Pets are a valued part of many people’s lives, and we often worry about what will happen to them after we die. If you have ever wondered how to make sure your cherished companion is cared for after you pass away, you are not alone. This is an issue in family law as well when couples have to … [Read more...]
BenchPress – Vol 41-3
Intolerable Delay, 5 Years: Case 1 Barrett Jordan was charged with a criminal offence in 2008 and his trial ended with his conviction in 2013. He alleged that his Charter right to trial within a reasonable time had been breached and the Supreme Court of Canada agreed. It set out a new standard … [Read more...]
Dealing with Pets after Separation, Part 2: Going to Court
In the first half of this article, I wrote about the laws on personal property that might apply when a couple can’t agree on how they’ll manage their pets after they separate. In this half, I’ll talk about the sorts of orders you can and can’t ask the court to make about pets, assuming you and your … [Read more...]
Dealing with Pets after Separation, Part 1: Understanding the Law on Personal Property
Family law is about how serious cohabiting relationships start and end, how children are cared for after separation, how the bills are paid after separation, and how the property and debts that accumulated during a relationship are split when it ends. Despite the folks who’d very much like to apply … [Read more...]
Including Pets in Protective Orders
There is a growing awareness of the importance of pets to their owners, and especially to victims of domestic violence who rely on them for comfort and security at a time when they are most needed. Perpetrators of violence know this too – which is why they often threaten, harm, or even kill the pets … [Read more...]
Renting with a Pet
After a long day at work, you might think it would be nice to be greeted at the door by a wagging tail and enthusiastic licks from a stalwart companion. Or to look up as you’re leaving for the day and see your feline friend watching you leave from the window. Before choosing to get a pet, however, … [Read more...]
Home Sweet Home…or is it?
Imagine you have just finished building your dream home, complete with swimming pool and hot-tub. You and your family, including the family dog, have just moved in. You decide to have a house warming party and invite over several dozen of your closest friends. Sounds like fun, right? Wrong! While it … [Read more...]
