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. Sep 5

    The Bank of Mom & Dad: Gift, Loan or Divorce Disaster?

    The “Bank of Mom and Dad” has helped countless young couples get into the housing market. But when that couple separates, a question that once seemed simple can become a major legal and financial fight: Was the money a gift or was it a loan? On Wednesday, September 2 at 6:00 p.m., we’re joined on Divorce Explained by Marc Weisman, Chair, Tax Counsel at Keslassy Freedman Gelfand LLP, for a conversation about family loans, what parents and grandparents should consider before advancing money, and what can happen to those funds when a relationship ends. We’ll also discuss the recent decision in Massaar v. Moneck and what it means for families helping their adult children financially. If you’re a family law professional, a parent thinking about helping a child buy a home, or someone whose family has already contributed to a home purchase, you’ll want to hear this conversation.

  2. Sep 1

    What to Look for When Reviewing or Challenging a Professional Valuation

    When do you actually need a professional valuation in a divorce and when might you be spending money unnecessarily? This week on Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Matt Springer, ASA (BV), ARM, ABV, to talk about professional valuations and the role they can play in separation and divorce. Valuations can become an important part of resolving financial issues, particularly where businesses, professional practices or other complex assets are involved. But they can also be expensive, difficult to understand and a source of disagreement between separating spouses. We’ll be asking Matt the practical questions we think both clients and family law professionals need answered: • Why are valuations done, and what different types of valuations are available? • When should someone obtain a valuation and when might one not be necessary? • What are some of the most common problems that arise in the valuation process, and can they be avoided? • What should you look for when reviewing a valuation report? • When is there a legitimate basis to question or challenge a valuation? • What does the process typically cost? If you’ve ever looked at a valuation report and wondered “How do I know if this number is actually right?”, this conversation is for you.

  3. Sep 1

    Can You Trust AI in Court?

    Artificial intelligence is transforming the practice of law but it also comes with significant professional responsibilities. Join us on this week’s episode of Divorce Explained as we discuss a recent Ontario case in which a lawyer was disciplined after AI-generated legal research included fictitious case law that was filed with the court, followed by a failure to be candid when the errors came to light. We’ll discuss: • Where AI fits into legal practice and where it doesn’t. • Why lawyers can never delegate their professional judgment to technology. • The duty to verify AI-generated legal research. • The ethical obligation of candour to the court. • What this decision means for family lawyers and the future use of AI in legal practice. Whether you’re a lawyer, mediator, arbitrator, law student, or simply interested in how AI is changing the justice system, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.

  4. Sep 1

    Back from Kelowna: What Every Family Lawyer Should Know

    In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne sits down with Steve to unpack his experience attending Canada's prestigious National Family Law Program in Kelowna a conference that brings together the country's leading family lawyers, judges, academics, and experts to discuss the biggest issues shaping the future of family law. Steve shares his key takeaways from four days of thought-provoking discussions, including the groundbreaking impact of the Ahluwalia decision on intimate partner violence (IPV) claims, emerging legal questions surrounding compensation and family property, and how Canada's family law landscape is evolving in response to changing societal expectations. The conversation also explores one of the profession's newest challenges: artificial intelligence. How will courts determine whether financial documents, tax returns, or text messages are authentic in an era of AI-generated evidence? What safeguards are on the horizon, and what does this mean for separating couples? The episode also dives into practical issues surrounding prenuptial agreements, postnuptial agreements, and standstill agreements, highlighting the real-world challenges couples and lawyers face when trying to protect assets before and after marriage. Finally, Steve explains why mediation-arbitration (Med-Arb) may become an increasingly valuable option for resolving complex and sensitive family law disputes particularly those involving allegations of intimate partner violence offering privacy, efficiency, and practical solutions that traditional litigation often cannot. Whether you're navigating separation, interested in the future of family law, or simply curious about the legal issues shaping divorce in Canada, this episode provides valuable insights from the country's leading family law minds.

  5. Jul 30

    Why Mediation Works and When it Absolutely Doesn't

    Is mediation the best path through divorce? And when is it simply not the right fit? In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne and Steve take an honest, unscripted look at one of the most effective and often misunderstood tools in family law. Drawing on their experience as family lawyers, with Steve also sharing his perspective as a mediator, they explore what mediation really is, how it works and why it can help separating couples reach practical and lasting solutions. Steve also opens up about his own experience as a mediation client during his divorce, sharing how a failed mediation shaped the way he now prepares and supports clients through the process. Together, they discuss: • What mediation is (and what it isn't) • The benefits of mediation compared to litigation • Why preparation and the right mindset are critical to success • The role of lawyers and mediators in reaching meaningful agreements • Common reasons mediation fails • Whether mediation is appropriate in high-conflict relationships and cases involving intimate partner violence • How mediation can preserve co-parenting relationships and reduce the emotional and financial costs of separation Whether you're considering mediation, currently navigating a separation or simply want to better understand your options, this episode offers practical insights into how the process works and how choosing the right approach can make all the difference. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation about resolving conflict with clarity, dignity and a focus on building a better path forward.

  6. Jul 15

    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.

  7. 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

  8. 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.

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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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