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Pa ge 4 2 T hu rs da y, D ec em be r 1 0, 2 01 5 - T he IF P - H al to n H ill s - w w w .th ei fp .c a I'm a college student and have just started living with my girlfriend who is also a college student. Is there anything in particular that I should know about or do to protect myself financially? ASK THE PROFESSIONAL When you begin to live in a common-law relationship, you should be aware that property issues are not treated the same as if you were a married couple.Your assets still belong to you and your girlfriend's assets belong to her. For example, your furniture belongs to you once you start living common-law or if you alone buy something during the relationship. If you decide to buy some furniture together, remember that if you separate, you are each entitled to one-half of that item and you will have to agree as to its value in order to buy the other party out of their interest in that piece of furniture. It is best to keep it simple and, if you want something like new furniture, then only one of you should purchase it. You are also each responsible for your own debts and liabilities such as your student loans, car loans, credit card debts, etc. It is best not to have any joint debts or to sign jointly for any personal loans, car leases or other debts as you both will then be responsible for that debt if you should separate in the future. Youmight consider having a joint bank account for your joint expenses such as rent, utilities, groceries, laundry expenses, home insurance and any other expenses you agree to pay together. You should, however, each have a separate bank account to pay your own expenses such as your cell phone and car insurance. You can decide upon a budget for your joint expenses and deposit an equal amount into the joint account to pay the agreed upon joint expenses. The best way to protect yourself is to have a CohabitationAgreement which would set out that neither of you would have a claim against each other for spousal support as well as agreeing that you are separate as to your property.You can always amend a CohabitationAgreement in the future if your circumstances change and youwant to change any terms in theAgreement and you both agree as to the change. If you can afford to have a CohabitationAgreement then try and follow the above suggestions regarding keeping your assets and debts separate and only paying joint expenses together. I have a reduced hourly rate for a consultation if you wish to discuss any family law issues with me. 350 Rutherford Rd. South Plaza II Suite 320 Brampton, Ontario, L6W 4N6 Telephone (905) 455-6677 Fax (905) 455-6724 E-mail ssplaw@on.aibn.com www.susanspowell.com Susan S. Powell, B.A., LL.B. Barrister & Solicitor The advice offered in this column is intended for informational purposes only. Use of this column is not intended to replace or substitute any professional, financial, medical, legal, or other professional advice. We work for you. FAmILy LAwlegal matters Q A Lose10poundsin 8weeks during the holidays or your monthly fees back* 41 Main Street South, Georgetown, ON. / 905.702.0418 * Lose 10 lbs in 8 weeks or your first two month's membership fees back. Member must follow program guidelines including but not limited to a minimum food purchase of $90 US/ $95 CAN per week for 8 consecutive weeks and 1 weekly consultation for all 8 weeks required. New members only. Enrollment fees and shipping costs may apply. At participating centers and Jenny Craig Anywhere only. Member must enroll by 1/1/2016. Guarantee based on the average weight loss of in-center and Jenny Craig Anywhere members who attended 6 consultations over an 8 week period in November and December 2012 and 2013. Members following our program lose, on average, 1-2 lbs per week. Jenny Craig® is a registered trademark. Used under license. (1511) Just walk in or call to see how Jenny Craig can help you lose weight this Holiday Season! COMMUNITY CALENDAR MONDAY, DEC. 14 Community musical presentation: 7:30 p.m. at St. John's United Church, 11 Guelph St., George- town. A freewill offering will be collected for Food for Life Canada and the United Way Halton Hills. Come and share the Spirit of Christmas through the gift of music offered by St John's choir, led by musical director Carolyn Maule. Audience mem- bers will have the opportunity to join the choir singing the Hallelujah