Clear advice, multiple strategies, and honest communication. Barry handled my case efficiently with fair, transparent billing throughout the process.
Trusted legal support—now in 11 locations
Divorce and separation are tough. They bring legal issues, strong emotions, and money worries. We help Ontario residents understand their rights, and create a clear plan. One that matches your goals with care and compassion.
Tell us about your situation, we’re here to help you.
You’re making big decisions right now. They affect your money, your kids, and your home. You’re also handling unexpected stress.
Questions about timelines, costs, and next steps are completely normal when things feel uncertain.
At Nussbaum Law, we give clear answers to people in Ontario going through separation. We take care of the legal steps so you can focus on what matters most: yourself and your family.
Any questions? We are here to help!
Need a lawyer for divorce? Your spouse might already be planning their next steps. A free consultation gives you a better understanding of your rights, options, and likely next steps.
We provide divorce and family law services throughout the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario. Select your city for location-specific information:
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Every divorce is different. Some couples agree on most issues. Others do not. The process depends on your situation, your finances, and whether children are involved. We help with both simple and complex cases.
An uncontested divorce means both spouses agree on key issues such as property, support, and parenting. This option usually costs less and moves faster. Best part? An uncontested divorce does not require court appearances.
Spouses may file together as co-applicants, which is often called a joint or simple divorce. Reaching agreement before filing helps avoid delays and reduces stress.
A contested divorce happens when you and your spouse disagree on one or more big issues. Common disagreements involve property division, support, parenting time, or decision-making.
Disputes often center on the family home, business value, retirement savings, or where the children will live. Most contested divorces settle before trial through negotiation or mediation. The process includes filing documents, exchanging financial information, attempting settlement, and attending court only if required. Working with a lawyer often shortens the process and helps control conflict.
Divorce can become more complex when one spouse lives outside Canada or when property is held in another country. You may have questions about which court has authority and whether foreign court orders apply in Ontario.
We help with:
Same-sex couples follow the same family law rules in Ontario. Property, support, and parenting are handled under the same legal framework.
Common concerns include
Canada uses a no-fault divorce system. You do not need to prove wrongdoing to get divorced. Most people qualify by living separate and apart for one year. Adultery and cruelty are legal grounds, but they are rarely needed. These issues do not affect property division or support.
Learn more about a no-fault divorce
A joint divorce allows both spouses to file together when they agree on all terms. This option is often faster, costs less, and reduces conflict. We help make sure:
Some divorces involve little or no cooperation. A spouse may hide income, spend irresponsibly, or use aggressive court tactics. These cases require a different legal approach. We protect our clients from manipulation, limit conflict around children, and act quickly when issues arise. High-conflict cases require firm boundaries and steady legal control.
Learn more about divorce involving conflict
When significant assets are involved, divorce requires careful financial review. This may include businesses, multiple properties, stock options, or large retirement accounts. We work with financial professionals to:
To file for divorce in Ontario, you must meet legal requirements. Most people qualify after living separate and apart for one year. Some cases involve adultery or cruelty, but these are uncommon.
You may file together with your spouse or apply on your own. The steps, timelines, and cost depend on whether the divorce is uncontested or contested.
We guide you through each stage so you know what to expect and what comes next.
Credit cards, loans, and lines of credit taken during the marriage can create risk after separation. One spouse may continue spending while both remain legally responsible. We help limit exposure, assign responsibility fairly, and prevent future financial harm.
In Ontario, property division is based on net family property from the date of marriage to the date of separation. Common issues include disputed separation dates, refinancing the family home, and dividing its value. We ensure assets and debts are valued correctly so outcomes are fair.
Spousal support depends on income, length of marriage, and roles during the relationship. Some spouses need time to return to work or retrain. We explain support rights and obligations so expectations are clear from the start.
Dividing a business or professional practice requires careful valuation. Income, expenses, and future earning capacity may all be reviewed. We work with financial experts to value businesses and structure settlements that allow continued operation.
