What is a spouse in family law?
Definition of a “Spouse” in Family Property, Support Payments, and Wills/Estates Many people think they will qualify as a spouse since they are living or cohabitating with their partner. Yet, the definition of a “spouse” will vary according to its context. Traditionally, to be a spouse, you would partake in a religious or secular marriage […]
Family Law Restraining Orders
What are Family Law Restraining Orders A Family Law Restraining Order is more or less what it sounds like, it is an Order from a family law court that controls whether and according to what terms, one person may interact with another. Typically, such Orders restrict both the communication between the protected person and the […]
I Have Been Served With A Family Law Application, What Happens If I Do Not Respond (By The Deadline)?
I have been served with a Family Law Application, what now? When you are served with a family law Application, you are given a first court date and a 30-day deadline by which to respond by filing a document known as an Answer. The first court date is known as a First Appearance which is […]
How to Get Spousal Support in 4 Easy Steps
What is Spousal Support? Spousal support, sometimes called “alimony”, is money paid from one spouse to the other after the dissolution of the relationship. The obligation to pay spousal support is a legal one, and may arise either from a marriage, or from a common-law relationship.[1] Spousal support, unlike child support, is not an automatic […]
A Guide to Equalization
Either spouse can apply for equalization under the Family Law Act of Ontario (“FLA”) after separation. This is however, restricted by a limitation period codified by the FLA, which prevents one from bringing a claim for equalization later than the earliest of the following: Six months from the date of the spouse’s death. Six years […]
Legal Aid
Legal Aid Ontario (LAO) provides legal assistance to people who cannot afford private counsel. In the family law context, LAO issues “Certificates” to those who qualify. Eligibility is assessed according to your particular legal issue and financial situation. Once acquired, a Certificate acts as a coupon for free legal services for a certain number of […]
