Adultery is a recognized ground for divorce in Ontario, though its influence on the process is limited. Divorce in Canada operates under the federal Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3, which follows a no-fault model. A court does not weigh who caused the marriage to end when it decides spousal support, property division, or parenting […]
An uncontested divorce is the simplest way to end a marriage in Ontario, but simple does not mean risk-free. You are not legally required to hire a divorce lawyer for an uncontested divorce, and many people file on their own. However, a divorce lawyer can help you avoid filing errors, protect your entitlements to property […]
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 […]
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 […]
Second marriages often involve blended families, adult children from prior relationships, jointly owned property, and competing moral expectations. Estate plans that worked well after a first marriage or divorce may no longer align with legal reality after remarriage. Since 2022, Ontario law has changed in a way that increases personal responsibility around estate planning. These […]
Collaborative divorce is a voluntary legal process that helps couples resolve family issues without going to court. Each spouse retains their own lawyer who has been specifically trained in collaborative family law. Both parties and their lawyers sign a participation agreement committing to open communication, full financial disclosure, and respectful negotiation. Despite being a straightforward […]
Under Canada’s Divorce Act, you can file for divorce on your own, and your spouse cannot legally prevent it if the legal grounds are met. They may cause delays, but they cannot block the process entirely. If you’re in a situation where separation and eventually divorce is necessary, Canadian law is your ally as long […]
