Getting a divorce can be difficult for anybody especially if the children are involved. Your whole life comes tumbling down and things don’t really remain the same. However, the need of the hour should be to pick yourself up and do everything you can in your power to arrive at a settlement. Couples who have a child do not really end up getting divorced peacefully and thus hiring an experienced attorney should not be overlooked.

Custody issues are generally the prime concerns because each parent is anxious to know with whom their child will reside with. So in order to win a custody case, here are seven useful family law tips that you could make use of:

1. Take the First Step – If you are the man in this relationship, the worst thing that can happen to you is that you’ll have to wait till the mother of the children drags you to court. However, always make sure to file first as it will depict that your interests are sincere when it’s about your children’s lives and it will show that you are serious about taking a stand for them. The same applies for the mothers as well. One has to show how motivated he/she is to have the primary custody.

2. Avoid Conflict – Divorce proceedings are bound to make your emotions volatile, but do not let that get over you. Always do your best so as to take a higher road. Remain calm at all times and refrain from arguing with other parents. Conflict will simply worsen the matters and will make the judge doubt on your emotional capabilities. Thus, keep your head cool and stay at bay from any sort of conflict.

3. Utilize the Police – In case an unavoidable conflict does happens where you and the other parent is arguing, then just take a deep breath and walk out of the conflict immediately. If you think the other parent is turning violent and aggressive then call the police immediately. Remember not to argue back once the police has arrived as all of it is recorded in the police report and might be used against you later in court.

4. Be Proactive for Child Support – Even if the court hasn’t ordered child support, it’s still a good idea to give the other parent some amount of money every month if he/she spends quality time with your children. However, always make sure that the child support you give should be in the form of a check or a money order instead of cash so that you have some proof in hand to show when need be.

5. Maintain Records – Keeping a written record every time you go to see your kids can be extremely helpful. In case you have a custody arrangement in place, try to record every instance whenever the other parent breaches that agreement. Record instances like late pickup, unavailability at parent-teacher meeting or when payments to tutors aren’t made.

If both the parties can’t arrive on a resolution related to custody issues, the final call will be made by the judge and he/she will make determine it by using the evidence that’s present in court. We, at Sekhon Law Office, are amongst the best family lawyers of Canada. Contact us anytime to discuss your case with our experienced associates.

Separation is a difficult phase in life. A lot of things are going on, not just in front of you, but within your mind as well. Our family lawyers in Mississauga will always advise you to get a separation agreement from a trustworthy lawyer so that you can clearly set out the terms regarding your separation with your spouse.

What is Separation?

Separation is said to occur when a married couple decides to live ‘separately’ from each other. This means that the married couple will no longer live like a normal husband-wife. It doesn’t really matter whether separation has the consent of both the individuals or not. If even one of them moves out, the couple is said to be separated.

It is not necessary for separated spouses to go and live in different homes. Due to child-care and money issues, a separated couple might decide to share the same roof with separate areas for sleeping.

Will Moving Out weaken my Claim to the Home?

The home in which you and your spouse lived is called the matrimonial home. Generally, after separation and divorce of married couples, all the assets are bound to be shared equally which includes the matrimonial home as well. So, generally it’s seen that spouses who leave the house after separation still have claim to their matrimonial home.

Does separation require any paperwork?

No, separation does not need any paperwork. There is absolutely no need to put anything in writing or even notify the court regarding your separation. However, for certain issues like child’s support, custody and access you can apply for a court order.

Although not necessary, a separation agreement can also be drafted by our family lawyers in Mississauga so as to ultimately help you when you decide to apply for a divorce or a court order.

What exactly is a separation agreement?

A separation agreement is a written contract that is signed by you and your spouse. This contract includes certain terms and conditions for living apart from each other. Separation agreements are mostly drawn-up by family lawyers since they involve a lot of complex terminologies and facts which are otherwise difficult to represent due to lack of legal knowledge. You can also get your agreement registered by the court so that it becomes a court order and can be enforced like one.

How Long should You Wait Before Applying for a Divorce?

In most cases, a separation period of at least one year would be required by you and your spouse before you can file for a divorce. However under some circumstances, one can also apply for a divorce on the basis of mental or physical cruelty or adultery but then situations are bound to get more complicated. You might be asked to provide proper evidence in the court to prove that these grounds are actually true.

