Trusted Tips and Resources

Trusted Tips & Resources

Trusted Regina Lawyers at MacKay & McLean Share 5 Tips If You Are Considering A Separation

MacKay & McLean provides the professional services of a large Regina law firm, with the intimate attention of a small firm. The legal process can be daunting and overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. MacKay & McLean is with you every step of the way.

MacKay &  McLean are TRUSTED REGINA LAWYERS. In their latest tip they provide their top legal tips for individuals going through or considering separation


Top 5 Things To Consider when Going Through A Separation 





So, you’ve separated. Now what?

The short answer? It depends.

As with most things, separation can take one of many paths, and there is no universal approach. Generally, we see two paths: an easy way and a hard way. The easy way involves agreement and, often, compromise. The hard way usually involves lawyers, courts, and a lot of time, money, and emotional hardship.

If you’re certain this is the end of the relationship, I suggest you read the rest of this article. If you think you are just taking some time apart, it may be pre-emptive to consider the following steps. Please keep in mind that these suggestions are aimed at those who have truly reached the end of their relationship. Even If you were never legally married, the law may still consider you a spouse. This will vary by jurisdiction, legislation, and context, but in Saskatchewan, the rule of thumb is that one obtains property and support rights and or obligations after two years of living together.

If you were legally married or a spouse, here are the top 5 things you need to consider after separation.

1. IF YOU HAVE KIDS, PLAN YOUR PARENTING ARRANGEMENT

After separation, you must consider your parenting arrangement. Your child, or children, are of primary importance. How you handle things now will have a lasting impact on your relationship with them, their schooling, their friendships, and their state of mind. Accordingly, a lot of thought should go into this.

The Children’s Law Act, 2020 sets out that parents are presumed to have joint decision-making authority and responsibilities. No longer do courts in Saskatchewan look at simply custody and access. The primary focus is on what is in the best interest of the child or children.

The court will focus on the age of the child and their stage of development, the child’s relationship with each parent, each parent’s willingness to support the development and maintenance of the child’s relationship with the other parent, and so on.

When agreeing to a parenting arrangement, you should discuss things such as the weekly schedule, holidays (including long weekends), birthdays, summer vacation, and family travel. Make sure to keep in mind the child’s schedule, as well as what is realistic and possible with each parent’s work schedule.

Ultimately, there is not a single “correct” arrangement, and the best plan is always going to be the one that works for your family.

2. DECIDE WHO IS LIVING WHERE

After separation, it is important to consider who is living where. Some have suggested that staying in the family home is paramount, but this advice is questionable. The family home is a sharable asset, no matter whose name is on the title or who continues to reside in the residence after separation.

If there are children the primary consideration is often how to minimize any disruption in their lives. To this end, former couples may enter into “nesting agreements” where they share the home or continue to live with one another. A “legal” separation starts when the intention to live separate and apart forms.

Often, one party will stay in the home and the other will find someplace to rent. Deciding who will live where and how it will be paid for is the focus at this stage.

3. TAKE STOCK – INVENTORY ALL ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

Once things have slightly settled, make a list of what you have and what you owe, along with the corresponding values of each.

Gather information that confirms or verifies when cohabitation commenced, a copy of your marriage certificate, and any documents that support your list of assets and liabilities or debts.

You usually don’t want to go so far as to list every dish and piece of silverware, but you should definitely list major assets, e.g. home, cabin, cars, jewelry, art, etc., and estimate the fair market value of each. Similarly, list the debt each person has.

Upon separation, the rule of thumb is that you divide the gains during the marriage. Therefore, you should parse out the property that you had, or the value of it, prior to the marriage.

If you had a common-law relationship, the two-year anniversary is considered the “date of marriage”.

Decide who keeps what.

4. GATHER TAX RETURNS

One of the primary things lawyers will look for next is evidence as to what each party makes. This will require documentation of sorts, e.g. income tax returns, notices of assessment, and pay stubs.

The income information can be used to determine whether one party should pay support. If you know the other party’s income, you can calculate support on your own using sites such as https://www.mysupportcalculator.ca/. Sites such as this one can help determine your budget and how much you need or have to live on.

