Divorce in Ontario: A Beginner’s Guide to the Key Court Forms in Family Proceedings
Starting a divorce in Ontario can feel overwhelming – but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many people find the legal side of separation confusing, especially when faced with court forms, deadlines, and unfamiliar terms and processes. The good news? With a little guidance, you can make sense of the paperwork, and take confident steps forward. This article introduces some of the most common...
What are My Rights If I Get a Divorce in Ontario?
Divorce can be one of the most challenging life transitions you can face, both emotionally and financially. If you’re considering divorce in Ontario, it’s important to understand your rights, particularly when it comes to property division, parenting arrangements, and spousal support. Knowing where you stand legally can help you make informed decisions, avoid costly mistakes, and...
A Practical Guide to Spousal Support in Ontario
When a marriage or common-law relationship ends in Ontario, one of the biggest financial questions is whether one spouse should pay support to the other. It’s referred to as “spousal support” in Ontario and Canada (and “alimony” in the U.S.), and this type of payment is intended to help ensure fairness after a breakup, especially when one spouse was financially dependent on the other. Let’s...
Key Signs of Parental Alienation – And How to Address Them
“Parental alienation” is a heartbreaking and complex issue. It can arise during high-conflict separations or divorces, and occurs when one parent consciously or unconsciously undermines the relationship between a child and the other parent. This leads the child to reject or fear the alienated parent—often without valid justification. If you are a parent navigating a custody dispute, it’s vital...
Pride Month & Parenthood Planning: Ontario’s Cautionary Tale
June is Pride Month — a time to celebrate love and families, and the many unique and different forms both can take. For many in the 2SLGBTQ+ community, building a family still involves navigating legal, emotional, and logistical hurdles that heterosexual couples may never have to think about. A recent Ontario case shows just how complicated things can get when friends set out to create a...
Can I Legally Record My Spouse in Canada? What You Need to Know During Separation and Divorce
When you’re in the middle of a high-conflict separation or divorce, it can be tempting to record your Ex during a heated conversation — especially if you think what they say might help in your litigation. But is it legal to secretly hit “record” on your phone? And if so, can that recording be used in court? Let’s break down the law in Canada when it comes to recording conversations —...
“At-Fault” Divorce in Canada: What It Is, and When It Matters
Recently, we wrote about what it means to get a “no-fault” divorce in Canada. Most divorces proceed on a no-fault basis because it’s usually the simplest, fastest, and most cost-efficient way to go. But did you know that an “at-fault” divorce is also available? This route applies to situations where misconduct by a spouse is what causes the marital breakdown. While it’s less commonly used in...
Divorce and Fatherhood: Understanding Your Rights in Canada
Divorce and fatherhood are a challenging journey for any parent. And if you’re a father, you might be feeling uncertain about what comes next, especially when it comes to your kids. The good news? Canadian family law is built around the idea that children benefit from having both parents in their lives. If you’re a dad, this means you have rights too — and it’s important to understand what...
No-Fault Divorce – What It Means, and How it Works
If you’re considering ending your marriage in Canada, you’ve likely come across the term “no-fault divorce.” But what does it really mean—and how does it work? Understanding the legal process can help you feel more confident as you take steps toward a new chapter in life. What Is a No-Fault Divorce? Under the Canadian federal Divorce Act, all divorces are considered no-fault. That means...