Sekhon Law is one of the leading law firms in Mississauga having a team of experienced family lawyers who fight for your rights. Contact us today to discuss your case.

Getting a divorce can be quite an overwhelming process. When it comes to divorce, there are many myths floating around that families may not be aware of. Our family lawyers in Mississauga distinguish divorce myths from realities.

My Spouse Has to Sign the Divorce Papers

It is common for people to come into our office frustrated because their spouse won’t agree to a divorce. We also come across many cases where the spouse is served divorce papers, but he/she choses to ignore the situation hoping it will go away. While having a spouse agreeing to the divorce will speed up the entire process and potentially minimize the cost, it may not always be the case.

After the divorce paperwork has been filed, your spouse will have a certain time frame to reply back. If he or she does not respond, and disapproves with the terms of the divorce, the case will go to trial where the court will decide the terms of the divorce.

Quick Divorce

Unfortunately divorce does not come with a next-day delivery option. It is an ongoing process which can take months and sometimes over a year. There are various factors that can cause delay in the divorce proceedings. Things such as division of property, child custody, assets and debts, and other quarrelsome issues can slow down the process. In short, the more disputes in a divorce, the longer it will take to complete the process.

Divorce Requires a Visit to the Court

People often have a misconception that filing a divorce is similar to filing a lawsuit. But taking the alternate roads such as arbitration or mediation can make divorce seem less like a lawsuit and more like a business deal. If you and your spouse both agree to the terms of the divorce, it’s highly unlikely you’ll make a trip to court.

All Divorce Lawyers are the Same

No two family lawyers in Mississauga are the same – each one has his/her own unique approach to divorce. While one may specialize in disputed divorces where there’s plenty of disagreement about who gets what, others may approach divorce in a more collaborative manner, ensuring as much peace as possible. Make sure to look for a lawyer who understands your unique situation and who you have confidence in.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your divorce or other family law matters contact one of the experienced family lawyers in Mississauga at Sekhon Law Office. We’d be glad to help you.

More and more couples are getting divorced just as they’re reaching a financially stable stage. Why? There are many different reasons, but they include waiting for the children to grow up or realizing that life is too short to settle for an unhappy marriage. Indeed, more divorcing couples are waiting for their kids to grow older or to move out, so there are fewer reasons for them to stay together.

But are these midlife divorces more affable than those involving heated custody battles? Many middle-aged adults going through a divorce can actually act immature. It is important for people deciding to file for divorce later in life to act like a grown-up.

So what are the best ways to protect your family and your duty as a parent during the overwhelming process of divorce? Our family lawyers in Mississauga give some useful tips for getting through your divorce in a mature and decent way.

Steer Clear from Social Media

Social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, enable us to post updates about some of the most personal phases of our lives for all of our family and friends to read. It’s crucial to remember that nearly anyone can read this information, and it’s not a good idea to offend your spouse by complaining about the situation this divorce has put you in. In addition, you may be giving your spouse something that can be used against you during divorce proceedings.

In short, if you don’t want to make your divorce a public consumption, don’t post it. When people reach middle age, they should use social media for connecting with friends from the past, advertising their businesses, or sharing their photographs with family and friends.

Don’t Involve Your Children into the Divorce

No matter how grown up your kids are, your divorce can still psychologically affect them. Make sure you do not expect your kids to act as your friend or therapist during this overwhelming time. It is also important to make sure not to expect them to listen to details about your unhappy marriage.

If you’re suffering from anxiety issues during your divorce, it’s important to seek the help of an experienced therapist. And for all other legal matters, you should get in touch with some of the best family lawyers in Mississauga at Sekhon Law Office.

Are you going through a difficult divorce? Contact Sekhon Law Office today. We are one of the leading law firms in Mississauga providing effective family law legal services to divorcing couples.

When couples enter a long-term relationship, they have lots of expectations and hopes with their life and life partner. Moving in together, getting married, buying first home together, having a first child, etc., a couple experiences a lot of emotions, ups and downs in life. Where some relations easily cope up with the ups and downs, some fail to do so. Therefore, the time comes that separation or divorce is the next step in their relationship. During a separation or divorce, a couple faces a complicated quagmire of financial issues and parenting liabilities.