5. PUT IT INTO WRITING

Once the dust begins to settle and the vision for the future becomes a little clearer, you should encapsulate everything in a separation agreement. It’s better to avoid serious issues in the future by building a good agreement today. Having a separation agreement in place makes the path going forward a little easier, including the likely divorce, and it helps avoid disputes.
Separation agreements generally revolve around 5 things:

  • Recitals, which spell out the details of the relationship and the parties—date of cohabitation and/or marriage and date of separation;
  • Custody, access and parenting arrangements;
    Child support;
  • Division of property—who keeps what property and who takes what debt; and,
  • Spousal support—how much will be paid and for how long.

The cost of preparing an agreement like this typically depends on how much the lawyer must negotiate, as well as how complicated the affairs are of the parties involved. For example, if the parties have lots of business entanglements, then the cost of an agreement will be higher. And, if the negotiation is already mostly done, agreements may be drawn up for a lot less.

Click on this link to read our full article and to watch a video that provides more helpful information 

At the end of the day, we know that this list of things to consider after separation isn’t comprehensive – it would be impossible to make a list that covers every scenario! This is why we offer a free consultation. You can call 306.569.1301 to speak with one of our experienced lawyers .We will try to get back to you as soon as possible, usually within 24 hours.


Robert Mackay and the team at Mackay & McLean offer a variety of legal services and are able to represent you in a variety of situations that require counsel. In addition, they offer a free initial consultation. They are Trusted Regina Lawyers, based in Regina Saskatchewan,  and they specialize in real estatecriminalpersonal injurycommercial & family law.


See more legal tips from Mackay & McLean here 


Active Electric Trusted Regina Electrician Tip on How To Lower Your Electrical Bill

Active Electric Regina Electricians get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions. Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Tip About How To Reduce Your Electrical Bill


Few people enjoy spending money unnecessarily but many of us spend money on our electrical bill that could have been saved by making a few simple changes.  Many of us are using more power than ever, with kids back and forth from an online school or you working possibly from home.
That is why Active Electric, has provided these easy-to-follow licensed electrician tips for lowering your electric bill.  Active Electric is passionate about keeping our clients safe and saving them money on electrical services, which is why they offer a variety of residential and commercial electrical services. Reducing electricity usage has the added bonus of being good for the environment, so you can save money and feel good about doing it!

Tips to Conserve Electricity

While there are some big changes that you can make to your home that will save on electricity, like upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or installing solar panels, there are also many smaller changes and tricks that can be employed to conserve energy. Some tips to reduce energy usage include:

Switch to LED Lighting

LED bulbs use much less power and last longer than conventional light bulbs and they are available in a variety of colours and styles.

Optimize Operation of Dishwashers and Laundry Machines

Most electrical providers decrease the cost of electricity during off-peak hours, like early morning or nighttime. Running heavy power-using appliances during this time, rather than at peak hours, can save you a lot of money. Also, only run these appliances when you have a full load to reduce the time that they are operating.

Keep Your Thermostat Steady

Drastic increases or decreases in temperature create an unnecessary electrical strain. Keep your thermostat steady within two or three degrees.

Use a Thermal Wrap on Your Water Heater

Water heaters are one of the biggest consumers of electricity, so insulating your water heater to prevent heat loss will reduce electricity expenditure.

Clean and Replace Filters

Air filters on appliances and ventilation gather dust and debris and the more clogged they get, the more power it takes to get air moving. Clean the filters on your dryer, furnace, fridge, and air conditioner to help them use less electricity.

Turn Off the Lights

Just turn off the lights every time you leave a room. Leaving any electrical device or light on when you are not in the room is wasteful.

Insulate Doors and Windows

A lot of heat can move through doors and windows, even when they are closed. Be aware of open doors or windows and install the proper weather stripping and insulation to minimize heat loss.

Read a book or get outside

What we do for entertainment can have a massive effect on our electricity bills. A television consumes more electricity than a reading lamp. Pursuing hobbies that do not use as much electricity will also typically help you to stay healthier!

