Divorce Explained with Steve Benmor & Leanne Townsend

Steve Benmor & Leanne Townsend
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Whether you’re just beginning to consider separation, trying mediation, or overwhelmed with divorce litigation, you likely have many questions. Divorce Explained has the answers. Each week, co-hosts Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend cover the many questions and concerns commonly associated with divorce and separation. You’ll learn about the latest developments in family law, legal strategies you can use to support your divorce case, advice on how to mitigate the impact of divorce on your family, and more. 

  1. 4d ago

    Why Would Taylor Swift Have a Prenup?

    What would happen if Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce walked into an Ontario family lawyer's office to draft a prenup? In this episode of the Divorce Explained Podcast, Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend use one of the world's most talked-about celebrity couples to explore how marriage contracts (commonly called prenups) work under Ontario law. They discuss asset protection, spousal support, privacy and confidentiality clauses, future wealth, intellectual property, and why a well-drafted agreement is about far more than planning for divorce. Whether you're getting married, moving in together, or simply curious about family law, this episode offers practical insights into why these conversations can strengthen a relationship and provide clarity for the future.

  2. Jul 6

    Coercive Control + Intimate Partner Violence: A Story of One Person

    In this episode, family lawyers Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor explore one of the most difficult realities in family law: allegations of coercive control and intimate partner violence involving respected professionals, community leaders, and other high-profile individuals. Following their discussion of the landmark Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, they respond to a listener's powerful question: How can someone seek justice when no one believes the abuse because the abuser has an impeccable public reputation? The conversation examines: • Why respected and successful individuals can still be abusive behind closed doors • The challenges survivors face when reporting coercive control and intimate partner violence • How power, wealth, and public image can influence family law proceedings • The role of evidence in cases that often become "one person's word against another" • Practical strategies for safely documenting abuse and building a case • Why speaking to a lawyer, therapist, or trusted professional is often the first step, not necessarily going public • How landmark cases like Ahluwalia are changing the legal landscape in Canada This discussion also touches on broader public examples that demonstrate how reputation and accountability can diverge, while emphasizing the importance of evidence, legal strategy, and informed decision-making. If you or someone you know is experiencing coercive control or intimate partner violence, remember that support is available. Every situation is unique, and obtaining professional legal and emotional support can help you understand your options. ⚠️ Disclaimer: This discussion is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. If you require legal advice, consult a family lawyer. If you found this conversation valuable, please Like, Subscribe, and Share to help raise awareness about coercive control and family law issues. #FamilyLaw #coercivecontrol  #IntimatePartnerViolence #DomesticAbuse #Divorce #OntarioFamilyLaw #SupremeCourtOfCanada #Ahluwalia #FamilyCourt #LegalEducation #SteveBenmor #LeanneTownsend

  3. Jun 24

    Perimenopause and Divorce: The Conversation We Need to Be Having

    In this episode of Divorce Explained, Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend tackle a topic that is rarely discussed but affects millions of families: the connection between perimenopause and divorce. Perimenopause is a natural stage of life that impacts nearly every woman, yet many couples enter this chapter with little understanding of the physical, emotional, and relational changes it can bring. From mood changes and insomnia to shifts in intimacy and communication, these symptoms can place significant strain on marriages when they are misunderstood or left unaddressed. Steve and Leanne explore why greater awareness, education, and support are needed—not only for women, but also for their partners, families, medical professionals, and even family lawyers. They discuss how a lack of understanding can lead couples to misinterpret symptoms as relationship problems, and how better communication and resources may help some couples navigate this transition without unnecessary conflict. If you're experiencing perimenopause, supporting someone who is, or simply want to better understand this important life stage, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

  4. Jun 18

    Unpacking Ahluwalia: What the Supreme Court of Canada's Decision Means for Family Law

