September 2021

Leanne’s Divorcing Well podcast: tips for levelling up your online dating game
Diving back into the dating pool after a breakup can be a nerve-wracking experience for men and women, so how do you know if you’re ready?
On a recent episode of my Divorcing Well podcast, I spoke with Melanie Hersch, a marriage and family therapist turned dating coach about strategies to help you optimize your online dating experience.
Online dating is a great way to meet people you wouldn’t otherwise come across, but it’s important to not rush back in until you’ve had a chance to heal from your last relationship, she says.
“Do the work. Heal and come to a peaceful place in terms of your last relationship. If you come to dating without resolving that, it gets messy. It’s hard to attract a great new partner when you’re still hooked into your ex,” Hersch says. If you’re considering online dating, you won’t want to miss this episode.
Listen below on Spotify. Also available on Apple Podcasts.

Is it better to hold on or let go of the marital home in divorce?
With the fourth wave of COVID-19 in full swing, the issue of immunizing children against COVID-19 is top of mind for many parents.
In her new post, family law lawyer Allie Cuperfain discusses the legal landscape around informed consent for youth aged 12 to 17.
She also explores which parent’s viewpoint should be followed when separated or divorced parents have different opinions on vaccinations by examining recent legal decisions in Ontario that favour the parent who supports following public health vaccination guidance.

Meet the Team: Introducing Katherine Robinson, senior family law associate
Katherine Robinson is a senior family law associate in Mills & Mills LLP’s Family Law Group.
Katherine believes that the best settlement is a negotiated one, where both parties have a say in the outcome. She attempts to resolve matters outside of court if possible, and brings an individual focus to each particular case. Should court become necessary, Katherine has extensive courtroom experience, appearing regularly before the Ontario Court of Justice and the Superior Court of Justice, while also appearing before the Court of Appeal for Ontario.
Katherine graduated from the University of Western Ontario with a Juris Doctor in 2010 and a Bachelor of Science, Honours Genetics in 2006. Before joining Mills & Mills she gained experience working for a mid-size family law firm in Toronto, including leading the articling student program for training new lawyers.
Katherine practises in all areas of family law, and she is ready to assist you and your family.

The Dish on Divorce: the role of substance abuse in divorce
People going through a separation or divorce often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs or in other ways. I know a thing a two about this as I used alcohol as a coping mechanism for a while after my marriage ended.
On a fascinating episode of The Dish on Divorce, family mediator Jennifer Barkin and I spoke with musician Robert Laidlaw about the role alcoholism played in the breakdown of his marriage.
A musician with the bands Honeymoon Suite, Platinum Blonde and Helix, Laidlaw says that, despite the outward appearance of success, he was in “an abyss of aloneness.”
Rob talks candidly about his recovery and offers tips and resources for anyone who may be struggling with substance abuse.
Catch the replay below and drop us a comment on what you would like to see in upcoming episodes.
Highlights from Instagram Live
Every week, I co-host an Instagram Live show with family lawyer Steve Benmor, where we discuss issues on the minds of divorced or divorcing spouses. Here are the topics from a couple of recent shows. Click on the links to check out the full episodes.
Interim court orders
Before a family court case gets to trial, a judge may issue an interim court order for one or more of the disputed issues in your divorce. Find out why these orders sometimes form the basis of a divorce settlement.
Parenting time with babies, young kids
If you’re going through a divorce, it’s important to be aware that anything you communicate to your soon-to-be-ex over email may later be used in court as evidence.
Serving clients during COVID-19
As we navigate the new normal amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety and well-being of clients is my top priority. Social distancing is vital right now to prevent the spread of the virus so I will continue to work with clients through virtual meetings. If you have any questions or concerns about your family law matter or would like to schedule a meeting, please reach out to me by email.
Looking for more information on what to expect during a divorce, abusive relationships, love and money, life after divorce or other family law topics?
Check out the In the News and Blog sections of my website where there’s a wealth of great content to get you up to speed on everything you need to know.
Leanne Townsend is the chair of the Family Law Group at Mills & Mills LLP and practices exclusively in the area of family law, with a particular focus on cases involving domestic violence and spousal abuse. Every month she sends out a newsletter full of helpful tips, advice and insights that will help you navigate through family law challenges.