Q&A: Understanding Restraining Orders in Ontario
You may have heard the term “restraining order”, but you may not be clear on what it means, how it might help you in your Family Law matter, or how to get one. In Ontario, restraining orders (also known as Family Law Protection Orders) are a powerful legal remedy available through the Family court system, and they can play a critical role in ensuring safety during and after separation. Here...
10 Family Law Myths That Could Hurt Your Divorce Case
10 family law myths that could hurt you. If you’re going through a separation or divorce, you’re likely relying on what friends, relatives, or the Internet is telling you about “how it works.” The problem is, much of this information is wrong – or at least only half right. Believing in myths and misinformation can seriously damage your divorce case. This can lead to wasted time, unnecessary...
Putting Kids First – While Still Making Parenting Time Decisions That Actually Work
If you are one of two parents who have separated, parenting time decisions, you’ll know that it’s common for emotions to run high. It’s natural to want as much time with your child as possible – but also normal to feel defensive when your Ex pushes for an arrangement you don’t agree with. But at the end of the day, parenting time and arrangements around decision-making responsibility are not...
Rule 24: Understanding “Costs” in Family Law Litigation in Ontario
When it comes to Family Law Litigation in Ontario, most people rightly focus on the big issues: Parenting arrangements, child support, spousal support, or property division. But an often-overlooked aspect of litigation is the matter of “costs.” Understanding “Costs” in Family Law Litigation: A Key Aspect of the Process Understanding this concept – and the factors that go into how a court...
Alternative Dispute Resolution in Family Law: Finding Solutions Outside the Courtroom
If you’re in a Family Law dispute with your former partner, you’ll know that it can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. In traditional court process can feel inefficient, slow and costly. You may feel trapped in a maze of procedures, and stymied by countless delays. In Ontario, the good news is that there are alternatives – namely the set of options collectively known as...
Understand Rule 6 of the Family Law Rules: Serving Family Court Documents in Ontario
If you are involved in any sort of litigation, you’ll hear the words “service of documents” or “serving documents” quite frequently. Understand rule 6 Family Law Rules serving family court documents in Ontario Especially if you’re involved in a Family Law matter like divorce, you probably know that it’s one of the more important steps in the legal process. In this context, it involves...
Understanding the “Primary Objective” Under the Ontario Family Law Rules
If you’re involved in a family law matter in Ontario – whether it’s a divorce, custody dispute, or child support application – you might already know that the outcome of your case will be governed by statues like the federal Divorce Act, the provincial Family Law Act, or the Children’s Law Reform Act. But did you know that your case is impacted by a set of procedural Ontario Family...
Let’s Make a Deal: How to Settle Your Family Law Case
When you’re going through a separation or divorce, you might picture your case ending in a dramatic courtroom showdown. But the truth is, most Family Law Case disputes in Ontario – and across Canada – settle before trial, including your Family Law Case. Settlement can take many forms: A signed separation agreement, Consent orders, or Informal arrangements that later get formalized. The...
A Case Conference in Ontario Family Law: What to Expect
If you and your ex are involved in a Family Law proceeding in Ontario, you will come across something called a Case Conference. In fact, in almost all cases, it’s mandatory that you attend at least one, and it usually happens very early in your “journey” through the Family court system. Let’s break down what a Case Conference Ontario is, what goes on at one, and how to make the most of yours....