In Ontario, married spouses are expected to equalize the value of all of the property that they acquired during their marriage, with certain specific exceptions, which are discussed below.
Read MoreMarried Spouses & Property
Family Law
Common-Law Spouses & Property
Will You Be Entitled to ½?
Many unmarried, cohabiting couples assume that, if they separate, each of them will share one-half of all of the assets, or wealth, that they accumulated as a couple. This is an inaccurate, though widely held, belief. An unmarried, cohabiting spouse does not have any automatic right to share in the property of his or her partner, in the event that they separate.
Read MoreFinancial Concerns
Achieving financial wellbeing, present and future, is one of the most important goals for separating spouses.
Uncertainty and fear about the financial future can fuel needless family law battles, even though the cost of such battles does not advance the goal of financial wellbeing.
Read MoreDirect Negotiations
How Does it Work?
In the very best case scenario, you and your spouse will be able to communicate directly to negotiate a Family Law result that is best suited for you. Most people would be reluctant to participate in this type of negotiation without receiving advice from a family lawyer about possible outcomes. It is essential that you obtain sound information and advice from a family lawyer.
Read MoreMediation
How Does it Work?
Mediation is a problem solving process in which separating spouses work with a neutral third party, the mediator, who assists them in finding solutions to their Family Law issues. The mediator does not provide participants with legal advice and does not make a decision about issues over which the participants disagree. Instead, he or she uses tools which help the participants to overcome areas of disagreement and arrive at a settlement.
Read MoreFamily Law Coaching
Your Key to Achieving Superior, Affordable Family Law Results
If you are separating or divorcing, everything that is most important to you is at stake: your children, your finances, your business, your home, your savings and investments.
Managing the Family Law process is complex – too complex to be taken on without legal support. We can help.
Read MoreCollaborative Family Law
How Does It Work
Collaborative Family Law is a resolution process in which separating spouses agree that they will not go to Court. Instead, they agree to work together, in a collaborative manner, that is open and that places the needs of their children first. Each party has the benefit of a collaborative family lawyer who participates in the settlement negotiations, providing his or her client with legal advice and guidance throughout the negotiations. If a separating spouse is uncertain about managing negotiations on his or her own, Collaborative Family Law is a superior choice over direct negotiations or Mediation.
Read MoreCounsel Negotiations
How Does it Work
Instead of negotiating directly with your spouse, you can have your family lawyer manage the negotiations on your behalf. Where:
Read MoreArbitration
How Does it Work
Arbitration allows for the resolution of disputes outside of the Court, through a process that is similar to the Court process. It is essentially a “private court,” in which the parties hire an “arbitrator” and agree to be bound by his or her decision in relation to their Family Law issues. The arbitrator is jointly selected by the parties and must be certified by the ADR Institute of Ontario. In Family Law cases, the arbitrator is generally a seasoned family lawyer. As is the case in Court, the arbitrator will make a decision after receiving evidence and hearing arguments from both parties. As is the case in Court, both parties are generally represented by skilled litigation lawyers.
Read MoreCourt
How Does it Work?
Proceeding to Court is generally the most time-consuming, hostile and costly technique to resolve Family Law issues. However, in some cases, it is unavoidable. If proceeding to Court, you and your spouse should each retain skilled litigation counsel. You will then prepare and file required Court documentation and place your issues before a judge, for his/her direction or decision in relation to contested matters.
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