Chapter 16: Family Law

In this section

• Fundamental Aspects of Family Law
  Discover the core principles and legal frameworks of Canadian Family Law, including federal and provincial legislation, the distinctions between marriage and common-law relationships, spousal support, and child custody. This comprehensive guide examines the protective measures in place to prioritize the best interests of the child and explores how financial planners can best serve clients navigating family law matters.
• Financial Issues in Family Law
  Explore the complexities of child support, spousal support, tax implications, imputed income, and more in a Canadian context—complete with practical examples, diagrams, budgeting tools, and official guidelines.
• Property Issues on Relationship Breakdown
  A detailed look at how Canadian family law deals with the division of property upon the breakdown of a relationship, including special treatment of the matrimonial home, exclusions, equalization, and the valuation of pensions.
• Domestic Contracts
  Explore critical aspects of domestic contracts in Canada, including cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, separation agreements, enforceability requirements, and their broader impact on financial and estate planning.
• Impact of Divorce on a Client’s Financial Plan
  Explore how divorce can fundamentally alter a client’s financial plan and learn practical strategies for reassessing net worth, cash flow, risk profiles, and estate considerations.