Chorus. Time for Tots: 9-11:30 a.m., at Links2Care On- tario Early Years Centre, 8 James St., Georgetown. A free drop-in program on Mondays for parents, grandparents and caregivers of youngsters from birth to three years. Come out and join the fun, meet other families and their little ones. Enjoy Tiny Tot Circle at 10:30 a.m. with songs, rhymes and stories. No registration is required. Info: Jennifer, 905-873-2960. Adult learning info session: Adults, do you need to upgrade your skills in reading, writing, math or workplace computers? Need help prepar- ing for high school credit, GED or college entrance? The Adult Learning Centre is holding an informa- tion session 1:30 p.m., at 72 Mill St. in Georgetown, suite 206. Inof/to register, call 905-873-2200. Open Grief Support Group: The pain of los- ing a loved one is a difficult pain to bear. It hits us deeply. Sometimes we don't know how we can carry on. If you are dealing with grief, be it recent or long term, you are invited to attend this open twice monthly meeting. Learn about grief, find ways of dealing with grief, hear the stories of others, 7-8:30 p.m. at Norval United Church, 486 Guelph St. Info: Paul Ivany, 905-877-6122, paul@norvalunited.ca, www.norvalunited.ca Toastmasters is a non-profit, positive and sup- portive organization designed to help build on your communication and leadership skills. Halton Hills Toastmasters meets every Monday (exclud- ing holidays), 7:30 p.m. at St. Alban's Church in Glen Williams. Info: http://haltonhillstm.toast- mastersclubs.org or contact-5260@toastmaster- sclubs.org. WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16 Dads Connect: 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Links2Care Ontario Early Years Centre, 8 James St., George- town. A free evening drop-in program, which pro- vides an opportunity for fathers of children from 0-6 years of age to socialize and enjoy a light sup- per. There will be crafts, songs and stories and the opportunity to spend some quality play time to- gether with their children. This is also an ideal op- portunity to meet and to network with other dads. Info: Jennifer, 905-873-2960. Bruce Trail Halton Hills Chapter Hike: Lei- surely to medium pace, easy terrain, 5-6 km local hike. Depart at 9:30 a.m. from the Georgetown Market Place parking lot, south of the medical building, east of Walmart. Afterwards, we'll stop for lunch at a local eatery (optional). Dress for the weather. Bring adequate water/snacks. Hike Leader: Angelika 905-877-7805 asgk.canada@ sympatico.ca THURSDAY, DEC. 17 Scrooge: A Christmas Carol: is a modern ren- dition of the Dick- en's Classic. Run by youth arts orga- nization Medieval Productions, it will be a great chance to get families into the Christmas mood. Also featuring lo- cal musicians, the event will be happening at the Acton Town Hall Centre. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and entrance is $10 for adults, $5 for those under 12 and free for those under 3. The building is accessible and there will be food for purchase.Those interested in tick- ets can call 519-853-8273 or email alex@inspire- halton.ca Play Euchre: Thursdays 1:15-3:45 p.m. at the Acton Legion. Optimist Club Bingo: every Thursday. Grand Prize $250. Starts at 7 p.m.; doors open 6:30 p.m. The club is located on Hwy. 7, between George- town and Acton, just west of 22 Sideroad. Free acoustic jam: at the Shepherd's Crook on Wednesdays, 8 p.m. Sip N' Stitch: Come play at Georgetown Yarn. You are invited to enjoy an afternoon of sipping, stitching and socializing. Bring a current project or start a new one. All stitchers invited: crochet, knitting, etc., including all levels and beginners. There is no cost to attend this event. You may drop in anytime you are available between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 170 Guelph St. on Wednesdays. Also 7-9 p.m. every Thursday, at 170 Guelph St. (across from the SuperStore) until Dec. 17. FRIDAY, DEC. 18 Christmas and All That Jazz: This season the Georgetown Bach Chorale brings you jazzy Christmas standards, in the decorated salon of 157 Main St. Show dates (8 p.m.): Fri- day, Dec. 18; Saturday, Dec. 19; Sunday, Dec. 20. Tickets: $45 in advance only at Foodstuffs in Old Downtown, Pat's Meats and Deli in George- town South or at the Holland Shop in Acton or at www.georgetownbachchorale.com. 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