February 14, 2022
Divorce lawyers hear their clients’ deepest traumas. They need therapeutic training
Clients share stories of being cheated on, rejected, abused and financially devastated. Many need a lawyer that is more than just an advocate.
January 5, 2022
Lessons learned at my first family law trial
As a younger version of myself, I used to imagine my first trial as a lawyer.
November 22, 2021
As a first-year lawyer during the pandemic, I needed to reflect to reconnect
When young lawyers feel isolated, they should remind themselves what initially drew them to the law
November 12, 2021
Parenting plans and the holidays: A true Christmas miracle | Carly Mellon
The holidays are hard. There, I said it.
September 30, 2021
Family law and gymnastics: Unexpected similarities | Carly Mellon
I have always thought that my past life as a gymnast would one day haunt me. Somewhere deep inside as I used to fly through the air pretending to be the next Nastia Liukin, I knew that somehow my future would be affected with each twist and tumble. I just didn’t know exactly how — until recently when I somersaulted into the eye-opening world of family law.

June 17, 2021
Family Law CLE
Covid-19 and Family Law: a summary of legal issues and practical changes affecting law clerks and lawyers in the post-pandemic era
February 22, 2021
Stopping anti-vaccination debate from entering legal system | David Frenkel
In A.P. v. L.K. 2021 ONSC 150, one parent decided that her children should not be vaccinated while the other disagreed.
April 2, 2020
Current guidelines for urgent parenting motions during COVID-19
Family law court decisions have started rolling out in Ontario and across the country in response to the Superior Court of Justice’s Notice to the Profession, released March 15, relating to non-child protection matters.
January 27, 2020
Marriage Story: Important lessons for divorcing spouses
Sometimes a motion picture is not only worth a thousand words but can also be a helpful and informational resource for divorcing spouses. The 2020 Oscar-nominated movie Marriage Story is one of those pictures.
November 13, 2019
The tragedy of A.M. v. C.H.: Time for an interventionist approach
The case of A.M. v. C.H. 2019 ONCA 764 is a custody dispute case involving the parental alienation of a 14-year-old boy who refused to live with his father despite a custody reversal order. Even more tragic, the son assaulted his father, resulting in a criminal no-contact order between them. To do nothing cannot be the best option. Rather, perhaps a novel approach should be tried by learning from the lessons found among the carnage of this case.
October 3, 2019
Producing financial disclosure in family law: A poem | David Frenkel
When it comes to financial disclosure, some family law litigants just don’t seem to appreciate the importance of full and frank disclosure. While a few recent decisions are considered leading in the area, including Roberts v. Roberts 2015 ONCA 450, some people may just need a more simple way to understand that their inactions do more harm than good.
July 2, 2019
Counselling for family law clients during a sea of change
Have you ever gone boating? Have you ever had your boat capsize in the middle of a sea and gotten stuck on a raft wondering if and when you will be saved? Family law clients often feel this way. They are floating in a sea of confusion and stress. At this point perhaps family law clients should consider placing counselling closer to the top of their priorities, especially when they are negotiating or litigating their matrimonial affairs.
February 11, 2019
Grey divorces pose legal challenges
Divorces that happen later in life can have unique legal challenges, such as the proximity to retirement, life insurance and whether or not grown children become participants in the proceedings.
January 30, 2019
Couples join less in holy matrimony and more in heavenly ignorance
The 2019 Metro Convention Centre Canada’s Bridal Show had an unexpected visitor; namely, the family law firm of Gelman and Associates. They registered a booth, sat down in pairs and watched happy couples walk by and stare at them in bewilderment.

January 15, 2019
About Face: Essays on Addiction, Recovery, Therapies, and Controversies
About Face: Essays on Addictions, Recovery, Therapies, and Controversies seeks to broaden the conversation around addiction in Canada. Featuring essays by a diverse group of writers, About Face delves into the major categories of addiction: drugs, alcohol, sex, pornography, video games, gambling, body dysmorphia, and eating disorders. With stories by those suffering from addictions, experts in the field, and service providers, this anthology is a far-reaching intervention into one of our country’s most rapidly expanding social problems.
December 11, 2018
Hidden mental health issues and family law
The term “mental health” is now at the forefront in everyday conversations, headlines in the news and government agendas. However, when it comes to family law, more subtle forms of mental health are often overlooked despite them being the difference between an amicable separation and financial disaster.
October 4, 2018
House of Commons Hansard #332 of the 42nd Parliament, 1st Session
Cathay Wagantall Yorkton—Melville, SK quotes David Frenkel.
July 20, 2018
A different perspective on divorce: How it can help the individuals and the families
It is a way of removing toxicity from the home. It is a way of expelling dangerous influences. It is a way of protecting children from poor role models and examples that would otherwise continue if not for the divorce.
January 22, 2018
Paradigm shift needed
The world is changing and we have to keep up. The dangers our children face today are no longer the issues of yesterday.
November 23, 2017
Courts consider whether alcohol mixes with employment in imputing income
Society and the courts recognize that many factors contribute to substance abuse and addiction, and that any illness, including alcoholism, is rarely a matter of fault. However, when an individual attempts to use alcoholism to gain a monetary advantage in the courts, the refusal or failure of a party to take all reasonable steps to deal with such an illness can be viewed critically.
October 16, 2017
Sex addiction and evidence in Canadian family law courts
Courts in Canada have rarely considered sexual addiction as a relevant factor in determining family law issues. The reason is likely because the evidence needs to be significant in nature, and even so it may not be enough to influence a decision with respect to child custody or spousal support entitlement.