I am a partner with Brauti Thorning LLP and practice exclusively in the area of family law, with a particular focus on cases involving domestic violence and spousal abuse. Every month I send out a newsletter full of helpful tips, advice and insights that will help you navigate through family law challenges.
Leanne’s Divorcing Well podcast: One woman’s courageous and inspiring divorce story
Looking back on her abusive marriage, Catherine Wallis says she now sees there were red flags even in the early days. Her husband had outbursts of anger and would shut down emotionally when they argued. Between bouts of binge drinking, he was a good husband and father to their two children. But as his alcoholism progressed, the happy times were overshadowed by the dark days.
One evening, her husband viciously attacked her, repeatedly punching her until she escaped and called the police. For five years, she tried working on the marriage, but eventually found the courage to file for divorce.
In a powerful and poignant episode of my Divorcing Well podcast, Catherine shares her divorce story and her inspiring journey from loss of self-esteem to empowerment.
Remote or classroom education: when parents disagree
If you and your former spouse can’t agree on whether to send your children back to the classroom, you’re in good company. Many parents are having a tough time determining the best option for their children in the midst of a pandemic: online learning from home or the traditional classroom.
In my recent blog post, I explore the question of who gets to decide and what happens when co-parents can’t reach a consensus. I also look at how courts in other provinces have dealt with the issue and offer some advice for the best way to resolve these types of disputes.
Read more
Selling the matrimonial home: understanding your legal rights
Like most aspects of divorce, the sale of the matrimonial home can be a complex undertaking fraught with questions. For many couples, one of the biggest stumbling blocks can be determining the value of the home.
But what happens when one spouse wants to buy out the other? Do they have the legal right to do so?
In a recent Instagram Live with family law lawyer Steve Benmor, we explored the pros and cons of selling the matrimonial home, how price is determined and the unexpected problems that can arise for divorcing couples.
We also discuss what happened in a 2019 court case where a husband agreed to buy his wife out of her share of the home, but they couldn’t agree on the price.
Check out the replay of the IG Live here
Remote learning can work for you and your children
If your children will be remote learning this fall, WIRED magazine has prepared a cheat sheet to make it suck a bit less, for you and your kids.
First, it’s important for parents to recognize that in the middle of a global pandemic, your child’s online learning experience doesn’t have to be perfect, writes Adrienne So.
Routine can also be helpful, so creating a daily schedule that incorporates plenty of free time and physical activity, especially for younger children, will help them thrive.
Guidance for raising emotionally intelligent kids
Research shows that teaching kids emotional intelligence at a young age can be a strong predictor of their success in relationships, health and quality of life.
There are five core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy and social skills, writes psychologist Sandra Wartski.
In a column for CNBC, Wartski explains how to tell which ones your kids need to work on the most, and provides examples of how to help them improve.
Serving clients during COVID-19
As we navigate the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic,
the safety and well-being of clients is my top priority. Social distancing is vital right now to prevent the spread of the virus so I will continue to work with clients through virtual meetings. If you have any questions or concerns about your family law matter or would like to schedule a meeting, please reach out to me by email.
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Looking for more information on what to expect during a divorce, abusive relationships, love and money, life after divorce or other family law topics?
Check out the In the News and Blog sections of my website where there’s a wealth of great content to get you up to speed on everything you need to know.
Partner, Brauti Thorning LLP
Brookfield Place161 Bay Street,
Suite 2900,
Toronto, ON M5J 2S1
