<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Willing Law]]></title><description><![CDATA[Willing Law]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Sat, 18 Apr 2026 01:00:37 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.willinglaw.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[What Is a Spousal Trust and When Should You Use One?]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: A spousal trust is an estate planning tool that allows one spouse to financially support their surviving spouse while maintaining control over how assets are ultimately distributed. Instead of leaving assets directly to a spouse, they are placed in a trust and managed for the spouse’s benefit during their lifetime. After the spouse passes away, the remaining assets go to beneficiaries chosen by the person who created the trust. Spousal trusts are often used in...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/what-is-a-spousal-trust-and-when-should-you-use-one</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c546e85ed83abd8bbbf86e</guid><pubDate>Fri, 20 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_d1e0beaf24694e94be384ecd295ef788~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Status Certificate Review: What Condo Buyers Must Know]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: When purchasing a condominium, buyers are not only acquiring a unit—they are also becoming part of a condominium corporation. A status certificate provides essential information about the financial health, legal status, and rules governing the building. Reviewing this document helps buyers identify potential risks such as special assessments, litigation, or restrictive bylaws. Having a lawyer review the status certificate ensures buyers fully understand the...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/status-certificate-review-what-condo-buyers-must-know</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c599345ed83abd8bbca6da</guid><pubDate>Wed, 18 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_4619479103b446738eff010ad6fbf783~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How Is Child Support Calculated in Ontario?]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: When parents separate or divorce, one of the first financial questions that arises is how child support will be calculated. In Ontario, child support is determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which create a consistent and fair approach. Here’s a simple overview of how it works. The Paying Parent’s Income Child support calculations start with the paying parent’s gross annual income, usually taken from their most recent tax return. However, courts may...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/how-is-child-support-calculated-in-ontario</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c59cf3d2e55f64fe0b3200</guid><pubDate>Mon, 16 Mar 2026 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_e4e2e3af12984b7aadceff85a6a93ed0~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Accommodation or Tactic? The Court’s Message in Parker v. King]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: In Parker v. King , 2025 ONSC 6813, the court shut down an unsupported accommodation claim, reinforcing that credibility and conduct matter in family law litigation. Parker v. King  a case that drew attention — and a bit of disbelief — the Ontario Superior Court recently addressed an unusual family court dispute involving whether a litigant could bring his albino ball python, named Rico , into courtroom proceedings as a “service animal.” During a family law case...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/accommodation-or-tactic-the-court-s-message-in-parker-v-king</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c5a51c60f0b8e1134e9156</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_c335a947fca74f078ceeaf9325cdf93f~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[You Don’t Have to Move Out to Move On: Divorce While Living Under One Roof]]></title><description><![CDATA[Many spouses believe they must move out of the matrimonial home to be considered legally separated—but Ontario law says otherwise. The most common ground for divorce is one year of living “separate and apart,” which can occur even while both spouses remain in the same home. This article explains the three legal grounds for divorce in Ontario, why separation is the most frequently relied upon, and how courts assess whether spouses are truly living separate lives under one roof. Understanding thes]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/you-don-t-have-to-move-out-to-move-on-divorce-while-living-under-one-roof</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c4149b043183ace6e058d3</guid><pubDate>Tue, 23 Dec 2025 18:07:23 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_59415374f7624a3b9625cbbf9b3f4422~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[How to Prepare for a Divorce and Family Law Case]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Preparing for a family law case involves more than showing up to court. Being organized with your finances, understanding your child’s care needs, and approaching decision-making with your child’s best interests in mind can make a meaningful difference. Early preparation helps reduce stress, manage legal costs, and position your matter for a more efficient and informed resolution. Separation and divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re facing legal...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/how-to-prepare-for-a-divorce-and-family-law-case</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c59bd91f04cf599d622d9d</guid><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_0fa85a4cca534d2c9cfbfd4958d6157b~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Hidden Risks of Same Day Closings]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Buying and selling a home on the same day can seem efficient, but it carries real risk if not structured properly. As the spring market approaches, homeowners planning a same-day closing need to understand how timing, financing, insurance, and coordination can impact their transaction. This post outlines what to do — and what not to do — to avoid costly mistakes and ensure a smooth closing. As we enter the holiday season, many homeowners are quietly planning their...