POLI 3113

Law and Politics of the Family

0.5 credits · Undergraduate

Winter 2026

Topics

Social Trends and Legislation
e Legislation - Family Law Act, Divorce Act, Children’s Law Reform Act
e Court vs. Alternative Dispute Resolution
e Different levels of Court
(Ontario Court of Justice vs. Superior Court of Justice)
Lecture 2: Parenting of Children (Custody and Access)

Readings

Unpacking Family Law for Practitioner’s by Melanie Kraft and Adam Prewer. The
Required: UFL, Chapter 5
Required: Office of the Children’s Lawyer
Required: UF'L, Chapter 6
Required: Determining the amount under the Guidelines Financial disclosure
Required: Departures from the table amount
Required: Section 7 expenses
Required: UFL, Chapters 4 and 9
Required: e Equalization of Net Family Property
Required: What is the valuation date?
Required: Valuation date assets and liabilities
Required: Date of marriage property issues
Required: Exclusions (gifts / inheritances)
Required: Different rules re matrimonial homes (exclusive possession)
Required: February 17 NO CLASSES: Study Week
Required: Similarities and Differences with Non-Indigenous People Property on Reserve eIndian Act provisions
Required: UFL, chapter 8
Required: Cohabitation Agreements Marriage Contracts Separation Agreements Essential validity Prohibited provisions
Required: Child, Youth and Family Services Act Children’s Aid Societies
Required: A child “in need of protection” Process and procedure
Required: UFL, chapter 2
Required: e Impact on adults e Impact on children e Legislative provisions
Required: UF L, chapter 4
Required: e Spousal Support rights /obligations
Required: UFL, chapters 3 and 11
Required: Family Law Rules Purpose and principles Court process Motions — how to argue them and how to draft affidavits Disclosure Trial Costs
Required: Practical Practice Matters Retainers Managing client expectations Intake process Initial Interview Information for clients

Sources