Joe Hilton

Joe is a partner with the national accounting firm BDO Canada LLP and is based in BDO’s Barrie office. Joe is both a Chartered Accountant (2000) and a Chartered Business Valuator (2002). Joe has worked with local family law lawyers and separating spouses since 1999. Joe’s primary services include business valuations and income determinations for spousal and child support including those with a forensic component. Joe also provides assistance with the preparation of net family property statements, quantifying tax liabilities, and assisting with tax efficient settlement agreements.

Joe has given a number of presentations to various groups regarding business valuations and related services. He has also testified as an expert witness and has assisted in settlement conferences and arbitrations.

Joe served as the Treasurer of Credit Counselling Service of Simcoe County, a not-for-profit organization from June 2005 to June 2009, and from June 2010 to April 2011.

Common Myths about Divorce

Myth: Divorce is the end of my world.

Fact: Divorce is only one event in your life. You can choose to give up hope or you can choose to treat it as a new opportunity to improve your life.

Myth: My spouse must be made to pay for breaking our vow.

Fact: Regardless of who decides to end the marriage, no one is blamed monetarily. We have what is called a “no fault” divorce.

Myth: I get half of everything my spouse owns and he/she gets half of everything I own.

Fact: You do not necessarily get half of his tools, or half of her jewellery, etc. The value of all assets and liabilities amassed during the marriage are accounted for by each of you and the person who has more net family property than the other pays half of the difference to the other spouse. The idea is that each person will share equally in the growth or loss from the marriage. There are certain rules applicable to certain assets, for example gifts and inheritances received during marriage are exempted from the calculation.

Myth: If I ask for what is fair, my spouse is going to want me to go lower and so I will ask for a ridiculously high amount for support or property division.

Fact: It is best to negotiate in good faith rather than to take an unreasonable stand which could scuttle negotiations.

Myth: The children will see what an idiot my spouse is when I explain to them what he/she is expecting me to settle for.

Fact: The children ought not be expected or asked to take sides or to be involved in adult issues. They need to know that each parent loves them and that they are free to love their parent without fear of repercussions from the other parent.

Locate a Collaborative Professional

Using the Collaborative process to resolve the issues arising from your marriage is the most respectful, sensible and cost effective way to do so. Speak to a Collaborative professional to find out how the process works.

Our blog

Learn more about how Collaborative Practice can help you.

Collaborative Practice Simcoe County is group of Collaborative Divorce Professionals in Simcoe County serving the Greater Barrie, Innisfil, Collingwood and Orillia areas.

Collaborative Practice Simcoe County

Click here to view on Google Maps

For Clients

For Professionals