    New Podcast Episode: Supreme Court of Canada Creates the New Tort of Intimate Partner Violence A landmark decision from the Supreme Court of Canada is set to change family law across the country. In this episode, Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend unpack the groundbreaking decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, where Canada's highest court officially recognized the new tort of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The decision acknowledges that coercive control, emotional abuse, isolation, and psychological domination can cause profound harm deserving of legal compensation, even when traditional tort claims may not fully capture the reality of the abuse. In this discussion, we explore: • What the Supreme Court decided and why it matters • The difference between family violence and the new tort of IPV • How coercive control is now recognized in Canadian law • What compensation may be available to survivors • The impact this decision will have on family law litigation and settlement negotiations • The practical challenges survivors may face in pursuing these claims • What lawyers, mediators, and separating spouses need to know moving forward Whether you are a family law professional, mediator, survivor, or someone interested in the evolution of Canadian law, this is an important conversation about one of the most significant family law decisions in recent years. Listen now and join the discussion. #FamilyLaw #SupremeCourtOfCanada #IntimatePartnerViolence #IPV #Ahluwalia #CanadianLaw #FamilyViolence #CoerciveControl #DivorceLaw #FamilyCourt #LegalPodcast #LawPodcast #FamilyLawyer #Mediation #AlternativeDisputeResolution

    Unpacking Ahluwalia: What the Supreme Court of Canada's Decision Means for Family Law

  5. Feb 3

    Divorce Explained: How to Avoid Common Financial Mistakes in Divorce Settlements

    Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your financial future. In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor are joined by financial advisor Brett Bernstein, CEO of XML Financial Group, to break down the most common (and costly) financial mistakes people make during divorce settlements. With over 20 years of experience, Brett explains why divorce should be treated like a business transaction, how emotions can drain your wealth faster than the market, and why the first offer is often the best offer. This conversation is a must-watch for anyone navigating divorce, supporting someone who is, or working professionally in the family law space.

  6. Jan 26

    Real Estate & Mortgage Pitfalls To Avoid During Divorce

    🏠 Divorce + the family home can be a financial minefield. In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Kelly Lise Murray, J.D., Harvard-educated attorney, legal scholar, and founder of DivorceThisHouse.com, to unpack the real estate and mortgage pitfalls divorcing spouses need to avoid. From confusing the deed vs. the mortgage, to the danger of “the twelfth of never” (no deadlines, no enforcement), Kelly Lise explains how people make permanent, costly mistakes with their homes during divorce, often without realizing it. 💡 Key takeaway: the house is one of the most emotionally charged and financially dangerous assets in a divorce. Whether you’re selling or one spouse wants to keep it, due diligence, deadlines, and the right professional team are essential. If you’re navigating divorce, or advising clients who are, this conversation is a must-listen.

  7. Jan 19

    Why Do Divorcing Spouses Spend So Much Money Fighting Over Money

    Why do divorcing spouses spend so much money fighting over money and is it really about the money? In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Patrick Kilbane, attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Director of the Divorce Advisory Group at Ullmann Wealth Partners. Patrick draws on his experience litigating complex, high-net-worth divorces and his transition into financial advisory work to explore the emotional, psychological, and financial forces that drive costly conflict. Together, we discuss why financial battles in divorce are often fueled by emotion rather than logic, how power, fear, and control show up in money disputes, and why choosing the right legal and financial professionals can make all the difference.  Patrick also shares insights from his book Move Forward Confidently, including how women can rebuild financial confidence, make informed decisions, and avoid spending 2x to recover X.

  8. 2025-10-05

    Marriage Annulment - Recent Case Law

    Annulments are rare—but what happens when a marriage isn’t consummated and the court is asked to undo it instead of granting a divorce? In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne and Steve speak with family lawyers Barry Nussbaum and Rebecca Ye—counsel for the applicant—to unpack Justice Presser’s January 2025 Ontario decision in S.M. v. R.F. (2025 ONSC 4155), where the court granted an annulment for non-consummation. We’ll cover: Annulment vs. divorce—what an annulment is (and isn’t)The legal test for non-consummation: incapacity vs. refusalCulture and religion—why the court focused on the legal test, not social stigmaEvidence that moved the needle: digital messages, medical checks, and a religious witnessPractical takeaways: costs, risks, and when pursuing annulment makes senseTune in for a clear, candid breakdown of a rare remedy—and what it reveals about how Ontario courts view marriage and annulment today.

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Whether you’re just beginning to consider separation, trying mediation, or overwhelmed with divorce litigation, you likely have many questions. Divorce Explained has the answers. Each week, co-hosts Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend cover the many questions and concerns commonly associated with divorce and separation. You’ll learn about the latest developments in family law, legal strategies you can use to support your divorce case, advice on how to mitigate the impact of divorce on your family, and more. 

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