Nova Scotia Family Law Court Orders Aren’t Set in Stone

/ Highlander Law Group/
Nova Scotia Family Law Court Orders Aren’t Set in Stone

So you’ve been to Family Court Nova Scotia, negotiated a settlement, or received a judgment, and you are now have a Court Order setting out terms like parenting time, and child or spousal support. Hopefully that’s the end of it and you can carry on with your life. Unfortunately, life can change in ways your Court Order can’t predict. Maybe you or your children’s other parent has an amazing career opportunity in Australia. This would be great but your Court Order says you have 50/50 parenting time with the kids and they started high school in Halifax. If you have a good relationship with your ex you can probably work things out without involving lawyers or the courts. If not, well that’s what Variation Applications are for.

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Changes to the Eligible Dependent Tax Credit with Shared Custody in Nova Scotia.

/ Highlander Law Group/
Changes to the Eligible Dependent Tax Credit with Shared Custody in Nova Scotia.

In shared custody arrangements child support is often calculated using the simple set off approach. This is a straight forward way of calculating child support and involves the following:

·         Parent A’s income corresponds with a child support payment of $500.

·         Parent B’s income corresponds with a child support payment of $100.

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Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Nova Scotia?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Do I Have to Go to Court to Get a Divorce in Nova Scotia?

The good news is that in some cases, you can get divorced in Nova Scotia without ever setting foot in a court house. As long as you have an agreement on the terms of your divorce you can get a “paperwork-only divorce.” And it is not as expensive as you may think.

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Consequences of Not Getting Legally Divorced in Nova Scotia.

/ Highlander Law Group/
Consequences of Not Getting Legally Divorced in Nova Scotia.

Many people who have been through a separation in Nova Scotia decide they will never get married again, so they think why bother getting divorced. While remarriage is one of the main reasons that long-term separated couples are motivated to get a divorce, there are some other important reasons you should consider.

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Who Keeps the Engagement Ring If You Split up Before Marriage in Nova Scotia?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Who Keeps the Engagement Ring If You Split up Before Marriage in Nova Scotia?

Not all relationships are meant to last. If a relationship is going to end, it is better for it to end before marriage than after. In cases where a couple is engaged and the wedding is called off, a practical concern can arise, what happens to the ring?

 

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Wondering If You Can Legally Separate in Nova Scotia Without a Messy Court Battle? Consider Collaborative Family Law

/ Highlander Law Group/
Wondering If You Can Legally Separate in Nova Scotia Without a Messy Court Battle? Consider Collaborative Family Law

It is perhaps a bit obvious to say that divorces can be messy and that many families struggle to pick up the pieces after a nasty separation. But it doesn’t have to be that way.

When people use court to resolve their disputes they are relying on a stranger, the judge to make major decisions about their life. In a family law context this means a judge can decide when and where you will see your children, how much money flows to or from your spouse, where you can live and even what happens to your house.

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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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Is it Time to Change your Court Order or Separation Agreement?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Is it Time to Change your Court Order or Separation Agreement?

Every year after Christmas, Wal-Mart puts tupperware and storage bins up at the front of the store because they are big sellers. January is a natural time to take stock your life. It’s time to pack away the old things you no longer need so you can focus on the important things in front of you. It’s time to put those lights and decorations away for next year and to put that ugly sweater your cousin gave you in the “re-gift” pile.

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Should I Adopt my Step Child?

/ Highlander Law Group/
Should I Adopt my Step Child?

Non-traditional or “blended” families are becoming more and more common in Canadian society. One aspect of this movement is step-child adoption. Before deciding to adopt, it is a good idea to consider meeting with a therapist or a counsellor. In the rush of happiness about your new family it may appear there is no downside to adoption, but this is a big step to take with permanent effects. A counsellor can help you decide if adoption is right for you and the child.

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