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th ei fp .c a Th e IF P -H al to n H ill s | T hu rs da y, A pr il 22 ,2 02 1 | 18 LITIGATIONlegal matters I am separated. We have a family dog. Who gets the dog? 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. Q A ASK THE PROFESSIONAL Todd C. Hein Partner Family/Divorce Lawyer Proud member of OFFICE LOCATIONS GEORGETOWN 8 Guelph Street 905 452 7400 BRAmPTON OFFICE (main) 350 Rutherford Road S., Suite 320 905 452 7400 CALEDON EAST 15955 Airport Road, Suite 201 905 584 4545 This is a very sensitive issue for sure. There are basically two approaches taken to determine the ownership of pets. The more traditional and narrow approach turns on who paid for the dog at the beginning. Who paid for day-to-day maintenance of the pet (e.g. vet bills, food, walking them) is not relevant. The broader, more contemporary, approach considers the relationship between the parties and the pet. In a recent case, the Judge deciding the issue used the more contemporary approach and considered the following factors: was the pet purchased by both parties during the marriage; did both parties contribute financially to the purchase and upkeep of the pet; how much time and energy did each contribute to the upkeep of the pet; and which of the parties was listed on important documentation relating to the pet. Hopefully, you can resolve such an issue without the courts. But if you cannot, then there is law to be your guide dog. We do a lot of family/divorce law, with offices in Georgetown, Brampton and Caledon East. In light of COVID-19, we are doing most everything virtually. So we are happy to have a Zoom meeting or a telephone call without charge to you to see if we can assist you. Have a great weekend. Empowering Clients. Enriching the Community. The Town of Halton Hills is kicking off the Southeast Georgetown Secondary Plan and we want to hear from you! Southeast Georgetown has been identified for future development through the Regional Official Plan Amendment No. 38 and Halton Hills Official Plan Amendment (OPA) No. 10, requiring a secondary plan as part of the process Give us your input on cultural and natural heritage, transportation, urban design, open space and parks, sustainability and other areas that will make up the Secondary Plan. Have your say and visit the Southeast Georgetown Seconday Plan project page on letstalkhaltonhills.ca. If you or someone you know requires alternate engagement options or materials, please contact the Town directly by calling 905-873-2600, x2900. LETTERS & COMMENTARY I wanted to share with you an example of how the best of small-town values, beliefs and behaviours still exist in Georgetown, even during difficult times. I know this first hand because, recently, my men- tally challenged older brother went to walk our dog like he has done a thousand times over the years without incident. However, on this partic- ular walk, he mistakenly took a wrong turn and de- viated from his usual path. He quickly ended up a few streets from home and was unable to get his bear- ings and find his way home. I was surprised when I answered my door to meet Pat, a lovely woman who relayed to me how she had approached my brother to offer assistance after no- ticing he appeared lost. When he declined a ride home she was able to get our address and after she pointed him in the right di- rection with some water, she came to let me know, ensuring he would make it home safely. After following her to where she had left him, she not only tried to help me get my heedless dog in the car, but offered to walk him home when he could not be persuaded. I'm am so thankful for this woman's kindness and generosity. It's this sense of community and caring that makes Georgetown such a wonderful place to live. So to Pat from Penning- ton Crescent, you will nev- er know how grateful I am for all you did to help a cou- ple of strangers and a dog. CONNIE HILL GEORGETOWN GEORGETOWN'S CARING SPIRIT ALIVE AND WELL Acton's second canna- bis retailer is now autho- rized to open, according to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario. Budders (372 Queen St. E.) is the fourth store to open in Halton Hills. Four stores, all in Georgetown, are awaiting authorization to open. Applications are cur- rently in progress for: • Tokyo Smoke -- 369 Mountainview Rd. S. • Corner Cannabis -- 232a Guelph St., Unit 8 • Spiritleaf -- 280 Guelph St., Unit 25A • 348 Guelph St. -- 348 Guelph St., Unit 4 NEWS GREEN LIGHT GIVEN FOR SECOND ACTON CANNABIS STORE BRYAN MYERS bmyers@metroland.com A new Acton cannabis store is on the way. Lauren Scott photo