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide free quotes! 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN 





Dust N Shine Trusted Regina Cleaning Service Recommend 6 Things You Should Clean More Frequently

Dust N Shine  Cleaning Services is proud to be a family-owned business serving Regina and the surrounding area. Their team will provide professional service and treat your home or business as if it were their own. In their first Trusted Regina cleaning tip they share 6 things you should clean more frequently! 

Dust N Shine Cleaning Services is a TRUSTED REGINA MAID AND CLEANING SERVICE.

 


 6 Things You Should Clean More Frequently

 

Staying Covid, cold and flu-free this season comes down to a few simple tactics: 

  1. First, get a flu shot. 
  2. Second, steer clear of co-workers who hit the office sniffling and coughing. 
  3. And third, know the places where viruses and bacteria tend to hang out and how to properly clean these things—so you can drastically reduce your odds of accidentally buying yourself a week in bed with body aches and a fever. 


Germ Expert Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, scouted out the top places germs lurk and how to zap their numbers.

1. A Shared Computer

Anything that gets a lot of direct contact with hands and fingers tends to have a scarily high concentration of germs, and all it takes for you to contract something is touching the mouse or keyboard and then touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Even if it’s only used occasionally by one or two people in your household, wipe it down before each use with an alcohol-based towelette designed for cleaning electronics, says Gerba.

2. The Refrigerator Door

Whether it’s in your home or the one in the office break room, this handle gets a lot of play all day, says Gerba. And if there are even microscopic bits of food on it, bacteria and viruses can feed and multiply. Once a week (or daily if someone in your household is sick), rub a disinfectant wipe up and down the entire length of it, especially in any tiny grooves. “A disinfectant spray works too, but studies show that the disinfectant from the wipe stays on the surface longer, so it’s more effective,” says Gerba. “With a spray, we tend to wipe it away quickly with a paper towel rather than let it sit and kill bugs.”

3. The Inside of Your Car

Run a disinfectant wipe over your vehicle dashboard weekly, which accumulates germs thanks to the heater or AC blowing them there, says Gerba. Cup holders are also germ hangouts, thanks in part to the food residue you can’t even see. “If you have a child car seat, wipe that down, too, because kids are always sick and touching various parts of it,” says Gerba.

4. Your Remote Control

You’ve heard reports that these are crawling with germs in hotels. But even in your own house, it’s one of the germiest surfaces, says Gerba. Everyone touches it all the time, especially when they’re eating, and that leads to bacteria and virus growth. Give it a wipedown weekly with an alcohol-based electronics cleanser.

5. Your Purse

Not only are you constantly touching the handle or strap, but you end up leaving it on a dirty restroom floor or store counter more than you think, and these areas have huge germ traffic. When you bring your bag into your house, you risk spreading anything you’ve picked up to yourself or family members. Spray or wipe it daily (or whenever you use it) with a fabric-safe sanitizing spray and paper towel, and hang it on a hook when you’re home so microbes can’t be tracked through the rest of the house.

6. Your Cell Phone

Considering all the handling it gets via germy, food-laden hands and fingers, and the fact that food helps bugs thrive, it’s a miracle this device doesn’t actually grow mould. It’s begging for a weekly cleansing with an alcohol-based cleaner meant for digital devices, suggests Gerba

Contact Dust N Shine for your free estimate today!

Dust N Shine Cleaning Services is a TRUSTED REGINA MAID AND CLEANING SERVICE.


Trusted Regina Electrician Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

Active Electric are Trusted Regina Electricians and they get it right the first time, delivering all electrical services including installation, upgrade, and repair solutions.

Active Electric are your TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICAL EXPERTS

Active Electric Shares a Tip About Home Electrical Safety for Winter

We all know in Saskatchewan the winter season comes with difficulties and hazards. Winter brings weather that can create further dangers in the form of electrical hazards. Active Electric wants to ensure that everyone is equipped with the right licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter to keep them safe and warm.

Electrical Winter Safety Tips

When winter comes around, it is important to be prepared for the difficulties that can come with the cold, wet weather. Some tips to keep in mind to make sure that you and your home stay safe this winter include:

Heater Safety


If you are using a space heater in your home, make sure you place it at a safe distance from furniture, walls, rugs, curtains, and other belongings. Space heaters are a great way to keep specific rooms warm without ramping up monthly heating bills but, because of the high heat output of electrical heaters, it is important to keep them away from flammable material. If you feel objects around the heater becoming hot, move the heater. Fires can easily be started by an unattended heater. Always turn off the heater when it’s not in use.

