SMP Law – The Importance of Reviews

Historically, any type of review of a business was typically word of mouth. Someone would share they had a positive experience with a business and that would encourage other people to try that business. Today, however, one of the best tools for consumers of any business has become reviews and testimonials. At any time, we can go to a business and check their reviews. Reviews can tell a lot about a business and how they handle their business, both happy and unhappy clients or customer. What should you look for in a review?

SMP Law – Family Law and Polamory

Family law in polyamorous relationship can get become a bit complicated, particularly in parenting issues. The law is historically rooted in the assumption of two-parent families, so family matters pertaining to parenting time, child support, spousal support, and equalization can become areas of unknown territory for polyamorous relationships. If you are in a polyamorous relationship involving children that you all parent, it is wise to ensure you have a well-planned agreement in place that is signed by all parties that helps deal with the issues mentioned above, in the event of a separation.

SMP Law – AI and the Law

As AI becomes increasingly mainstream, there is the unavoidable question of whether is it appropriate for your lawyer to use AI to draft your legal documents?

SMP Law Sponsored the Halton Catholic Children’s Foundation

On July 8, 2025, SMP Law sponsored the Halton Catholic Children’s Foundation (HCCF) Charity Golf Tournament! This very important tournament raises money for students in need within the Halton Catholic District School Board. The money raised goes directly to students who need financial assistance for basic needs like, food, clothing, school activities, and learning technology.

SMP Law: Training in Parent-Child Contact Problems

In January 2025, Shawn Philbert of SMP Law completed training in Parent-Child Contact Problems. This training provided a review the foundations of interpersonal and family dynamics, including human development, child temperament, and challenges that stem from special concerns such as family violence, substance use and misuse, and other internal and external factors.

SMP Law – Assets from Parents in a Marriage – Is it a Gift?

It is becoming more and more common for parents to support married couples, either through financial assistance or helping them obtain assets such as a mortgage for a home or vehicles. Are these gifts given by the parents or is there an expectation they should be repaid or remain as possessions of the parents?

SMP Law – Voice of the Child

In November 2024, Shawn Philbert of SMP Law completed his training in Voice of the Child Reports. This in-depth training has provided Shawn Philbert of SMP Law significant knowledge and understanding in the complexities of obtaining the voice of the child and he will bring this newfound knowledge to the family law matters he is privileged to provide legal services.

SMP Law – Black History

As the official end of Black History Month comes to a close, SMP Law would like to remind everyone that this is not the last day of Black History. Black History should be celebrated as part of all history, every month.

SMP Law Honours Remembrance Day

SMP Law honours Remembrance Day by taking a moment of silence to remember the courage and sacrifice of those who have served and continue to serve our country.

SMP Law – Researching Cases on Canlii

Whether representing yourself or if you hire a lawyer, you will at some point need to do some legal research into other cases. When in court, judges will sometimes ask “what cases are you relying on” with the assumption that you have done some research into other cases.

SMP Law – Can A Biased Teacher Be a Witness for Your Legal Matter?

In a family law dispute involving children, there are many different people parents will talk to about their family court matter. One group in particular is their children’s teachers. Teachers can often get a one-sided interpretation from one parent of what is happening with their child and in their family law matter.

SMP Law Supported the Terry Fox Run!

SMP Law is a proud supporter of the Terry Fox Run! The Terry Fox Run was scheduled for September 15, 2024 all across Canada.

SMP Law – Is Two Lawyers Better Than One?

Law firms are typically comprised of sole practitioners who tend to work alone with an administrative person or comprised of multiple practitioners working together along with various clerks and administrative personnel in small to large size firms. Should you hire two lawyers or one?

SMP Law – Do You Agree to a Peace Bond…Or Not?

Peace bonds can be seen differently depending on the judge. For example, a peace bond can be determined that since the person did not go to trial the actual criminal issue was not determined or decided. A peace bond should not be determined an admission of guilt, unfortunately the optics of a peace bond do not sometimes play out that way.

SMP Law Supports Learning Disabilities Association of Canada

SMP Law is proud to support Learning Disabilities Association of Canada (LDAC). Their vision is "a Canada where people with learning disabilities have equal opportunity to reach their potential and to thrive in their communities."

SMP Law – Parental Alienation

Parental alienation continues to be an ongoing challenge we see in family law matters. SMP Law has created several blogs on the topic of parental alienation so as a reminder, the term parental alienation references “a child is expressing extreme negative feelings about a parent that are not supported by their experiences”. 

SMP Law Donated to Robbie’s Walk!

SMP Law has donated to Robbie's Walk - a fundraiser hosted by Hemophilia Ontario. Hemophilia Ontario serves the bleeding disorder community by supporting and educating those with bleeding disorders.

Preparing to Show with Kids in Town!

When your home’s on the market, getting ready for showings can sometimes be a bit of a challenge, but it's even harder when you share your home with little ones.

SMP Law is Back in the News!

ThreeBestRated honoured SMP Law by writing an excellent article about us and organizing a press release to many news outlets including “News From Canada”, “Today in Law”, “Canada News Journal” and “Canadian Reporter”.