The Better Split

Sean Valentine

Separation is one of the hardest things you'll ever go through. It doesn't have to become a war. The Better Split is a plain-language podcast about separation and divorce in Ontario, hosted by family lawyer Sean Valentine of Osbourne Valentine LLP in Toronto. Each episode takes one real question people face when a relationship ends, from what to do in the first 30 days, to telling the kids, to dividing property, and works through it clearly and practically. Sean's practice focuses on collaborative law, mediation and negotiated settlements, so this show is about resolving things with less conflict, less cost and less harm to your children. Whether you're thinking about separating, in the middle of it, or supporting someone who is, you'll come away understanding your options a little better and feeling a little less alone. The Better Split provides general information only. It is not legal advice, and listening does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice about your situation, speak with a family lawyer. If you are in danger, call 911.

Episodes

  1. Oct 9

    Kids First

    The first question most separating parents ask is, "Are my kids going to be okay?" In most cases, the answer is yes. What matters most is how the adults handle it. In this episode, Sean covers what children actually need when their parents separate, how to tell them, and what goes into a parenting plan that works. He explains the language Canadian law now uses (decision-making responsibility and parenting time, rather than custody and access), how to keep kids out of the middle, and answers four questions parents ask him all the time, including whether equal time means no child support. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 1:38 What kids actually need 3:06 Telling the kids 5:33 How the law talks about parenting 7:44 Building a parenting plan that works 9:57 Keeping kids out of the middle 11:24 A real example 12:05 Four questions parents ask 13:50 Key takeaways Questions or topic ideas: sean@ovfamilylaw.com The Better Split is produced by Osbourne Valentine LLP for general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Family law depends on the specific facts of each situation and on the law in force at the time, and the law discussed in an episode may have changed since it was released. Listening to this podcast, or contacting us through it, does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until we have confirmed in writing that we can act for you. Stories shared on the show are composites; names and details are changed and combined so that no real person can be identified. If you are in danger, call 911 or a local crisis line.

  2. Oct 9

    The First 30 Days

    Some of the most important decisions in a separation get made in the first few weeks, often at midnight, at the kitchen counter, under stress. This episode is a practical guide to that first month. Sean covers seven things to do right away, from gathering your financial documents and noting your separation date to setting up a temporary plan for money and the kids. He also covers six things to avoid, like moving out or moving the children without advice, draining joint accounts, or posting about it online, plus how to get the most out of your first meeting with a lawyer. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 1:41 Why the first month matters so much 3:06 Seven things to do 7:50 Six things not to do 10:30 Getting the most out of your first consultation 11:59 What this looks like in real life 13:38 Key takeaways Questions or topic ideas: sean@ovfamilylaw.com The Better Split is produced by Osbourne Valentine LLP for general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Family law depends on the specific facts of each situation and on the law in force at the time, and the law discussed in an episode may have changed since it was released. Listening to this podcast, or contacting us through it, does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until we have confirmed in writing that we can act for you. Stories shared on the show are composites; names and details are changed and combined so that no real person can be identified. If you are in danger, call 911 or a local crisis line.

  3. Oct 9

    You Have More Options Than You Think

    When a relationship ends, most people assume it's either an amicable kitchen table conversation or a courtroom fight. In reality, there are at least six ways a separation can unfold in Ontario, and the road you choose shapes how much it costs, how long it takes, and what your kids experience along the way. In this first episode, family lawyer Sean Valentine walks through every option, from working it out yourselves, to mediation, collaborative practice, lawyer negotiation, arbitration and court. He explains what each one involves, when it works and when it doesn't, clears up three common myths, and shares four questions to help you choose the right path for your family. In this episode: 0:00 Introduction 2:22 What makes a split "better" 4:46 Six ways to separate, from the kitchen table to court 10:48 Three myths that steer people wrong 12:49 Four questions to help you choose 14:15 Same facts, different road: an example 15:42 Key takeaways Questions or topic ideas: sean@ovfamilylaw.com The Better Split is produced by Osbourne Valentine LLP for general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on as legal advice. Family law depends on the specific facts of each situation and on the law in force at the time, and the law discussed in an episode may have changed since it was released. Listening to this podcast, or contacting us through it, does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Please do not send confidential information until we have confirmed in writing that we can act for you. Stories shared on the show are composites; names and details are changed and combined so that no real person can be identified. If you are in danger, call 911 or a local crisis line.

  • 3 Episodes

About

Separation is one of the hardest things you'll ever go through. It doesn't have to become a war. The Better Split is a plain-language podcast about separation and divorce in Ontario, hosted by family lawyer Sean Valentine of Osbourne Valentine LLP in Toronto. Each episode takes one real question people face when a relationship ends, from what to do in the first 30 days, to telling the kids, to dividing property, and works through it clearly and practically. Sean's practice focuses on collaborative law, mediation and negotiated settlements, so this show is about resolving things with less conflict, less cost and less harm to your children. Whether you're thinking about separating, in the middle of it, or supporting someone who is, you'll come away understanding your options a little better and feeling a little less alone. The Better Split provides general information only. It is not legal advice, and listening does not create a lawyer-client relationship. For advice about your situation, speak with a family lawyer. If you are in danger, call 911.

Information

  • Creator
    Sean Valentine
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    3
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sean Valentine
  • Show Website
    The Better Split