Untying the Knot: Grounds for Divorce in Saskatchewan: 

Anyone who has gone through a divorce will likely tell you it was a difficult time for them mentally, emotionally, and financially. Understandably, clients often seek advice at the first signs of trouble in their marital relationships. One question I’ve heard repeatedly in my short time practicing family law is “how do I get a divorce?”

Divorce in Saskatchewan is governed by federal legislation called the Divorce Act. Although this blog entry refers to Saskatchewan, the Divorce Act applies to all of Canada. In Saskatchewan, only the Court of Queen’s Bench has jurisdiction to deal with a Petition for Divorce, and in order to get a divorce, one must make an application to the Court. There are many common misconceptions about what a couple and/or spouse must prove in order to get a divorce, but the truth is there is only one ground for divorce in Canada: marital breakdown.

What is “marital breakdown” and how does one go about establishing that a marital breakdown has occurred? The Divorce Act sets out three ways to establish marital breakdown:

1. Living separate and apart for one year

This is, by far, the most common ground for divorce, and is the easiest to prove. Spouses are considered to have been separated for one year when they have lived separate and apart for a period of 12 months. Although the period of separation must be uninterrupted, a brief reconciliation during the year (up to 90 days) will not interfere with the calculation of time, as long as the reconciliation is unsuccessful.

2. Adultery

If you choose to seek a divorce on the basis of adultery, you must establish that adultery occurred. You must also swear that the adultery was not condoned by you, and that it was not permitted or invented simply as a means to obtaining a quick divorce. Note that adultery can be difficult to prove if your spouse is unwilling to simply admit to it in an affidavit.

3. Cruelty

Finally, a divorce may be granted in circumstances in which your spouse has treated you with intolerable physical or mental cruelty. If your spouse has treated you in such a way that it would be unreasonable or intolerable for you to continue to live with them, the Court may order a divorce. On a petition for divorce on the basis of cruelty, the Court will consider the effect of the conduct in question on you, the victim, in order to determine whether the behaviour in question constitutes cruelty.

Please note that the divorce itself is only one issue a couple faces when their marriage breaks down. Other issues that arise when a couple separates include the division of family property, custody and access regarding children, child support, and spousal support. If you choose to seek a divorce, on any of these grounds, it is best to consult a lawyer who can guide you through the procedure of obtaining a divorce and settling the corollary issues that arise when a couple separates.

This post is for information purposes only and should not be taken as legal opinions on any specific facts or circumstances. Counsel should be consulted concerning your own situation and any specific legal questions you may have.

See lawyers listinsg on the Regina directory under Legal & Professional services.

Bergens Auto Body Regina are a local family business and from the moment you walk in the door you will be treated like family! They are proud to have an amazing 80 Years Auto Body Experience, and they have been serving Regina Auto Body needs for over 30 Years....they have a loyal customer base that simply wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Bergen's are an SGI Accredited Regina Auto Body and Collision Repair shop They offer courtesy cars to their clients and they specialize in foreign vehicles . They are your Trusted Regina auto body professionals

Bergens auto body shares news of changes to SGI Claims process happening soon!  

Saskatchewan drivers now have a new way for processing collision claims through Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI), specifically for minor damages, like in a fender bender-type collision. Drivers can soon choose to take their vehicles to an auto body repair shop approved by SGI, where both the estimate and repairs will be done.

The minister responsible for SGI Don McMorris said the new setup will allow drivers to have vehicle repairs completed at the same shop where the claim is filed. SGI's claims centres will still be open and employ the same number of staff. They'll still be an option for drivers with minor damages, and they'll continue to handle larger damage, such as total losses. Where the vehicle will go will still be determined when a driver initially files the claim. The government says an audit process is in place to ensure body shops remain objective in their assessment. "People from SGI will be evaluating, you know, a spot evaluation of the body shop to make sure the damage was accurately assessed," McMorris said. "It's a benefit to the customer, it's a benefit to the body shop, as well as SGI. It gets some of that work out of our adjustment centres." McMorris said repair shops will also be subject to annual training.

Approximately 20 repair shops in the province are already doing damage estimates for drivers, SGI said. It hopes 180 shops will be accredited to do so by the end of the year. SGI estimated that there are more than 200,000 auto damage claims in Saskatchewan each year.

Bergen's AutoBody & Collision Centre are TRUSTED REGINA AUTO BODY EXPERTS...and they are waiting to help you. You can be assured that they will look after you ..you can TRUST them..we Guarantee it! 

This post contains quotes from the following sources: 

http://globalnews.ca/news/2199719/sgi-changing-how-you-can-get-vehicle-damage-assessed/

http://www.repairerdrivennews.com/2015/09/07/saskatchewan-government-insurance-to-let-collision-repairers-estimate-claims/

http://www.cbc.ca/m/news/canada/saskatchewan/auto-claim-process-to-change-for-drivers-sgi-1.3212830

Regina couple preserving a peice of city history:

An old carriage house that is currently in the process of being repaired by Regina couple Joe Michel and Tammy Kwan in Regina on August 19, 2015. Joe Michel is shown in the photo. The carriage house has been lifted as a new foundation is being built for it.

