Isaac's Family Law Blog

New BC Law Changes How Pets Are Divided Up in Divorce & Family Law Cases Yesterday I had the pleasure of accepting Kristy Cameron's invitation to join her on her radio show in Ottawa to weigh in on the recent changes to the Family Law Act in British Columbia . You can find her show at iHeart Radio 580 CFRA News Talk Radio . One of my favourite parts of the show was when Kristy and her producer Chris coined the word "dogimony." It was on the topic of how the ownership and possession of pets is now decided in British Columbia courts. Photo credit: Yuliya Strizhkina. A pet's best interests are now one of the principles a BC judge must consider when deciding which party gets ownership and possession of the companion animal. The relationship a child has with the pet and the relationship the other spouse has are also required considerations. It's like a combined best interest of the pet + stakeholder principle.  What are the changes in s 92 and s 97 of BC’s Family L...

Marriage Contracts These contracts are for those who are planning to get married (pre-nuptial/pre-wedding) or are already married (marriage contract). Although it should be noted that in Ontario law we only have a 'marriage contract,' and this can be signed by a couple before or after their wedding.  This type of contract allows a couple to agree on property or support. They can agree on different terms that what the default law may dictate in the event of a breakdown of the marriage.  For example, Ontario's Family Law Act has special rules for dividing what is called the "matrimonial home." Each spouse receives an equal share, regardless of who paid more of the expenses such as the down payment or mortgage loan.  But with a marriage contract, a couple can agree to a different division of the matrimonial home's value if the relationship were to end. This contracting power is especially valuable to those who have already been divorced once or are on their secon...