Learning Center

Many parents involved in family disputes are unfamiliar with the significant role the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (OCL) plays in custody and access matters. Its involvement can feel daunting, as its findings and recommendations often carry substantial weight in influencing the court’s decisions. However, their involvement can also de-escalate high-conflict cases, helping parents and the Court focus on the child’s best interests instead of other disputes. 

Spousal Support – General Principles Spousal support aims to ensure financial fairness after a marriage or common-law relationship ends. In Ontario, spousal support follows the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines (SSAG). It provides a range of possible support amounts based on several factors. These take into account several factors, including the length of the relationship and …

One of the most paramount issues in family law matters involving children is the determination of Decision-Making Responsibility (DMR). DMR dictates how parents will make important decisions regarding a child’s welfare, encompassing key areas such as education, religious upbringing, and, perhaps most importantly, medical treatment. These decisions often become contentious, especially when both parents hold strong, conflicting views on what is in the best interests of their child. The complexities surrounding DMR have been heightened by societal and health developments, recently none more impactful than the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dividing property between former partners can be an extremely complex process. in Ontario family law, this process is called equalization. Governed by the Family Law Act (FLA), this process establishes a deferred community of property system. If that sounds complicated, that’s because it is.

Child support is a legal obligation where a parent must provide financial support for their children after separation.  The point of child support is to ensure children continue to receive financial care necessary for their well-being, similar to how they would have prior to their parents’ separation.

If you’re reading this, you may have found yourself in a situation where your child’s parent or guardian has removed your child from Canada without your permission.  Legally speaking, this may qualify as an ‘international child abduction.

You might assume that as a common-law partner, you have the same rights and responsibilities as married spouses – but that isn’t true.

The following information is a general summary of the purpose of a case conference and the requirements to complete a case conference brief. It is not an exhaustive description of how to complete every section of the brief. It is highly recommended that a party needing to attend a case conference in family court retain legal counsel.
Once parties in a family law case have served and filed their pleadings and attended their first appearance court date, they will be scheduled to attend a case conference.

The information below is a summary discussion of the Mandatory Information Program and the First Appearance Court Date. The information below is intended to serve as a general overview of these steps in a family law case. If you are the Applicant, Respondent or an additional party to a family law case, it is strongly …

14B Motion divorce document on family law lawyer desk signature pen legal