Over the years SMP Law has managed to create a collection of blogs covering topics related to family law, such as parental alienation, child support, parenting time, parenting plans, spousal support, and our notable cases each year, to name a few. We wanted to share some of our blogs over the years. Enjoy!

Shawn Philbert, lawyer at SMP Law attended the recent international conference in September 2025, hosted by the Association of Family and Conciliation Courts (AFCC) on Advanced Issues in Child Custody. It was a 4-day conference with excellent speakers from all over the world.

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.

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?

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.