Tucked behind Regina’s busiest street, lies a remnant of a bygone era commonly characterized by horse-drawn carriages.

In the back alley of the 2900 block of Albert Street is perhaps the last remaining carriage house in the city.

The regal old building, now sitting high atop wooden planks, it is ready for its new lease on life.

Joe Michel and his partner Tammy Kwan are in the first stage of restoring and repurposing the old building.

“It was built about 1911, the same time as the house and it was a genuine carriage house designed for the horse and carriages at the time,” said Michel.

The green and brick-coloured building complement the much larger main house. The white trimmed doors and windows provide a faint hint of the home’s former country life.

A small, wooden door in a corner of the carriage house was once used as an entryway for chickens.

Rather than a double-car garage, it has double carriage doors while a hayloft doors flank the ends of the building.

Michel purchased the property three decades ago, but for years the old structure sat dormant.

Two years ago, the couple decided to do something with the building, but were unsure of where to start.

“It’s basically all original because very little has been done to it since it was built,” said Michel.

The only options were to restore it or tear it down.

Erecting something new, was just not feasible because a modern building would clash with the classic look of the main house, which they love.

In 1911, it was a state-of-the-art carriage house.

Unfortunately, it was built at a time when that technology was being phased out.

The couple received a lead on someone who could help them with the monumental task at hand.

But first, it needed to be stabilized.

As soon as the house was lifted, the sloped roof corrected itself, which was a pleasant surprise, said Michel.

The house will soon be repositioned and placed on a new foundation. A new roof, windows and doors will complete this year’s work.

Next year, the focus will be on the interior.

Kwan said she wants a private little getaway while still staying at home to read, relax and exercise.

“Like a little cottage in the woods,” she said.

Both are excited about the project and so is the rest of the neighbourhood as evidenced by the many observers drawn to the work.

Bergens are a local family business and from the moment you walk in the door you will be treated like family!

Bergens Auto Body Regina are proud to have an amazing 80 Years Auto Body Experience, and they have been serving Regina Auto Body needs for over 30 Years....they have a loyal customer base that simply wouldn't think of going anywhere else. Bergen's are an SGI Accredited Regina Auto Body and Collision Repair shop , they offer courtesy cars to their clients and they specialize in foreign vehicles.

While Bergens Auto Body Regina appreciate your business, we know it's never fun to get into a collision in the first place.

Here they share a tip on Deductible Payment Plan:

You can use the Deductible Payment Plan to finance your deductible over a period of 10 months

We understand that coming up with the deductible can sometimes be tough on your budget.

It doesn't matter how your vehicle was damaged - collision, vandalism, hail or theft - if you have a deductible to pay, and you're eligible, you can access the plan.

You're eligible for the plan if your personal vehicle is both:

• registered in the LV or F classes
• covered by basic licence plate insurance

You're not eligible for the plan if: 

• You have an auto extension policy (package policy) that lowers your deductible; and/or
• You owe money to SGI or have a recovery file with our Central Recovery Unit.

Getting signed up

When you first report your claim to SGI, your adjuster will go over the program with you and let you know if you're eligible.

When you take your vehicle to SGI to be appraised, you'll get an application form to fill out. You can do 1 of 2 things:

• You can fill out the form at that time and attach a void cheque.
• You can give the completed form and void cheque to the autobody shop of your choice when you take your vehicle to be repaired.

Payment schedule

Your payments will start once your vehicle is fixed.

When you pick up your repaired vehicle, you must pay the autobody shop a down payment of $100.

For the balance of the deductible, a payment will be automatically deducted from your bank account over a period of 10 months. There is no interest charged, but a one-time administration fee of $30 will be charged with your first payment under the plan.

Maximum number of claims under the plan

You're allowed up to 3 claims through the plan at a time, as long as your account with SGI is in good standing on previous claims.

Bergen's GUARANTEE that you will be treated to both friendly service and quality workmanship....and after speaking to their clients we can definitely say that they do all they claim and all in a style all of their own!

Bergen's AutoBody & Collision Centre are TRUSTED REGINA AUTO BODY EXPERTS...and they are waiting to help you. Fan them on Facebook here and be assured that they will look after you ..you can TRUST them..we Guaranteee it!

Tenant or Renter’s Insurance

As a renter you may feel you don’t need insurance coverage. But take a look around. How much would it cost to replace all your belongings if they were lost?

Tenant or Renter Insurance can protect your contents and your liability exposure. All it takes is a few extra dollars a month and you’re covered.

Not all home policies are created equally, or priced the same. They are designed to meet each individual’s needs. Make sure you’re covered! Contact an  Insurance Representative today for your free quote!