Coronavirus pandemic adds complexity to parental-access battles
A week after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic, Kevin Reid received a text from his ex-wife.
“Based on the pandemic that is happening right now, the kids will be staying home until further notice,” it read.
Under the terms of their divorce agreement, he is supposed to have the kids every other weekend and on Wednesday evenings. He hasn’t seen his children, an 11-year-old son and nine-year-old daughter, since receiving that text more than three weeks ago.
“I understand the seriousness of the situation. But at the same time, I … more »
LINDSAY, ONTARIO—Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers has started a new weekly program to help two groups struggling during the coronavirus pandemic: first responders and restaurant workers.
With its “Save a Slice” initiative, an effort to provide food for first responders, the Ontario family law firm is buying pizza from local eateries and sending it to health care professionals on the front lines of the response.
For its inaugural event today, April 4, the firm ordered 50 pizzas from Lindsay, Ontario Italian restaurant Pane Vino to be delivered to the emergency room of Ross Memorial, a local hospital, to feed … more »
In Smith v Sieger, an urgent motion was brought for relief that (if granted) would provide the immediate return of the parties child from the United States who was enrolled in an education program in Utah. The parties shared joint custody of the child and the urgent matter was brought to the court in light of the closure of the US/Canada border and Prime Minister Trudeau’s call for Canadians to return home.
The applicant states that the parties came to an arrangement recently that the child was to return to Canada subject to the applicant assuming sole decision making on … more »
Seasoned attorney Russell Alexander shares what he’s often asked at his practice
LINDSAY, ONTARIO—In his second book, noted Ontario family lawyer Russell Alexander has taken aim at the questions he faces most frequently by clients considering a divorce.
In “Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Divorce,” which hits shelves in early 2020, the Ontario divorce attorney gives a comprehensive overview of everything you need to know about divorce, from the basics of choosing a law firm to alternatives of going to court, to the legal process itself.
“Divorce law can be complicated and confusing,” said Alexander. “It’s especially hard … more »
BROOKLIN, ON, August 27, 2019 — Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers, a family law firm committed to providing customized family law solutions, is excited to announce their scholarship recipient for the 2019/2020 academic year. The recipient was selected based on a written essay, academic achievement, extracurricular participation, and community service.
After carefully reviewing all submissions, the Russell Alexander Law Firm Scholarship Fund was awarded to Lauren Kay of Mississauga, Ontario, as pictured above. She will receive $2,000 towards her post-secondary education. Lauren will be attending McMaster University this fall where she will be studying Humanities, Philosophy, and Law.
Carolyn Warner is an associate lawyer at Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Law Lawyers. She has practiced family law exclusively for over eight years since her call to the bar in 2011. She is committed to providing her clients with empathy and sound advice and prides herself on approaching all cases with an analytical and tenacious mind-set.
Carolyn graduated from York University in the top 5% of her graduating class, having earned a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Law & Society and Sociology. She attended the University of Windsor Law School where she earned an award for outstanding ability in
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The situation is further complicated by the self-represented litigant not knowing what they don’t know, says Russell Alexander, principle of Russell Alexander Collaborative Family Lawyers based in the Whitby area.
They might be able to share in an asset, like a pension or an investment. But if they don’t know that they have a right to that, the issue may not be raised and the opportunity is forfeited, he says.
“The basic tenet of any agreement in Ontario is you want proper disclosure so you can make an informed decision as to the compromises you make,” he … more »
Sarah returns to the intake team at Russell Alexander’s office after another term abroad working on her post secondary education. We’re happy to have you back, Sarah!