Ontario Family Law Podcast

John P. Schuman, C.S.
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The award-winning Ontario Family Law Podcast is hosted by Certified Specialist in Family Law, Ontario family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and collaborative lawyer, John Schuman. John is also the author of the Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. In an easy-to-understand manner, the podcast discusses all family law matters, from marriage, to separation and divorce, and child welfare issues. He also covers the legal topics relevant to students in school. The last season is also available in video format.

  1. Oct 10

    Will Canadian Courts Order Money to Compensate for Parental Alienation?

    Parental alienation, family violence, and money in divorce.  Those are three of the most controversial topics in Family Law.  This episode of the Family Law Podcast addresses and Issue that covers all of them:   Can an alienated parent seek financial compensation from the alienating parent for the loss of the relationship with a child? In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court of Canada gave direction and created new options for family court judges dealing with intimate partner violence.  That is an ongoing important issue in Family Law and one on which the 2021 Amendments to the Divorce Act and other family law made even more important.  Many professionals who have studied parental alienation, or who offer treatment programs for it, say that parental alienation is a form a family violence and child abuse.  And they say it is not just a mild form of violence, but the worst form: coercive controlling violence. In Ahluwalia v Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court gave direction about which way it thinks Canadian Courts should go when addressing coercive controlling violence.  It included actions related to parental alienation in the decision.   The Court also went on to say when financial remedies may be appropriate.  In this episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast, Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, explains why money may be available for alienated parents. If you found this episode helpful or interesting, check out these other episodes: 103. Eight Ways to Lose a Parenting (Child Custody) Case 101.  ⁠What Happens At Parental Alienation Treatment Programs According to Courtroom Testimony⁠ 100. ⁠⁠Why Hearing from Kids in Divorce is Important and DANGEROUS!⁠⁠  78. ⁠⁠⁠The Rights of Grandparents and other family Members to See Kids⁠⁠⁠  75. ⁠⁠⁠When Can You Legally Stop Your Ex From Seeing the Kids?⁠⁠⁠  61. ⁠⁠⁠Can You Move With the Kids After Separation or Divorce?⁠⁠⁠  59. ⁠⁠⁠Why You Won’t Get Custody of Your Kids⁠⁠ The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. The latest edition, which is up-to-date on all important divorce issues is now available. Get it as a $⁠⁠9.99 Kindle eBook⁠⁠ , or as an ⁠⁠Apple Book for your iPad or iPhone ⁠⁠. Also, you can get it as a ⁠⁠paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠⁠ or at better bookstores. TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: www.schumanlaw.ca email: john@schumanlaw.ca phone: 647-342-6775

    Will Canadian Courts Order Money to Compensate for Parental Alienation?

  2. Oct 2

    Should You Get Private School Tuition Insurance?

    So, you have signed a private school contract for the year. The tuition is due, you have bought the uniform, and everyone is excited for your child to start at his or her new school. Then life happens: a serious illness, a job transfer, a family move, or another unexpected event means your child has to withdraw from that private school mid-year.   Or, as covered in episode 38, the school decides that  it does not want your son or daughter there anymore.  The school may still expect the full tuition.  In this episode of the Family Law Podcast, Education Lawyer, John Schuman answers questions about tuition insurance. Is it a smart safeguard—or just one more fee? Will you ever get money back from such a policy? What questions should you get answered when deciding to buy such insurance?  If you found this episode helpful, you may also like these episodes: 69. What Can Students Be Expelled for in Ontario? 65. How to Get Help for Your Child’s Special Needs in Ontario Public Schools 39. What Ontario Public Schools Must Do About Bullying 38. Ontario Private Schools, Standards and Education Law For more on Private Schools and Education Law, check out this page. For mote on Education Law, check out this page.   And, of course, if you need more information, or advice that is specific to your situation, contact us to set up consultation. Call 647-342-6775 or use this booking form.

    Should You Get Private School Tuition Insurance?

  3. Jun 16

    Getting an AT FAULT Divorce

    Across Canada, the United States and may other countries, the concept of no-fault divorce proliferated with almost judges almost always granting divorce without assigning fault to a spouse. There is a lot of anger about that approach - just check out the comments on previous episodes! Often when one spouse misbehaves during the marriage, especially through adultery or violence, the other spouse objects to that "bad" spouse getting half, or being allowed to parent the kids. However, the law has changes to recognize that many marriages end because the spouses have grown apart and so nobody is to blame. Still, in Canada, it is possible to get a fault-based divorce if you really want to and a recent court decision may make that a more attractive option. In this episode of the (award winning) Ontario Family Law Podcast, Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, will explains when you can get a fault-based divorce, and why you might want to consider it. This is the second in a three part series that looks how the Ahluwalia decision will affect divorces, parenting/child custody cases and other aspects of Family Law. If you found this episode helpful, you may also like these episodes: 113. Getting Damages Payments for Abuse in a Relationship105. The Surprising Ways Adultery Does and Does Not Affect Family Court Cases99. When Can You Throw Out Your Ex?72. Why a Judge Might Refuse to Grant Your Divorce51. Who Pays the Costs of an Ontario Divorce?These episodes explain the Ontario Family Court process:112. What To Expect At Each Type of Family Court Appearance14. Ontario Family Court Step by Step – Part 1: Starting and Responding to Family Court Proceedings 15. Ontario Family Court Step by Step – Part 2: From First Appearance to the last court appearance before trial 16. Ontario Family Court Step by Step 3 – The Trial in Family Court The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a ⁠⁠⁠$8.99 Kindle eBook ⁠⁠⁠, or as an ⁠⁠⁠AppleBook for your iPad or iPhone ⁠⁠⁠. You can also get it as a⁠⁠⁠ paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or at better bookstores.   TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: ⁠⁠⁠www.schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠⁠ email: ⁠⁠⁠john@schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠⁠ phone: 647-342-6775