Prepare for Power Outages

The increase in snow and icy weather can cause downed tree branches and car accidents, which can damage power lines and cause electrical outages. In the event that there is a power outage, you should be as prepared as possible. Sometimes power can be out for hours; other times, it can be out for days. If an outage occurs at night, you cannot rely on space heaters to keep you warm. Be prepared for extended power outages with an emergency kit. 

The emergency kit should be readily accessible and contain batteries, flashlights, blankets/sleeping bags/warm clothes, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and sufficient water for your family. This will help to keep your family warm, fed, and safe during an emergency.


If you have a backup generator, ensure that it is ready to go. The start of winter is a good time to have regular maintenance and check-ups done on your generator. Have a professional inspect it to ensure that oil and gas levels are correct and that the connection to the home or business is safe and secure. If a power outage occurs, you want to be confident that you can rely on your backup power supply.


Avoid using candles during power outages. Many people use candles to light their rooms during power outages and, while this can deliver a nice ambience, it is very dangerous. If the candles are unattended or wax drips and causes build up around the candle, it can result in a fire. Instead, use flashlights or LED candles.


Preparing Your Home’s Electrical Setup

Power outages can do damage to your home, and harsh weather can be a hazard to many of your home’s electrical components. There are a few ways you can defend your home’s electrical setup against winter:


Be aware of water and exposed wires. With freezing and thawing occurring repeatedly, it is possible for water to find its way into some of the nooks and crannies of your home. Walk around your home’s interior and exterior walls and look for any exposed wires that could come into contact with water. Make sure any problems are addressed quickly.

Having a home surge protector will help suppress surges to prevent electrocutions and damage to appliances and electronics.

You can also protect your appliances and electronic devices in your home with surge protectors. Review your home setup to check if surge protectors are active and still functional.

During an extended power outage, unplug your major appliances (oven, fridge, freezer, television) and turn off light fixtures (although you can leave on some lights so that you know when the power returns). This can prevent power surges from occurring and damage the appliances when power returns.

Keep Away from Downed Power Lines


If an icy tree branch knocks down a power line or if a car hits a power pole and the electrical wiring falls down, keep at least three metres or 10 feet away at all times. Power lines are very powerful and can cause serious electrocution if you are not careful. Keep your family and children educated, as they could come across a downed power line during their daily commute. 

Always call 911 when you see a power line down.

If you are interested in finding out more licensed electrician tips for home electrical safety for winter, or If you are ever uncertain about a potential electrical issue in your home please Contact Active Electric.  and one of their qualified professionals would be happy to help.  They also provide Free quotes! 


ACTIVE ELECTRIC is a TRUSTED REGINA ELECTRICIAN -  Check out his listing here in REGINA ELECTRICIANS on the Regina Directory of excellence!

Trusted Regina Mortgage Broker Tip On Employment Letter and Why Lenders Require One.


What is an Employment Letter and Why Lenders Require One?


Obtaining a mortgage takes a lot of planning and patience to ensure things go smoothly throughout the entire transaction.  Preparing documents early on in the process will reduce your stress in purchasing a new home, or renewing or refinancing your current mortgage.  Obtaining an employment letter early on is particularly important for individuals with a job tenure of less than two years, if you have had a temporary promotion, or work on an hourly basis.  This will ensure there are no surprises later on.



What is an employment letter?

Your employment letter (aka job letter) is written by your employer to verify your position within the company, tenure, and income.  This is a very important component of qualifying for a mortgage.

What should your letter include?

Your employment letter should be written on company letterhead and should include: your position within the company, tenure, salary/wage (along with bonus info if applicable), hours guaranteed per week (if applicable), and be signed by the individual issuing it, along with their job title and daytime contact phone number.

Why do lenders require an employment letter?

Lenders require your job letter to verify employment as well as to have a contact number on file for any questions regarding your employment.

How do I get my employment letter?

Employment letters can be obtained through a simple request made to your employer, they generally will have a template on hand so it will take very little time to complete.


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