Divorce affects taxes in many ways, including property transfers, support payments, and retirement accounts. We explain tax impact in advance and coordinate with accountants when needed to avoid costly mistakes.
Child support follows federal guidelines. Shared parenting, special expenses, and changes in income can affect amounts owed. We calculate accurate support and help update agreements when circumstances change.
Ending a marriage can be simple or very hard. Some separations move quickly. Others involve serious conflict. Having the right lawyer can help keep the process moving and reduce stress.
Separation is a legal change in your relationship. We help you understand if you qualify for divorce under Ontario law.
We explain whether you qualify for divorce under Ontario law and how your choices affect the outcome of your case.
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Talk to a family lawyer today and start your case with real guidance. Book a free consultation or give us a call.
Separation gives you legal rights about property, support, and decisions involving children. We explain what Ontario law requires and what responsibilities each spouse has, so you understand your position before taking the next steps.
Starting with an application, we guide you through the forms and steps ahead. We explain what each document means, what it does, and how long each stage may take before it reaches resolution.
Divorce and separation have long-term financial and family effects. We help you define clear terms with a solid legal foundation.
A separation agreement defines financial responsibilities, parenting time, and property division. Understanding how a separation agreement works helps you through the process.
Get direct answers about what divorce costs, what happens at each stage, and realistic timelines from start to finish.
Divorce lawyer fees in Ontario usually range from $1,500 to $4,500 for uncontested divorces and $5,000 to $15,000 or more for contested cases. Hourly rates typically fall between $250 and $450, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the firm’s location.
An uncontested divorce often uses a flat fee. A contested divorce usually begins with a retainer and continues with hourly billing. Court filing fees are currently $632. Other costs may include process servers, financial documents, and expert reports for complex assets.
Your total cost depends on asset complexity, whether children are involved, how much cooperation exists, and how much work you handle yourself. Self-representation often leads to higher costs later due to errors in property division, support calculations, or agreements that give up rights unintentionally.
Yes. A divorce lawyer helps protect your finances and prevents permanent mistakes in separation agreements and court filings.
Without legal guidance, people often sign away rights to property, support, or parenting time, overlook assets that should be included, agree to terms that are hard to change later, or submit filings that cause delays and added expense.
Ontario law allows self-representation, but equalization calculations and support guidelines are complex. Once signed, separation agreements are legally binding. Errors made early can affect your finances for many years.
An uncontested divorce in Ontario usually takes four to six months from filing to receiving the Certificate of Divorce.
Preparing and filing the application often takes two to four weeks. Court processing usually takes eight to twelve weeks, depending on local backlogs. After the divorce judgment, a mandatory 31-day waiting period applies before the certificate is issued.
Timelines depend on three factors. Having a signed separation agreement before filing, submitting accurate paperwork, and current court processing times. Most uncontested divorces require no court appearance. Errors in documents often add weeks when courts reject and return applications.
Yes. Net worth affects how complex a divorce becomes, how much it costs, and how long it takes, but it does not change the legal rules for property division or support in Ontario.
Property division is based on net family property accumulated during marriage, not total wealth. Spousal support depends mainly on income and marriage length, though assets can affect amount and duration. Higher net worth cases often involve business interests, stock options, multiple properties, and retirement accounts that require expert review.
Someone worth $500,000 and someone worth $5 million follow the same equalization rules. The difference is in execution. Complex assets need deeper financial analysis, which extends timelines and raises legal costs. Working with a lawyer experienced in high net worth cases helps ensure assets are valued correctly and settlements reflect their true worth.
Ontario law recognizes three grounds for divorce. One year of separation, adultery, and physical or mental cruelty.
Most people rely on one year of separation because it is the simplest and most commonly used option. Proof of adultery or cruelty is allowed but rarely necessary.
Yes, you can get divorced without a separation agreement. But skipping this step often leads to problems down the road.
Without an agreement in place, you and your spouse are more likely to disagree about money and property. Parenting schedules and support payments may stay unclear. What could have been a simple divorce might turn into a drawn-out legal fight.
