People often ask what criminal law could possibly have to do with family law. The answer is that the two areas are inextricably intertwined.  When a couple’s relationship is breaking down and conflict is on the rise, it is a well-known fact that those dynamics are ripe for police intervention. Even if neither of you has chosen to call the police, a loud argument or gesture could cause a member of the public to call the police. Once the police become involved in a domestic conflict, the matter usually culminates in at least one person being charged with a criminal offence (eg. Assault, threatening death, etc.).  Unfortunately, it is all too common that a party to the conflict is able to see the opportunity to leverage the criminal law against the other party, in an effort to gain the upper hand in the family law process. Strategically, it is actually very effective for the complaining party, because criminal charges will almost always cause the accused party to be subject to court orders akin to family law orders for one person to have exclusive possession of the matrimonial home. That’s not the only family law-related order that is influenced by criminal charges. It’s not unusual for the “victim” to be given the status of interim primary residential parent and holder of defacto decision-making authority over the children. Once a parent has that status, it becomes very difficult, time-consuming, and costly to change. But these consequences can be avoided by proactively choosing a lawyer who practices both criminal and family law.

Police intervention in domestic conflicts, however common, is indeed riddled with consequences that aren’t foreseeable to the layperson. That’s why involving a lawyer that is skilled in both criminal and family law, as early as possible, is necessary and effective. Our skills in both family law and criminal law, enable us to effectively help you to protect yourself without inadvertently being exposed to pitfalls.

Lori Dubin has over 20 years of experience practicing criminal law. She is also an experienced family law lawyer. Lori’s dual competencies serve to greatly benefit those individuals who are faced with both criminal proceedings and family/divorce proceedings.  If you are accused of a criminal charge and/or are separating from your spouse/partner, feel free to contact Lori Dubin to discuss your matter.