BLOGS For Hearty Law

Conflict agreement for the custody of children in a divorce. Front view.

Child Custody Battles: How a Family Lawyer Can Help You Navigate the Process

By Peter Hearty

Few circumstances in life can compare to the emotional turmoil and distress of a child custody battle. These struggles not only tax you emotionally but also present a maze of legal complexities that can be difficult to tackle alone. At Hearty Law, we understand the immense pressure such battles place on parents. Our role, as…

Man Being Physically Abusive Towards Family, Sexual abuse , Stop Domestic Violence, Women

Domestic Violence and Family Law: Seeking Protection and Legal Remedies

By Peter Hearty

Domestic violence is a pervasive and harrowing issue, affecting individuals and families from all walks of life. It takes various forms, including emotional, physical, psychological, and financial abuse, and often involves intimate partner violence, child abuse, or elder abuse. For victims caught in the whirlwind of such distressing circumstances, finding the courage to break free…

An ex-spouse hiding assets can be difficult in a divorce proceeding

Ex-Spouse Hiding Income to Avoid Child Support and Spousal Support Payments

By Peter Hearty

During divorce proceedings, an ex-spouse may attempt to hide assets and income to avoid child support and spousal support payments. If you are in this situation, seek legal assistance.

The Cost of Divorce in Ontario

The Cost of Divorce in Ontario

By Peter Hearty

The cost of a divorce in Ontario is related to the reasonableness of each person. Parents who refuse to get along will pay astromical legal fees.

Mother and Father now in an argument and not speaking demonstrating some unreasonable behaviour that leads to divorce

Divorce is Expensive in Ontario Because of Unreasonable Parents

By Peter Hearty

Divorce can be expensive in Ontario, but only if parents act unreasonably. Trying to look at the situation from the eyes of the other parent may assist in resolving some conflict. This is another story of how two parents arguing over every little issue winds up spending over $100,000 on yet another trial.

Man and woman shaking hands and saving on divorce costs

Divorce Costs in Ontario Rise With Refusal to Negotiate

By Peter Hearty

The cost of divorce in Ontario rises dramatically when one person refuses to negotiate in good faith. This blog post looks at a recent decision from the Ontario Court of Appeal, which resulted in the mother paying the father $250,000 in legal fees.

It is difficult coming to an agreement to end Spousal Support Payments

How Do I Change Spousal Support Payments in Ontario

By Peter Hearty

Spousal support is often a contentious issue in a divorce. It can be very difficult to change a court order once it has been issued. If there has been a material change in circumstances since the order was made, altering spousal support may be possible. This means an involuntary event such as retirement. The most important thing to do is to have legal representation when the initial order is made.

A Lock Representing Enforcement - Order for Costs Enforced by the FRO

Order for Costs Enforced by the Family Responsibility Office

By Peter Hearty

Costs are typically awarded to a successful party in a divorce trial. In certain circumstances, these cost awards may be enforced by the Family Responsibility Office in Ontario.

Couple arguing on sofa and not speaking about Date When Property is Valued in Divorce

Date When Property is Valued in Divorce in Ontario

By Peter Hearty

A contentious divorce issue is often the date when property is valued in Ontario. This date is when the couple begins to live separately and apart with no realistic possibility of reconciliation. When there is a minor difference in the dates, there may be no impact on how the property is valued. Significant differences in…

Leaving an ex-spouse homeless is not how you want to start a divorce. Bad Faith and the High Cost of Divorce

Bad Faith and the High Cost of Divorce

By Peter Hearty

This is a story from a court decision released last week by the Ontario Court of Justice. This is a textbook example of what not to do as it demonstrates bad faith and the high cost of divorce. The father attempted to leave the mother homeless. It ended up costing far more than what would have been the likely outcome had the father been reasonable to start.