If you’re anything like me, you appreciate that the written word is a magical thing. From the youngest of ages, I recall being pleasure of being read to, subsequently growing into an avid reader myself. With a a bookseller for an uncle and voracious readers as parents, it was inevitable that I would come to raise the next generation with this same sentiment.

A photographed collection of children's book covers relating to separation and divorce. The table is entirely covered by these books.

A good book takes you in, offering security, fostering the imagination, providing a sense of connection. Today, in honour of Family Literacy Day, I have curated a list of the some of the (in my opinion) best children’s books about divorce that are currently available on the market. Read more »

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Understanding Best Interests of the Child
The Legal Definition

The Best Interests of the Child (BIC) is a primary factor by which living conditions and custody arrangements are determined in cases of familial breakdown. If you know someone who has experienced family law proceedings, it is likely that they will have heard the phrase a multitude of times prior to the stamping of a divorce decree.

While the phrase has made its way into colloquial terminology and is often mentioned loosely with regards to the creating of parenting plans, the actual definition of the term is lesser known.Read more »

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title: demystifying child custody, girl over picture of girl on a swing

As parents we live for our children, often setting aside personal needs and wants in order to provide them with an optimal upbringing. Ask a parent what their deepest desire for their children is and more often than not their answer will be simply for their children to have a healthy, happy life and an understanding that they are loved. In cases of marital or relationship breakdown, parents are inevitably faced with one of the most difficult experiences that parenthood may bring: navigating division of custodial rights and parenting time in planning for their children’s future. In order for parents to knowledgeably make these critical decisions for their children’s future, it is helpful to first understand the concepts behind them.

The Meaning of “Child Custody”

One of the greatest misconceptions when it comes to discussing child custody isRead more »

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Title Image, back to school after divorce, elementary school age, overlayed upon apple and schoolbooks

Change is in the air, floating in on the late summer breeze. Another year of school is upon us. You’ve been gathering supplies and getting back to routines – and if you and your spouse have recently been through a divorce, there are additional preparations that you’ll want to ensure are completed before the start of the new school year. Both emotionally and logistically there are a number of areas to which it’s important to give attention if your family structure has recently undergone such a major change as divorce.

School can often provide an oasis for children who have seen significant changes at home. The comfort of friends and consistent routines, coupled with academic and extracurricular engagements during the school day offer solace. By being proactive and taking the following steps, you canRead more »

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With summer around the corner and school about to let out, families everywhere are putting the finishing touches on summer travel plans. Whether headed for the beach, cross country to visit family or on a sightseeing trip, family travel is a time to build lasting memories and shared experiences. These trips are a time to write stories that families will fondly recall for years afterward.

Are you a newly single parent wondering how to get back into the travel game?

Travel plans can belong to single parents too, with just a little forethought and planning. I’ve jam packed this post with tips and tricks to make travelling solo as economical and frazzle free as possible!Read more »

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Title superimposed over confused cartoon man

Decades ago, getting divorced meant navigating a life event that was the exception from the norm. The divorcing individual was seen as traversing a unique path and breaking new ground. In contrast, today we are fortunate that when someone is going through the process there are others who have come before who have turned their experiences into resources for those who would come next. There are now social services, government supported resources, advocacy groups and educational initiatives dedicated to families in transition.

That said, each experience of divorce is unique and for most, the experience can feel akin to one who is walking into the darkness without a road-map or a light. The road is vast and intimidating. As with the fresh diagnosis of an illness, someone who is experiencing divorce is looking for answers, resources and information in an arena where they have no experience until they’re thrown head-first into crisis control.

Once a marriage has reached its functional end, there are questions that arise:

  • How does one initiate a divorce?
  • In what length of time will the divorce be finalized?
  • How will property be divided?
  • What is going to happen with the children?

Before plunging into the process, there are a number of recommended steps to take. Jot down all the concerns and questions you have. Clarify your starting point so that you can move forward strategically in your divorce. What questions do you need answered? What are your priorities? Mapping out your concerns will show you what information you need to find and from which various professionals you will need to seek expert opinions and advice.Read more »

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Boy standing alone looking out over water

“Where does your dad live?”

This is the question that greeted my son as he and I walked into a friend’s house a short while ago. The question was posed by a friend with whom he has grown up; a girl who knows our family well. Ours being a single parent home is a norm that has always been quietly present, an unspoken fact in the background of our get-togethers, quietly contrasting with this girl’s family dynamics. She was, for the first time, coming to the realization that our two families bear somewhat different structures and was curious enough to ask about the apparent discrepancy.

As children reach kindergarten age they begin to comprehend nuances of the world around themRead more »

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