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/the-hidden-risks-of-same-day-closings</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c5851560f0b8e1134e4df8</guid><pubDate>Sun, 14 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_a3538d1a0326407f857a45aa6578c39a~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Can Text Messages Be Used in Family Court?]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: In today’s world, most co-parenting communication happens through text messages, WhatsApp, or social media DMs. When conflict arises, one of the first questions clients ask is: “Can my text messages be used in family court?” The short answer: Yes — absolutely. But there’s more you should know about how courts treat digital communication and how it can help (or hurt) your case. Are Text Messages Admissible Evidence? Yes. In Ontario, text messages can be submitted as...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/can-text-messages-be-used-in-family-court</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c59d911f04cf599d6230e2</guid><pubDate>Wed, 10 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_27eb01d7ef76447a9579094e46278f10~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When to Bring a Motion to Change a Court Order in Ontario]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: A Motion to Change is needed when your current family court order no longer fits your circumstances. This applies only if there has been a material change—a significant, unexpected shift such as a change in income, parenting time, the child’s needs, or safety concerns. Evidence is required, and acting quickly can prevent financial or parenting complications. Willing Law can assess your situation and guide you through updating your order. Family circumstances rarely...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/when-to-bring-a-motion-to-change-a-court-order-in-ontario</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c630a660f0b8e1134fbe74</guid><pubDate>Wed, 03 Dec 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_331da5f5c228495fa2d7135864c75be5~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Business Owners — Including Realtors With PRECs — Should Have a Secondary Will in Ontario]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: In Ontario, business owners and professionals who hold shares in a privately held Canadian corporation—including realtors operating through a Personal Real Estate Corporation (PREC)—can significantly reduce probate fees and streamline estate administration by using a Secondary Will. If you own shares in a privately held corporation, a Secondary Will is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your business and your family. Contact Willing Law today. If you own a...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/why-business-owners-including-realtors-with-precs-should-have-a-secondary-will-in-ontario</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c631add2e55f64fe0c70ef</guid><pubDate>Fri, 28 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_6cd83cc0320748988d46e37921871b57~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The Difference Between a Status Certificate and a Home Inspection]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Before buying a home or condo in Ontario, it’s essential to understand the difference between a Status Certificate and a Home Inspection. A Status Certificate reveals the financial and legal health  of a condo corporation, while a Home Inspection assesses the physical condition  of the property. Together, they help protect your investment and ensure a smooth closing. For professional Status Certificate reviews and real estate legal advice, contact Willing Law, your...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/the-difference-between-a-status-certificate-and-a-home-inspection</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c63231d2e55f64fe0c721b</guid><pubDate>Wed, 05 Nov 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_daabd36b7aa342ea85b346a13b84f1f2~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Updating Your Will After Marriage, Divorce, or Children]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Life moves fast — and your Will needs to keep up. Whether you’ve just said “I do,” gone through a separation, or welcomed a new child, these milestones can change how your estate is handled in ways many people don’t realize. With Ontario’s new rules around marriage and Wills, keeping your estate plan current is more important than ever. Here’s what you need to know about updating your Will after marriage, divorce, or children — and why a quick review now can save...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/updating-your-will-after-marriage-divorce-or-children</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c634a4653657f03d61c6ed</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/nsplsh_776b665a797465544d4f41~mv2_d_5184_2912_s_4_2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating Christmas Holiday Schedules in Family Law]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: The holidays can be stressful for separated parents, especially when disagreements arise over parenting time. Court intervention may become necessary when one parent refuses to follow an existing order, there’s no clear agreement in place, or a child’s safety is at risk. In these cases, the court can issue or enforce orders to protect the child’s best interests and ensure a fair, structured holiday schedule. While court should be a last resort, early legal advice...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/navigating-christmas-holiday-schedules-in-family-law</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c6336560f0b8e1134fc484</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_03c19706104e425abe8276a7378dddce~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding Equalization and Net Family Property in Ontario: How to Prepare Yourself During a Divorce]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Divorce is not only an emotional process — it’s also a financial one. In Ontario, when a marriage ends, the law aims to ensure that both spouses leave the relationship on equal financial footing. This process is called equalization , and it’s based on each spouse’s Net Family Property (NFP) . At Willing Law , we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Here’s what you need to know to prepare and protect your financial interests. What Is Equalization?...