Separation or divorce is one of the most painful experience of a person’s life. The emotions sometimes get overwhelming, making the most obvious decisions an arduous task. The whole process becomes more stressful when it involves not just the couple but also children. Couples need to make their children understand about the changing family dynamics.

Every person starts juggling with his or her own emotions, children’s needs, an uncertain future and the changing relationship with the partner, these all things enhance the stress to no end. In this challenging time, only an experienced family lawyer in Mississauga can provide the most reliable support and assistance. They can help easily manoeuvre through the most difficult time that lies ahead.

Explore Your Best Options with the Help of a Divorce Lawyer Mississauga

Couples who want to end their relationship have different options for handling the legal and financial aspects. Collaborative law, mediation and divorce litigation are some of the best options. Depending on your particular situation, what’s best for you and your children, your divorce lawyer will help determine the best course of action. With a Mississauga divorce lawyer, you and your rights are in safe hands. They will determine the best suited approach for your family and will allow to benefit from the expertise and years of experience.

Mediation and Collaborative Law: How a Family Lawyer Mississauga Can Help

Mediation and collaborative are the two non-adversarial options for relationship disunion. In mediation, a professional mediator individually and jointly conducts a meeting with the parties in order to understand their needs, and help them reach out a solution that is agreeable to both parties. The ultimate aim of a mediator is to help the couple reach their goals in the relationship dissolution without heading to court. Once a potential agreement is prepared, both the parties take the agreement to their concern lawyers for evaluation.

In the collaborative law process, both parties get legal assistance and sign a participation agreement stating that they will adhere to the solution reached through this process and will not pursue the matter in court. In this process, both the parties and their lawyers meet and discuss the needs of each party and take out a workable solution.

Unfortunately, collaborative law and mediation not always work for every couple. Sometimes, divorce litigation becomes a necessity to settle the financial and child support disputes. In these situations, make sure you seek legal representation from a Mississauga divorce lawyer.
At, Sekhon Law Office, our family lawyers in Mississauga offer the legal expertise and assistance to help you achieve a resolution that is in your best interest.

While you have ended your relationship with your former spouse officially, your children will still have a relationship with their other parent. Remember, the impact of your separation can be psychologically and emotionally harmful for your children, especially when you say something bad about your ex in front of them. Whatever harsh feelings you may have for your former spouse, you cannot be selfish. Your children will always have a connection with the other parent, it’s about your children, not you.

With that in mind, our family lawyers in Mississauga have compiled a few things that you MUST not say around your kids after divorce.

“Your mother/father is a %@#$%#@%!!”

Never badmouth your child’s other parent. Since your ex will continue to be an important part of your child’s life, saying anything bad about your ex can have a negative impact on them and they might start disrespecting the other parent. This can also create trust issues in the long run.

“I missed you so much when you were with your mother/father”

It is not good to make the child feel guilty for spending some time with your former spouse. Avoid telling them that you miss them or feel alone when they are with their mother or father. This may complicate the relationship of your children with you and your ex. They might get into an uncomfortable situation where they don’t know whether to favor you or the other parent.

“It was not my fault”

Always take responsibility for your actions; instead of justifying your bad behavior, accept it. Denying your actions may damage your credibility with them. This is especially true if you were having an extra-marital affair. Never deny responsibility for your actions as this may create trust issues.

“Marrying your mother/father was the biggest mistake of my life”

Never express your bitterness about your marriage or divorce. If your children constantly hear you complaining how marriage has ruined your life, they may feel like they are a burden. Saying such things will imply that you regret your relationship and your children are the reminder of that regret.

“You’re just like your mother/father.”

Never compare your child to their other parent. Children are very perceptive of parental dispute; they could sense that with such things you are expressing your hatred for the other parent. This will only invoke the memory of the conflict. It will make your children feel worthless and insecure about their future.

“We cannot afford this as your mother/father didn’t pay your expenses of this month.” or “I’m not giving you any money, I have to pay your mother/father child support. Go ask them for it.”

Never let your child feel that they are a burden in your life. Finances are an adult concern, your children don’t need to know about the child support issues between you and your ex. They will feel that they are being selfish for asking for necessities like school books, bus fare, lunch or a new coat. They are surely not an obligation or burden for you, so don’t let them feel so.

