I have been practicing Family Law in Toronto for over 40 years. Throughout my career, I have helped thousands of couples navigate the complexities of the Family Law Act as it evolved over the years.
What most people don’t realize is that in Family Law, there are frequently exceptions to most stated rules.
In general, people tend to seek out a family lawyer when their marriage is dissolving. As you may well know, the breakdown of any relationship can be one of the most challenging and stressful experiences a person will face, especially if there are children involved.
Once a decision to separate has been made, you want an experienced lawyer who will help you minimize this emotional turmoil, a lawyer who will maximize the best possible solutions to all of the contentious issues which will have to be dealt with before a judge will grant the Divorce Order.
Most people don’t realize that they don’t have to go to Court to deal with contentious issues that arise in the separation process. Given the right approach and a correctly worded Separation Agreement, an amicable separation can reached, thereby saving you unnecessary emotional turmoil and costly litigation fees, not only at the time of separation but in the future as well.
With respect to property division, full and fair and consistent financial disclosure is required if the Separation Agreement is to be enforceable.
Property division is governed by Part 1 of the Family Law Act of Ontario, which does not apply to common law relationships. Property Division between common law spouses is governed by contributions to the acquisition, maintenance and management of particular assets.
Let me help you navigate this difficult time and maximize the best possible resolution for all parties, especially the children.
LIST OF SERVICES
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- Paternity
- Restraining Orders
- Separation / Divorce
- Uncontested Divorce
- Adoption
- Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Annulments
- Bankruptcy and Insolvency
- Child Spousal Support
- Child Custody Access
- Child Protection Proceedings including cases with Family Responsibility Office and Office of the Children’s Lawyer
- Division of Property Assets including preparation of Financial Statements required under Family Law Act
- Domestic Contract including marriage/co-habitation agreements
- Independent Legal Advice
- International Divorce
- Alternative dispute resolutions including mediation and arbitration