    Getting an AT FAULT Divorce

  4. May 24

    Getting Damages Payments for Abuse in a Relationship

    There has been a significant advancement in Canadian Family Law when it comes to intimate partner violence. In very specific situations, one spouse can sue the other spouse and receive a damages payment. Court cases can recognize what survivors have experienced a pattern of isolation, financial control, humiliation, intimidation, surveillance — a slow tightening that changes what someone can safely say, do, or even imagine.In Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, the Supreme Court of Canada took that pattern seriously — and recognized a new civil wrong, a new “tort,” called intimate partner violence. In this episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast, Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, breaks down what happened in the case, what the Courts decided, what a victim must prove to get a damages payment, what this case could change for survivors seeking accountability and how the decision in Ahluwalia will not affect many family law cases. This is the first in a three part series that looks how the Ahluwalia decision will affect divorces, parenting/child custody cases and other aspects of Family Law. If you found this episode helpful, you may also like these episodes: 112. What To Expect At Each Type of Family Court Appearance106. Five Things You Should NEVER Do in Family Court103. 8 Ways to Lose a Parenting (Child Custody) Case79. What Am I Legally Required To Do First After Separating?77. What Happens if You Breach a Family Court Order36. Is Family Court Biased?27. Domestic Violence – The Critical Information to Get Help and Protection The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a ⁠⁠⁠$8.99 Kindle eBook ⁠⁠⁠, or as an ⁠⁠⁠AppleBook for your iPad or iPhone ⁠⁠⁠. You can also get it as a⁠⁠⁠ paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠⁠⁠ or at better bookstores.   TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: ⁠⁠⁠www.schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠⁠ email: ⁠⁠⁠john@schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠⁠ phone: 647-342-6775

    Getting Damages Payments for Abuse in a Relationship

  5. Feb 20

    What to Expect at Each Type of Family Court Appearance

    If you are in Family Court, or planning to go to family court for your divorce or parenting case, do you know what to expect at the next court appearance? Do you know what the judge can do at the next court appearance? Do you understand that there are different types of court appearances?Do you know that there are different things that judges can do depending on what type of court appearance is scheduled for your matter? Even though you, your lawyer, your ex, and your ex is lawyer may all be in a courtroom together, with a judge, the type of court appearance can have a huge impact on what happens. It is very important that you understand the different types of court appearances so that you and your lawyer can make the most of them and you know what to expect. In this episode of the (award winning) ⁠⁠Ontario Family Law Podcast⁠⁠, your host, Certified Specialist in Family Law,  ⁠⁠John Schuman⁠, explains the different types of court appearances in the Ontario Family Courts. He also explains what happens at each and what can happen at the end.If you want a more detailed explanation of what happens at your first time in Family Court, check out this episode: ⁠94 – What Happens at Your First Day in Ontario Family Court⁠ If you want to hear more about each step of the family court process check out these episodes: 14. ⁠Ontario Family Court Step by Step – Part 1: Starting and Responding to Family Court Proceedings⁠ 15. ⁠Ontario Family Court Step by Step – Part 2: From First Appearance to the last court appearance before trial ⁠ 16. ⁠Ontario Family Court Step by Step 3 – The Trial in Family Court⁠ To figure out if you should even go to court, check out this episode: ⁠60. Should You Take Your Ex to Family Court?⁠ The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a ⁠⁠$8.99 Kindle eBook ⁠⁠, or as an ⁠⁠AppleBook for your iPad or iPhone ⁠⁠. You can also get it as a⁠⁠ paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠⁠ or at better bookstores.   TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: ⁠⁠www.schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠ email: ⁠⁠john@schumanlaw.ca⁠⁠ phone: 647-342-6775

