Family Law

If you are separating or divorcing and have children, one of the most important issues you will face is how parenting arrangements will work going forward. In 2021, the Divorce Act was amended to replace the terms "custody" and "access" with "decision-making responsibility" and "parenting time." While the terminology has changed, the central principle remains the same: the best interests of the child come first. Decision-Making Responsibility Decision-making responsibility re

Spousal support — sometimes called alimony — is one of the most contested issues in Ontario family law. Whether you are the one who may owe support or the one who may be entitled to receive it, understanding how spousal support works in Ontario can help you plan for your financial future after separation. Who Is Entitled to Spousal Support? Entitlement to spousal support is not automatic. Under the Divorce Act and Ontario's Family Law Act, a spouse may be entitled to support

Child support is one of the most common issues in Ontario family law. Whether you are separating from a spouse or dealing with a change in circumstances, understanding how child support works is essential. The good news is that the Federal Child Support Guidelines provide a clear framework — but there are important nuances that can significantly affect the amount. The Child Support Guidelines Table Amount The base amount of child support is determined by the Federal Child Sup

One Separation, Two Different Dates When a couple separates in Ontario, one of the first questions that arises is: what is the date of separation? The answer matters enormously. It affects property division, support obligations, tax filing status, and government benefits. But here is something that catches many people off guard — the date of separation for family law purposes and the date of separation for tax purposes are not necessarily the same. Ontario family law and the

One of the biggest concerns for anyone going through a divorce in Ontario is what will happen to their property. How are assets divided? Will you have to sell the family home? What about pensions and investments? Ontario has a specific legal framework for dividing property on marriage breakdown, and understanding it is crucial to protecting your financial future. Ontario Uses Equalization, Not Equal Division A common misconception is that everything gets split 50/50 in a divo

When a relationship ends, one of the first legal questions many people ask is whether they need a lawyer for a separation agreement. The short answer is: you are not legally required to have a lawyer, but getting one is strongly recommended. Here is why, and what you need to know about separation agreements in Ontario. What Is a Separation Agreement? A separation agreement is a legally binding contract between two people who have decided to live apart. It sets out how you wil

Child custody disputes are among the most emotionally charged aspects of family law. If you are a parent in Ontario facing a separation or divorce, understanding how custody works is essential to protecting your relationship with your children. Here are five critical things every Ontario parent should know. 1. Ontario Law Uses the "Best Interests of the Child" Standard The single most important principle in Ontario custody law is the best interests of the child. Under the Chi

Going through a divorce is one of the most stressful experiences anyone can face. If you are considering or beginning the divorce process in Ontario, understanding what lies ahead can help reduce anxiety and empower you to make informed decisions. This guide walks you through what to expect at each stage. Grounds for Divorce in Ontario In Canada, there is only one ground for divorce under the Divorce Act: breakdown of the marriage. This can be established in three ways. The m

Alsous v. Shahin, 2024 ONCA 358 (Court of Appeal for Ontario) When the Date of Separation Determines Everything In family law, the date of separation can have enormous financial consequences. It determines the valuation date for the division of property, the duration of spousal support obligations, and the scope of assets that fall within the equalization calculation. In this case, the parties fundamentally disagreed about when their marriage had ended — the wife argued it wa