Instructor(s): Aaron Franks, Roslyn Tsao

This general survey course will canvas the law governing the family, marriage, common law relationship; separation and divorce; child support, spousal support, property rights, domestic contracts and parenting rights and responsibilities.  From the point of view of the family law practitioner, and with the aid of guest lecturers, the course will focus on the role of law in structuring parenting and financial relationships upon family breakdown; considering the rights and responsibilities of each member of the family; and defining “the family.”  

Students will be expected to examine and be familiar with the governing legislation, including the Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, the Children’s Law Reform Act, the Child Support Guidelines, the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines, and the Family Law Rules, as well as the cases that have established key family law principles.

Evaluation
The primary format for evaluation will be a three-hour open-book final examination worth 80%. There will be a mandatory assignment on equalization of net family property worth 15% of the final grade. An additional 5% of the final mark will be allocated to participation based on preparedness for class and engagement in class discussions.
Academic year
2023 - 2024

At a Glance

Second Term
Credits
4
Hours
4

Enrolment

Maximum
45

42 JD
3 LLM/SJD/MSL/SJD U

Schedule

T: 6:10 - 8:00 pm
Th: 6:10 - 8:00 pm