    What to Expect at Each Type of Family Court Appearance

  6. Jan 25

    What To Do When Your Ex Lies in Family Court

    One of the most challenging situations people face in family court, is hearing their exes lie. Your ex may lie about the children or parenting matters to get custody of the children - even going so far as to make false abuse allegations. Lying in court can be tied to concerns about parental alienation. Money is a big motivation for people to exaggerate, if not outright lie about their finances. To get more child support or spousal support, one spouse may make up stories about the other's finances in the hope of convincing a judge that his or her ex has more money.Is it perjury? Do judges even care? In this edition of the  ⁠Ontario Family Law Podcast⁠, your host, Certified Specialist in Family Law,  ⁠John Schuman, goes over how judges perceive and respond to parties lying in Family Court. He also explains some strategies about when and when not to make an issue of those lies, and how to get the biggest benefit when you do. Check out the video version of this episode on YouTube. If you found this episode helpful, you may also like these episodes: 108. What To Do When a Family Court Judge Makes a Mistake 106. ⁠5 Things You Should NEVER Do in Family Court⁠ 103.  ⁠8 Ways to Lose a Parenting (Child Custody) Case.   90.   ⁠5 More Costly Misconceptions About Family Law⁠   85. ⁠4 Things That Everyone Gets Wrong about Divorce Law 83. ⁠  10 Family Law Strategies That Fail 75. ⁠⁠When Can You Legally Stop Your Ex From Seeing the Kids?⁠ 59. ⁠⁠Why You Won't Get Custody of Your Kids The Ontario Family Law Podcast is acompanion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a ⁠$8.99 Kindle eBook ⁠, or as an ⁠AppleBook for your iPad or iPhone ⁠. You can also get it as a⁠ paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠ or at better bookstores.   TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: ⁠www.schumanlaw.ca⁠ email: ⁠john@schumanlaw.ca⁠ phone: 647-342-6775

    What To Do When Your Ex Lies in Family Court

  7. Jan 5

    How To Choose A Good Divorce Lawyer

    Divorce is never easy. But finding the right lawyer to guide you through the process can make a significant difference. This podcast has stressed the importance of speaking to a GOOD family law lawyer to give you help that is specific your situation. The lawyer you choose can make a significant difference both in how stressful and difficult the situation is for you, and how things turn out. Saving some money on legal fees may cost you much more money in the end. There is a lot of turmoil around separation. You may be getting a lot of advice, some of it bad, from people around you. So how do you know if you have a good family law lawyer? In this episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast, Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, will tell you what you need to know when choosing a divorce lawyer, and the answers may surprise you. A video version of this episode is available on YouTube. If you found this episode helpful, check out these episodes on similar topics: 103.  8 Ways to Lose a Parenting (Child Custody) Case.   93.  How to Lose Your Assets in Divorce or Separation  90.   5 More Costly Misconceptions About Family Law   85.   4 Things Everyone Gets Wrong About Divorce Law 83.   10 Family Law Strategies That Fail 60.    Should You Take Your Ex to Family Court?   53.    How to Pay Less Child Support   40.    How to Keep Your Money in Separation and Divorce  The Ontario Family Law Podcast is a companion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a $8.99 Kindle eBook or as an Apple Book for your iPad or iPhone . You can also get it as a paperback or hard cover from Amazon or at better bookstores. TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: www.schumanlaw.ca email: john@schumanlaw.ca phone: 647-342-6775

    How To Choose A Good Divorce Lawyer

  8. 09/12/2025

    Is There a Time Limit to Get a Divorce?

    Many former spouses have been separated for a while, but have not have gotten around to getting divorced. For some people that’s an intentional decision – they do not want to be divorced, or they do not want to accept that their marriage is over. For others, it is just procrastination. But is there a deadline for getting that divorce, or dealing with the other legal issues around separation? This episode of the Ontario Family Law Podcast dives into a crucial topic that affects millions of people every year—deadlines for getting divorced. Anyone who is thinking about filing, already in the process, or just curious about how long it all takes, should watch this episode as Certified Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, unravels the legal timelines, waiting periods, and practical tips for navigating the divorce process. Listen to this episode right to the end to make sure you do not miss any important points. A video version of this episode is available on Youtube. If you found this episode helpful, check out these episodes on similar topics: 99. When Can You Throw Out Your Ex?98. 7 Big Costly Child Support Mistakes95. How to Pick The Country For Your Divorce91. Should One Spouse Leave the House on Separation?88. Can You Be Legally Separated and Not Know It?79. What Am I Legally Required To Do First After Separating?72. Why a Judge Might Refuse to Grant Your Divorce67. How Long Does It Takes to Get Divorced in Ontario?60. Should You Take Your Ex to Family Court?30. Spousal Support (Alimony) Entitlement 3. Divorce – What does it mean? How do I get one? The Ontario Family Law Podcast is acompanion to the book, Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. Get it as a ⁠$8.99 Kindle eBook ⁠, or as an ⁠AppleBook for your iPad or iPhone ⁠. You can also get it as a⁠ paperback or hard cover from Amazon⁠ or at better bookstores.   TO CONTACT JOHN SCHUMAN: website: ⁠www.schumanlaw.ca⁠ email: ⁠john@schumanlaw.ca⁠ phone: 647-342-6775

    Is There a Time Limit to Get a Divorce?
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About

The award-winning Ontario Family Law Podcast is hosted by Certified Specialist in Family Law, Ontario family lawyer, mediator, arbitrator and collaborative lawyer, John Schuman. John is also the author of the Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law. In an easy-to-understand manner, the podcast discusses all family law matters, from marriage, to separation and divorce, and child welfare issues. He also covers the legal topics relevant to students in school. The last season is also available in video format.

Information

  • Creator
    John P. Schuman, C.S.
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © John P. Schuman, C.S.

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