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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, N ov em be r 28 ,2 01 9 | 12 LITIGATIONlegal matters How do I know what my date of separation is? 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 B2C Halton Hills 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 question that has come up a few times lately. It is the date that spouses began living "separate and apart". The date of separation is important for several reasons: 1) it starts the clock to determine when a divorce can be granted; 2) it's the date to determine equalization of net family property; and 3) it is the date child and/or spousal support obligations may begin. You do not have to be physically separated; you can be separate and apart in the same house.You do not need a written agreement to confirm that you are now separate and apart; it is a factual question. Some things to consider when trying to determine the date of separation include: when did you stop sleeping together, did you stop celebrating holidays, you separated your finances, you started telling people you are separated, one or both of you went to see a lawyer for advice concerning the consequences of separating, you stop doing things with or for each other (e.g. cooking, cleaning, vacations), there is written communication between you confirming the separation, and/or you file your income taxes as "separated". We are a full service firm that does a lot of family law. We are happy to meet you for a free consultation at one of our three offices, including 8 Guelph Street, Georgetown, in the Lounsbury Life & Group Insurance Benefits building. Have a great weekend. Empowering Clients. Enriching the Community. 3pm Saturday, December 7th, 2019 at the Jones Funeral Home 11582 Trafalgar Rd., Georgetown Presiding over the service Rev. Paul Ivany Fr. David Walter Refreshments to follow in the Trafalgar Room Please call the Funeral Home at 905-877-3631 to confirm your attendance December 7th 2019 An Invitation To You &Your Family To Our Annual Christmas Remembrance Service Canada's Largest Golf Show February 7-9, 2020 International Centre TICKETS ON SALE torontogolfshow.com • DEMO RANGE • LEADING INSTRUCTORS • GIVEAWAYS &MORE! PRESENTEDBY CO-SPONSOR "THANK YOU" LIST RotaRy Club of GeoRGetown 65th Annual "Norm Bigg" Senior Citizens' Dinner Thursday November 7, 2019 • Knox Presbyterian Church - Caterer • Adams Rent-All • Bratin Auto Repairs - Tino & Cheryl Scanferla • Carney Electric Limited • Friends of Rotary • Georgetown Seniors Centre Band • Dr. Ben Giddens Optometry • Glen Williams Town Hall Inc. • Dr. Mark Hassard, Chiropractor • J. S. Jones & Son Funeral Home Limited • Living Hope Alliance Church • Matthew Culbert - Piper • McDonald's Restaurants - Tim & Casey O'Connor • Miller's Scottish Bakery • Mountainview Residence • Paul C. Armstrong Insurance Brokers Ltd. • Real Canadian Superstore - Georgetown • Royal Canadian Legion Branch 120 • Sherwood Copy • St. John Ambulance • Staff of CIBC - Main Street Branch • Staff of CIBC - Georgetown Marketplace • Staff of Royal Bank - Main Street Branch • Staff of Royal Bank - Mountainview Branch The Independent & Free Press