Divorce Explained with Steve Benmor & Leanne Townsend

In this episode, family lawyers Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor explore one of the most difficult realities in family law: allegations of coercive control and intimate partner violence involving respected professionals, community leaders, and other high-profile individuals. Following their discussion of the landmark Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia decision by the Supreme Court of Canada, they respond to a...

In this episode of Divorce Explained , Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend tackle a topic that is rarely discussed but affects millions of families: the connection between perimenopause and divorce. Perimenopause is a natural stage of life that impacts nearly every woman, yet many couples enter this chapter with little understanding of the physical, emotional, and relational changes it can bring. Fro...

New Podcast Episode: Supreme Court of Canada Creates the New Tort of Intimate Partner Violence A landmark decision from the Supreme Court of Canada is set to change family law across the country. In this episode, Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend unpack the groundbreaking decision in Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, where Canada's highest court officially recognized the new tort of Intimate Partner Vio...

Divorce doesn’t have to destroy your financial future. In this episode of Divorce Explained, Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor are joined by financial advisor Brett Bernstein, CEO of XML Financial Group, to break down the most common (and costly) financial mistakes people make during divorce settlements. With over 20 years of experience, Brett explains why divorce should be treated like a business...

🏠 Divorce + the family home can be a financial minefield. In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Kelly Lise Murray, J.D., Harvard-educated attorney, legal scholar, and founder of DivorceThisHouse.com, to unpack the real estate and mortgage pitfalls divorcing spouses need to avoid. From confusing the deed vs. the mortgage, to the danger of “the twelfth of never” (no deadlines, no en...

Why do divorcing spouses spend so much money fighting over money and is it really about the money? In this episode of Divorce Explained, we’re joined by Patrick Kilbane, attorney, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst, and Director of the Divorce Advisory Group at Ullmann Wealth Partners. Patrick draws on his experience litigating complex, high-net-worth divorces and his transition into financial ad...

Annulments are rare—but what happens when a marriage isn’t consummated and the court is asked to undo it instead of granting a divorce? In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained , Leanne and Steve speak with family lawyers Barry Nussbaum and Rebecca Ye—counsel for the applicant—to unpack Justice Presser’s January 2025 Ontario decision in S.M. v. R.F. (2025 ONSC 4155), where the court granted an...

Does a Future Inheritance Affect My Divorce? Inheritance can bring life-changing wealth — but what happens when divorce is also in the picture? In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained , Leanne Townsend and Steve Benmor sit down with wealth mentor Myra Salzer to unpack how inheritances—whether expected or received—affect divorce, spousal support, and financial planning. We’ll cover: What Ontari...

The real estate market is shifting — and it's making waves in divorce court. Decreased home values. Longer time to sell. Less equity to split. Some couples can’t even afford to separate. In this week’s episode of Divorce Explained , we break down how Ontario’s cooling housing market is reshaping financial outcomes in divorce — from who keeps the house to how separation agreements are structur...

INFIDELITY... on the jumbotron?! The internet can't stop talking about the viral Coldplay concert video - where one man's alleged affair played out live on the big screen. But what if this happened here in Ontario? Would it matter in divorce court? Could it affect custody or support? Can going viral change the outcome of your separation? On this week's episode of Divorce Explained,...

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is when a parent seems to seek more parenting time—not to build a stronger bond with their children, but to reduce their child support payments. It’s a sensitive and often controversial issue that raises important legal and ethical questions. In this episode, two experienced family law professionals break down: How increased parenting time can i...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend for a brand new episode of Divorce Explained - streaming live on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Linkedin This week's topic: How to Protect Your Assets Before Getting Married Whether you're entering a marriage with significant assets, own a business, or simply want to be proactive, this conversation is a must-watch. We'll be sharing practical...

This week on Divorce Explained, join family law lawyers Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend for a powerful and informative discussion: "Why Is Evidence Important in Divorce?" From financial documents to text messages and witness testimony-evidence can make or break your case. Whether you're negotiating a settlement or heading to trial, understanding the role of evidence is essential. L...

Summer is here - and with it comes the challenge (and opportunity!) of planning co-parenting schedules that keep the kids happy and the transitions seamless. Whether you're navigating summer plans for the first time or looking to improve your approach, we've got practical tips to help you make this season easier for everyone involved. Tune in live on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Lin...

In this episode of Divorce Explained , we discuss the important issue of spousal support and how it is determined. We cover key topics such as entitlement, how support is calculated, the amount (quantum), and the duration of payments. Whether you're considering making a spousal support claim or simply want to better understand your rights and obligations, this episode offers practical insight...

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we explore how Canadian elections and politics impact families. Originally recorded live ahead of the April 28th vote—described by many as one of the most important elections of our generation—we discuss how political decisions shape the lives of Canadian families, from legal policies to social supports. Tune in for a timely and thought-provoking conversation...

In this episode of Divorce Explained, we dive into the topic of Improving Protection Orders for Family Violence. Family violence remains a critical issue, and protection orders are a key legal tool for safeguarding those at risk. In this discussion, we examine how current protection orders can be strengthened to offer better safety and support for victims, along with insights into the legal proces...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend on this week's episode of Divorce Explained with special guest, Stephanie Boucher, to talk about “How Betrayal Trauma May Affect Your Divorce”. Stephanie is a registered psychotherapist and owner of The Mindful Loft Betrayal Trauma and Relational Recovery Centre. Their discussion will cover how betrayal impacts divorce proceedings and custody battles; the...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend on this week's episode of Divorce Explained as they dive deep into the Tax Implications of Dividing Assets in Divorce. Understanding how your assets are divided can have a significant impact on your financial future. We’ll break down the tax consequences of asset division, from property to investments, and give you tips on how to navigate this crucial asp...

Divorce isn’t just a legal process, it’s an emotional journey, and achieving emotional justice can make all the difference in your healing. Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend, along with special guest Feryial Parvez, a certified divorce coach, as they discuss how to navigate the emotional challenges of divorce and take control of your future with confidence. Feryial’s expertise lies at the inte...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend, along with special guest Jennifer Donison, Divorce Specialist, as they dive into how divorce coaching equips individuals to handle not only the legal complexities but also the emotional weight of divorce. Whether you’re a parent trying to co-parent effectively or someone navigating the process on your own, her insights will help you emerge stronger, wiser, an...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend on this week's episode of Divorce Explained as they discuss the topic 'Should I Co-Parent with My Ex? Tips for Successful Co-Parenting.' Co-parenting after divorce can feel like a tricky balance, but it’s crucial for your children’s well-being. We’ll break down the key strategies for successful co-parenting and answer the big question: Should I...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend on this week's episode of Divorce Explained as they cover the landmark Supreme Court of Canada case, Ahluwalia v. Ahluwalia, which could reshape how survivors of family violence are compensated through tort law. This case is critical because it questions whether the legal system should more adequately address the harms of family violence, which could make...

Join Steve Benmor and Leanne Townsend on this week's episode of Divorce Explained as they discuss 'How to Handle Valentine’s Day During a Divorce.' Valentine’s Day can be a particularly emotional time for individuals navigating a divorce, and this week’s Divorce Explained Instagram Live offers crucial guidance for those facing this challenge. Steve Benmor Website: www.benmor.com Ema...