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/understanding-equalization-and-net-family-property-in-ontario-how-to-prepare-yourself-during-a-divo</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c635bfd2e55f64fe0c7981</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_d80fef774e2a4baabbf6627664a0c80b~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why You Need a Will — Even If You’re Under 40]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Many people believe wills are only necessary later in life, but that’s far from true. If you’re under 40, having a will ensures your assets are protected, your loved ones are cared for, and your wishes are respected — no matter what happens. From naming guardians to simplifying the legal process, a will is an essential part of responsible adulting. Many people think wills are only for the elderly or the wealthy. In reality, a will is one of the most important legal...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/why-you-need-a-will-even-if-you-re-under-40</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c634f9a937958fa7dbf12e</guid><pubDate>Sun, 26 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_0bde2cf8ddbf45bc844ddff6cb5e0a00~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Per Stirpes vs. Per Capita: Understanding Estate Distribution in Plain Language]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Learn the difference between per stirpes  and per capita  estate distribution in your will. Willing Law explains these common estate planning terms in plain language so you can make informed decisions about your legacy. What Do “Per Stirpes” and “Per Capita” Mean in a Will? When planning your estate, you’ll often come across legal terms like per stirpes  and per capita.  These Latin phrases determine how your assets are divided among your beneficiaries—and...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/per-stirpes-vs-per-capita-understanding-estate-distribution-in-plain-language</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c636bea937958fa7dbf4cc</guid><pubDate>Mon, 13 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_6cd83cc0320748988d46e37921871b57~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The 4 Biggest Legal Pitfalls in Private Real Estate Deals — and How to Fix Them]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Buying or selling property privately — without a realtor — can seem like a great way to save money. But while you might skip the commission, you shouldn’t skip legal protection. At Willing Law, we regularly assist clients who entered private deals that later became expensive, stressful, or legally complicated. Here are the four biggest legal pitfalls in private real estate transactions  — and how to fix them before they cost you. 1. Poorly Drafted or Incomplete...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/the-4-biggest-legal-pitfalls-in-private-real-estate-deals-and-how-to-fix-them</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c63876d2e55f64fe0c7fcc</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_294375dd48ef4999a8239d124b56024a~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[The “First Family, First” Principle in Ontario: What It Means for Child Support]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: When life changes and new relationships form, financial responsibilities often become more complicated — especially when a parent has children from different relationships. One common question is how child support is divided or prioritized between families. In Ontario, courts rely on a key concept to guide these decisions: the “First Family, First” principle. What Is the “First Family, First” Principle? The “First Family, First” principle  is a foundational concept...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/the-first-family-first-principle-in-ontario-what-it-means-for-child-support</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c63f38d2e55f64fe0c8e4a</guid><pubDate>Sun, 05 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_9efcdebc48944e4886d9f985aa8e49d0~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Understanding the Family Law Court Process in Ontario: A Step-By-Step Guide]]></title><description><![CDATA[The family law court process can feel complicated, especially during an already emotional time. Understanding each step — from filing an application to attending conferences, negotiating settlement, or preparing for trial — can make the journey far less overwhelming.]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/understanding-the-family-law-court-process-in-ontario-a-step-by-step-guide</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c57b9860f0b8e1134e3ad1</guid><pubDate>Thu, 12 Jun 2025 04:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_456320d9b37d4016a343f3ca9b7c5edb~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Navigating the Divorce Process in Ontario]]></title><description><![CDATA[By: Amanda Willing Summary: Ending a marriage is never easy, but understanding the legal process for obtaining a divorce in Ontario can make it more manageable. In Ontario, divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act , which outlines the requirements and procedures for dissolving a marriage. Prior to getting a Divorce, there are many steps that need to be followed to ensure all issues related to your marriage are resolved including things such as child support, decision making...]]></description><link>https://www.willinglaw.com/post/navigating-the-divorce-process-in-ontario</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69c59a2b5ed83abd8bbca8ac</guid><pubDate>Sun, 19 Jan 2025 05:00:00 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/4c635f_8488f60084584825b10ad6e67d29932d~mv2.webp/v1/fit/w_538,h_400,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>info662828</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>