Author name: Gabrielle Fisher

People frequently ask us “when am I legally separated?” or “how to I legally separate?” In Ontario there is no formal process to declare you are separated. You can be considered legally separated as soon as you take actions to end your relationship, be it a marriage or a common law relationship.  The most obvious […]

Often in Family Law matters the Court may recommend, or the parties may request, the appointment of the Office of the Children’s Lawyer (the “OCL”). The purpose of the OCL it to help children in certain type of legal cases. The OCL may be helpful when an independent third-party opinion and information is needed about

If you are going through a separation or divorce it can be hard to know where to start. One of the first steps will be the exchange of financial information or “disclosure”, which is required pursuant to Family law legislation. Exchange of financial disclosure ensures that both parties have knowledge of each others’ assets and

When legally married spouses separate with no reasonable prospect that they will resume cohabitation, the spouse whose net, financial worth is less than the other is likely entitled to an “equalization” payment. An equalization payment is intended to balance and account for the inherent joint responsibilities, whether financial or otherwise, the spouses shared during the