What Is Common-Law Separation and How Does It Work in Ontario?
Common-law separation is the dissolution of a relationship between two partners who have been living together without being married. In Ontario, common-law couples who have lived together for at least three years are considered to have the same legal rights and obligations as married couples when it comes to property division and spousal support. However, […]
What Factors Affect Child Custody Decisions in Ontario?
Child custody, also known as decision-making responsibility, is one of the most critical issues that arises during a divorce or separation in Ontario. Child custody refers to the legal right and responsibility of parents to make decisions for their children’s upbringing, including their education, healthcare, and religious upbringing. In Ontario, child custody decisions are made […]
How Do I Serve Divorce Papers in Ontario?
If you are considering filing for divorce in Ontario, you will need to serve your spouse with divorce papers. Serving divorce papers, also known as serving a divorce application, is the process of delivering the legal documents to your spouse to notify them of the divorce proceedings. In Ontario, there are specific rules and procedures […]
How Can I Get a Legal Separation in Ontario?
If you are considering ending your marriage, but do not want to get divorced, you may want to consider a legal separation. Legal separation is a process that allows you and your spouse to live apart and make decisions about issues such as child custody (Decision-making responsibility) , property division, and spousal support. In Ontario, […]
How Do I Apply for Spousal Support in Ontario?
If you are going through a separation or divorce in Ontario, you may be entitled to spousal support. Spousal support, also known as alimony, is a payment made from one spouse to another to help support them financially. The process of applying for spousal support can seem daunting, but it is important to understand your […]
How Does Adultery Affect Divorce Proceedings in Ontario?
Adultery, which refers to a spouse engaging in sexual relations with someone outside the marriage, can be a devastating breach of trust for the other spouse. In Ontario, adultery is grounds for divorce under the Divorce Act. However, does it have any bearing on the outcome of divorce proceedings, including child custody (Decision-making responsibility) and […]
What is the settlement conference in family law in Ontario?
In Family law in Ontario, a settlement conference is a meeting between the parties to a family dispute and a judge or master in order to attempt to resolve the dispute and reach a settlement without the need for a trial. The settlement conference is an informal and confidential process that allows the parties to […]
What is the legal definition of a blended family in family law in Ontario?
In Family law in Ontario, Blended families can take many different forms, and may involve step-parents, step-siblings, and half-siblings. The legal definition of a blended family is important as it can impact issues such as custody (decision-making responsibility), child support, and property division. Definition of a Blended Family A blended family is a family unit […]
What is estate planning and why is it important?
Estate planning is the process of arranging for the management and distribution of a person’s assets after they pass away. It involves making important decisions about who will receive the assets, how they will be distributed, and how taxes and other expenses will be paid. Estate planning is important for individuals of all ages and […]
What does a family trust mean under the legal system in Ontario?
A family trust is a legal arrangement that can be used to protect and manage assets for the benefit of family members in Ontario. A family trust is created when assets are transferred into a trust and managed by a trustee, who is responsible for managing the assets and distributing them according to the terms […]