Family Homes Law comes into force

12/10/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) wishes to inform the community that the Kahnawà:ke Family Homes and Matrimonial Property Law (“Kahnawà:ke Family Homes Law”) has now officially  ‘come into force’ following the passage of Mohawk Council Resolution (MCR)  #2 / 2014-2015 at the duly convened Council Meeting held on Monday, 8 Tsothóhrha/December.

The MCR was approved by all twelve chiefs.
 
The Kahnawà:ke Family Homes Law was created to replace Canada’s S-2 ‘Matrimonial Real Interests’ legislation, which gave provincial courts the jurisdiction to adjudicate in the division of property when a marriage or common-law relationship ends. It is the first law to use the Urgent Process of the Community Decision Making Process (CDMP).

The Kahnawà:ke Family Homes Law will now be submitted to the Kahnawà:ke Legislative Coordinating Commission to ensure that it re-enters the regular CDMP within a year and a day of the law coming into force. It will also be sent to the Minister of Aboriginal Affairs & Northern Development Canada as a matter of notification that the Kahnawà:ke law is now officially in force.