualty Commission released its final report, Turning the Tide Together. Now, as we approach the two-year anniversary of the report, we must ask: have we turned the tide, or are we still waiting for change? Unfortunately, a review of the femicide numbers makes it clear that we…
Read moreCase 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…
Read moreIntersections of IPV and Trafficking
February 22nd marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Canada. Human trafficking is a major issue in our province. Ontario has the second highest rate of Human Trafficking out of all the provinces in Canada (Stats Can). Trafficking is an incredibly pressing issue in our community as 62% of Canadian human trafficking cases originate…
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