A family lawyer in Oakville.
We meet people from Oakville and the rest of Halton, on the phone or in person, at a time that is safe for you.
Who comes to us
- People who have just separated and want to know what to sort out first.
- Parents working out parenting time and child support.
- Couples who want to agree and need it written up properly.
- People ready to divorce after a year apart.
Your next steps
The order of things depends on two facts: whether you were married, and whether you have children together. Answer both on the home page to see the usual steps, each with the rule it comes from.
Questions people ask first
Do common-law partners divide property the same way?
No. The Family Law Act’s equalization rules apply to married spouses. Common-law partners are covered by its support rules, not by equalization.
Family Law Act, ss. 1(1) and 29
How long do we have to be apart before a divorce?
A divorce based on separation needs at least one year of living separate and apart.
Divorce Act, s. 8(2)(a)
How is child support worked out?
The amount comes from the Child Support Guidelines tables: the federal tables in a divorce, Ontario’s tables otherwise.
Child Support Guidelines
Do we have to go to court?
Not necessarily. Mediation is one alternative. An agreement only holds if it is in writing, signed by both of you and witnessed.
Family Law Act, s. 55(1)
Tell us where things stand.
A first conversation is about what you need to decide soon and what can wait. Leave a number or an email and say when is safe to reach you.
Or call 905-555-0137 · hello@larchmere.example