My husband had an affair. Does this change the amount of support I can receive or the way we divide our property in Nova Scotia.

/ Highlander Law Group/
My husband had an affair. Does this change the amount of support I can receive or the way we divide our property in Nova Scotia.

In Nova Scotia, we have what we call “no fault” divorce. This means that we do not take into consideration the “why” of the breakdown of the marriage, at least when it comes to the financial aspects, such as spousal support or division of property. In short, in Nova Scotia you will not be entitled to more or less support or other property because your ex-spouse had an affair or was abusive.

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Date of Separation – What does it mean for Nova Scotia couples?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Date of Separation – What does it mean for Nova Scotia couples?

In most cases, people can agree on the date of separation. When my clients ask me how to decide when they were separated I ask them when they stopped acting like a married couple. There is no one thing that marks a separation definitively (although one person moving out is usually a pretty good indication).

 

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Who Has to Pay Child Support in Nova Scotia?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Who Has to Pay Child Support in Nova Scotia?

Because each family and every situation is different, family law can be a unpredictable area of law. There are lots of grey areas and not very many things are carved stone. Child support proves to be the exception to this uncertainty because it tends to be clear cut by comparison.

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How long does it take to get a Divorce in Nova Scotia?

/ Highlander Law Group/
How long does it take to get a Divorce in Nova Scotia?

Ask almost anyone who has been through it and they will say “too long!” Joking aside, it can feel like a long process, and the justice system is not exactly known for its speed, even at the best of times. The hardest part of a divorce is coming up with the terms of divorce, especially as it relates to custody, property division and support payments. This can be done through negotiation, or a judge can make the decision.  A negotiated settlement is almost always faster than waiting for the court to order the terms of your divorce. So, what exactly takes so long with court?

 

The hardest part of a divorce is coming up with the terms of divorce, especially as it relates to custody, property division and support payments. This can be done through negotiation, or a judge can make the decision.

 

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Myth-busting Child Support and Custody

/ Highlander Law Group/
Myth-busting Child Support and Custody

Almost everyone has been touched by divorce in some way, so it is not surprising that that so many well-meaning friends and family are eager to give out legal advice during a separation. Unfortunately, their advice is not always accurate or helpful. One commonly repeated myth is that if the parents share equal custody, then no one has to pay child support. 

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Parenting Plans – an Essential Document for Separating Parents

/ Highlander Law Group/
Parenting Plans – an Essential Document for Separating Parents

During separation, figuring out "co-parenting" children is often the most difficult and important consideration. In most cases, both parents want what is best for their kids but they often have different ideas about what that looks like. 

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Planning For Your Separation

/ Highlander Law Group/
Planning For Your Separation

Gwyneth Paltrow made headlines when she publicaly discussed her conscious uncoupling with Chris Martin. Whatever you may think of her, there is something to the idea of putting some planning and thought to your separation. Arriving at the decision to separate is hard, and it can be overwhelming to think about the changes coming your way. Planning will not make the experience painless but there are some steps you can take that can make this major life transition go more smoothly.

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