Family Law

Section 16.1 of the Divorce Act, R.S.C. 1985, c. 3 (2nd Supp.) allows courts to make orders for parenting time and decision-making responsibility in regard to “children of the marriage.” The definition of “children of the marriage” under the Divorce…

When the Children’s Aid Society (“CAS”) becomes involved in your family’s lives, it is normal to feel worried and have questions.  A common concern is whether CAS can interview your child without parental consent. This, and other investigative techniques, may…

In family law, parents are responsible for financially supporting their children and paying child support; however, there are circumstances where grandparents may be asked to contribute financially to the upbringing of their grandchildren. Legal Basis for Child Support in Ontario…

In Ontario, the legal distinctions between common-law relationships and marriages are significant, particularly when it comes to property rights and the concept of a matrimonial home. Unlike married couples, common-law partners do not share the same rights to property, including…

The High Cost of Hostility in Family Court In an Ontario Court of Appeal decision, a spouse was ordered to pay over a million dollars to their ex-partner. This amount was unrelated to property division, child support, or spousal support.…

The question of whether an inheritance can influence child support obligations is an important consideration for many families. The short answer is yes. While inheritances themselves are typically not subject to division at the end of a marriage, the income…

When a Family Court modifies an existing order, it is important to understand the status of the original order and which parts, if any, remain enforceable. Family law recognizes that circumstances within a family can change and may require adjustments…

In Ontario, common law partners who decide to separate may wonder whether they can draft a legally binding separation agreement without the involvement of a lawyer. While it is possible to create such a document independently, there are several important…