Make sure you never say any of these things in front of your children about your former partner. Remember, it’s you who have ended the relationship, but your children still have a relationship with their other parent.

Our family and divorce lawyers in Mississauga can guide you about how to deal with your children after separation or divorce. Contact us today!

It can be a huge waste of time for both you and your family lawyer in Hamilton if you are unprepared for your first meeting. Not being prepared may also cost you money because it will take more time for the family lawyer to get up to speed on your legal issue.

First, the family lawyer will want to know who you are and what the best way to contact you is. The lawyer may also ask your personal and business background. It is important for you to write down anything that you think is relevant information and have it available for the lawyer. Also, make sure to bring along the documents that you have.

Sometimes, a family lawyer may also try to speed up the information gathering process by asking you to fill out a questionnaire in advance. If this happens, make sure to fill out the questionnaire and send it to the lawyer’s office before meeting with them.

Make a list of questions to take along with you to your meeting. It is important that you get along with the professional of your choice. You want to hire someone who is skilled, but you also have to feel comfortable with your lawyer. Questions you might ask a family lawyer in Hamilton include:

• What kind of experience do you have with family law? Have you handled family law matters similar to mine before? If yes, how many?
• Is family law your specialty, or just a part of your practice?
• What kind of resources can you provide me to help me get through my family law issue with as little stress as possible?
• Will anyone else in your team be working on my case? Can I meet them?
• How long have you been practicing family law?
• How do you charge? What is your hourly rate?
• In addition to the fees for your services, what charges do you expect will be involved?
• What’s your estimate of this family law matter’s total cost to me?
• How can I lower down the cost of my family law matter? Are there tasks that I can perform myself to minimize the amount you will charge me?
• What other services do you think I will require from you related to my family law matter, such as deeds and trusts, and how much will you charge me for them?
• Based on the information you have about my case, what do you think a judge would rule on it?

The answers to these questions should help you get an idea if the family lawyer in Hamilton you’re talking to is the one you should hire to solve your family law matter. Sekhon Law Office provides comprehensive legal services in the Greater Hamilton area, such as child custody & support, divorce and separation. Schedule an appointment with our family lawyers today.

When you are divorced, your ex-spouse is required to pay half of your child’s medical expenses. If he/she doesn’t pay his/her share, then you can enforce the terms of your divorce decree in the court. The court clearly agrees that the custodial parent should not solely be responsible for paying bills. In fact, the costs should be distributed between both the parents, as they are required by law to pay their child’s medical bills or insurance coverage during and after the divorce. However, child support is governed by the provincial law and non-custodial parents must contribute child support separately.

In case your ex denies to pay the child’s medical expenses, then the following tips should help you attempt to collect reimbursement from  the non-custodial parent.

• Child Support Order: Generally, the order will address each spouse’s obligations for medical expenses. The parent is responsible to provide medical insurance for the child and how that insurance is paid. If certain medical expenses are not covered by insurance, then the court will often state that what percentage of medical bills each parent is responsible to pay.
• State Agencies: Every state/province has an agency to help parents in collecting child support, in Ontario this is the Family Responsibility Office. If your ex-spouse is currently paying his child support, then the agency cannot help you enforce the medical portion of your divorce decree. The agency is only able to send letters to your ex-spouse because their enforcement authority is limited.
• Court enforcement: You can also file a motion through the court system to recover the amount from your ex-spouse for medical care. Then, the court can hold your ex in contempt of court, which means he/she breaks the court’s order and they can be punished by jail and fines. After that you can file the motion that allows you to send a copy of the motion to your divorced spouse along with a summons. However, remember that your ex also has the right to respond back to the motion and whatever you claimed in it. The judge will see both parties copies of the medical bills or other proof of expenses and hold a hearing to receive evidence from both parties, before taking any decision.
• Small claims court: This is a quite simpler process than a normal court procedure. When you paid the medical bills and want to get reimbursed from your ex, you can file a case in small claims court. Small claims courts will give you forms to fill out on your own, which allow claimants to proceed without a lawyer.

Follow all these procedures to attempt to get reimbursement from your ex for your child’s medical expenses in the original child support agreement.

We allow you to receive valuable advice and information from our highly skilled family lawyers in Hamilton. Call us to set up an appointment. Our certified family lawyers will ensure you to get child or spousal support without any serious difficulty.