Separated parents in Ontario hear “shared parenting time” early in their case, often without a clear sense of what it actually involves. The Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 defines it as any arrangement where a child lives with each parent at least 40% of the time across the year, which works out to about […]
Remarriage does not automatically remove an ex-spouse from your financial accounts, insurance policies, or registered assets in Ontario. Ontario law treats your will and your registered assets as two entirely separate matters, and each one requires its own update after remarriage. Without both in place, an ex-spouse can still inherit a significant portion of your […]
Unlike divorce, which ends a valid marriage, an annulment recognizes that a valid marriage never existed under the law. Being unable to distinguish both is important because the rights and responsibilities that follow differ greatly between annulment, divorce, and separation. In this blog, we cover the legal grounds for annulment, documents required and process to […]
Disagreements between co-parents over extracurricular activities are more common than most people expect, and they escalate quickly when schedules, costs, and parenting time all collide at once. Ontario law provides a clear framework for resolving these disputes, and understanding where you stand legally before the conflict deepens saves both parents significant time and expense. What […]
When a grandchild’s safety is at immediate risk, grandparents often have no idea where to turn or what legal options exist. Ontario law does allow grandparents to apply for emergency custody, but the process requires meeting a specific legal threshold before a court grants any urgent relief. Grandparents hold no automatic custody rights under Ontario […]
Summer is the part of the year that reveals exactly how well a co-parenting arrangement actually functions. School routines disappear, schedules expand, and both parents suddenly need extended blocks of time for vacations, camps, and family plans. Without a clear summer parenting schedule in place, these competing priorities create conflict fast. Ontario law does not […]
Family court proceedings in Ontario move through defined procedural stages before reaching a final determination. Courts often make temporary orders early in the case to address immediate issues while the matter remains unresolved. What Is a Temporary Order? These interim decisions are meant to stabilize the parties’ circumstances, address urgent concerns, and allow the case […]
Remarriage does not automatically change existing support obligations. A person who pays child support or spousal support must continue to follow the terms of the current arrangement unless a court changes the order or the parties sign a new enforceable agreement. Support obligations in Ontario may arise under the Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, […]
A child refusing to see a parent is one of the most difficult issues that arises after separation. It is also one of the most misunderstood. In Ontario, a child’s refusal does not automatically change parenting time or override an existing court order. It initiates an evidentiary analysis process, during which judges examine surrounding circumstances, […]
Family law in Ontario actively promotes dispute resolution at every stage of litigation. Courts expect parties to explore settlement options, including mediation, before allowing matters to proceed toward trial. Mediation during a contested divorce is not about forcing compromise. It is a structured legal process that allows parties to resolve some or all issues while […]