A separation agreement puts everything in writing. It helps protect what matters to you, cuts down on arguments, and keeps the divorce process moving.
A separation agreement is a written plan for how you and your spouse will live apart. It covers the big questions: Where will the children live? How often will they see each parent? How will support be paid? How will you split property? Who pays which debts?
Most couples work out these details by talking things through together or with a mediator. You do not have to go to court to create one.
Once you have lived apart for one year with this agreement in place, you can usually apply for a simple, uncontested divorce.
If your spouse will not sign a separation agreement, you still have options.
You may try mediation, where a neutral person helps both sides talk and reach terms. You may use arbitration, where a private decision-maker issues a binding result. You may also go to court, where a judge decides issues like parenting, support, and property.
If your spouse refuses to cooperate, a divorce lawyer can explain your options and help you move the process forward while defending your legal rights.
In mediation, a neutral mediator helps both spouses talk through key issues. These often include parenting time, child support, spousal support, property, and debt.
The mediator does not make decisions or take sides. Their job is to keep discussions focused and help both spouses reach an agreement they can accept.
When choosing a divorce lawyer, focus on three things: experience, communication, and cost.
Find someone who handles cases like yours. If your divorce involves property, children, or support payments, make sure the lawyer has worked on those issues before.
Pay attention to how they talk to you. Do they explain things in a way you understand? Do they return your calls within a reasonable time? These small things matter.
Ask about fees upfront. Some lawyers charge by the hour. Others use flat fees. Find out how retainers work so you know what to expect. A lawyer who knows your local courthouse can also make things easier.
Ask how they approach cases. Some lawyers push for court too quickly. Others avoid court even when it is the right choice. The best lawyer is one who fits your situation. If your divorce is high-conflict, you need someone who will stand firm. If you and your spouse can cooperate, you want a lawyer who focuses on getting things done.
Trusted by families across Toronto for reliable, results-focused legal help
Clear advice, multiple strategies, and honest communication. Barry handled my case efficiently with fair, transparent billing throughout the process.
Barry explained every step with clarity, patience, and professionalism. Court preparation was thorough, and his commitment showed throughout.
Barry handled my family matter with care, professionalism, and clear communication. I would confidently recommend their services.
Barry approaches every case with focus, clarity, and a practical mindset. Working with him made a difficult situation manageable.
Barry and his team turned a complicated situation into a respectful resolution. Their approach was steady, thoughtful, and highly professional.
Professional, attentive, and thorough—Barry and his team delivered strong representation when it mattered most. I’m grateful for their support.
Nussbaum Law handled my family matter with care, professionalism, and clear communication. I would confidently recommend their services.
Barry consistently provides timely, reliable legal support. I’ve used his services and referred others with full confidence every single time.
For further details on family law and divorce regulations in Ontario, check out these official resources:
Divorce mediation is a guided process where spouses work through divorce terms with help from a neutral mediator. The goal is to reach agreements through discussion instead of conflict. Mediation differs from court because no one imposes a decision. Both spouses stay involved in shaping the outcome.
At Nussbaum Law, we believe effective mediation creates an empowered, informed environment where both spouses feel heard and respected. Our goal is to reduce conflict and help you reach a fair, sustainable agreement. If you’re considering mediation, our Toronto divorce mediation lawyers can guide you through the process.
Let our team of divorce mediation lawyers in Ontario help you reach a reasonable resolution.
Speak with a Toronto family lawyer today.
Book a free consultation and take the first step toward clarity.
Choosing a divorce lawyer is about finding someone who explains things clearly and understands your situation. A lawyer should help with separation agreements, parenting issues, and financial decisions while keeping the process organized and focused.
If you need legal guidance, speaking with a family lawyer can help you understand your options and decide on the next steps.
Start your case today. It’s free, simple, and we’ll reach out within one business day to walk you through next steps.
– Barry Nussbaum, JD, MBA, Senior Lawyer
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