Family Lawyer Vaughan: Divorce, Custody, and Support Experts

Your Vaughan Family Lawyer for Life's Most Personal Legal Matters

Whether you’re navigating a divorce, negotiating child custody, or drafting a cohabitation agreement, Nussbaum Law offers compassionate, experienced legal support tailored to Vaughan families. According to the 2021 Census by Statistics Canada, over 60 percent of Vaughan residents aged 15 and older are married or living common law, highlighting just how integral family law is to this vibrant community. Our team is here to protect your rights, reduce your stress, and help you reach fair, lasting resolutions because your future deserves more than guesswork.

Vaughan Family & Divorce Lawyer

Why Choose Nussbaum Law?

When it comes to resolving family disputes, experience, empathy, and local knowledge matter. At Nussbaum Law, we believe every client deserves competent, affordable legal representation, whether through mediation, negotiation, or litigation. We offer practical solutions that protect your best interests and minimize unnecessary conflict.

From marriage contracts and separation agreements to child custody arrangements and support calculations, our team understands that these issues are deeply personal. As your trusted family and divorce lawyer in Vaughan, we’re here to guide you with clarity and compassion every step of the way.

Reasonable Fees

We believe everyone should have access to skilled legal help. Our team works efficiently to keep legal costs down while delivering strong results.

Local Vaughan Representation

With a deep understanding of Vaughan’s family court system and Ontario’s legal framework, we offer informed strategies tailored to local procedures and judges.

Compassionate Guidance

Discussing private family matters can feel overwhelming. Our lawyers are patient listeners who treat your case with the respect and care it deserves.

Strong Advocacy When It Matters

While we prioritize peaceful resolutions, we’re fully prepared to represent you in court if necessary, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights protected.

Meet our team of Divorce & Family Lawyers at Vaughan

At Nussbaum Law, our Vaughan family and divorce lawyers are more than just legal professionals, we are your advocates, your strategists, and your support system. Each member of our team brings deep experience in Ontario family law and a compassionate, client-first approach. Whether you’re navigating divorce, resolving custody issues, or finalizing a separation agreement, you can count on our lawyers to deliver clarity, confidence, and results every step of the way.

Sarah Dingwell

Associate Lawyer

Barry Nussbaum

Owner, Senior Lawyer

Shmuel Stern

of Counsel

Jessica Cohen

Associate Lawyer

Jotty Gill

Associate Lawyer

Afras Khattak

Associate Lawyer

Jonathan Korman

Associate Lawyer

Featured in the Toronto Sun

Barry Nussbaum gives divorcing couples tips about social media use.

“Going through a separation is hard enough – the last thing you need is to do something wrong by relying on the Internet for a ‘Do-It-Yourself’ divorce or airing your dirty laundry, both of which may come back to haunt you later.” 

– Barry Nussbaum

Read all about it here.  

Testimonials

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Ari is absolutely brilliant, willing to listen, keeping an open mind and guiding you in a direction in your best interests. Even when I doubted, he took the time to elaborate with patience and modified the agreement based on my concerns. Julia, amazing work. Totally recognize and appreciate everything these two did. Definitely recommend Ari and Julia! Not only are they cheaper than private practice lawyer, but they are so much more organized, reliable and confident. In the end?? My ex went for a settlement AND he’s hardly one to settle. THAT’S how good they are!!! Thank you immensely, Ari and Julia. Totally recommending you to anyone who may need it in the future.

Taz
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Find a Divorce & Family Lawyer in Vaughan.

Key Family Law Services We Offer in Vaughan

At Nussbaum Law, we offer comprehensive family law services tailored to the unique needs of Vaughan residents. Whether you’re filing for divorce, negotiating parenting time, or protecting your property rights, our team brings clarity and compassion to every case. Below are the core areas we specialize in, each designed to help you regain control and peace of mind during life’s most challenging transitions.

What Does Family Law Cover in Vaughan?

Family law in Vaughan touches nearly every aspect of your personal life, from marriage and divorce to child custody, property rights, and spousal support. While marriage and divorce fall under Canada’s Divorce Act, most of the legal matters that stem from them (like division of assets or parenting agreements) are governed by Ontario’s Family Law Act.

But navigating these overlapping federal and provincial rules is no small task. Family law is not just complex. It is deeply personal. Issues like common law relationships, cohabitation contracts, and child access can quickly become overwhelming without proper guidance.

That is where Nussbaum Law steps in. Our Vaughan family and divorce lawyers understand both the letter of the law and the emotional weight behind each case. Whether you are exploring legal options after a separation or planning ahead with a domestic agreement, we will help you move forward with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Marriage Requirements in Vaughan

Getting married is an exciting milestone, but it comes with specific legal steps that must be followed in Vaughan. To begin, couples must apply in person for a marriage licence at Vaughan City Hall. Both parties must be at least 16 years old, and those under 18 need written consent from a legal guardian PDF form available here.

To book a licence appointment, visit this link. The appointment fee is $180.70, payable via debit or credit card. Applicants must bring two original government-issued IDs, as outlined in the city’s ID requirements document.

Vaughan Family & Divorce Lawyer

If previously married, a court-certified Certificate of Divorce or Annulment Order is required. Divorce judgments alone are not accepted. For marriages ending in the death of a spouse, a death certificate must be presented.

If divorced outside of Canada, an authorization letter from Service Ontario is needed, which may take up to four weeks to process. Couples planning a civil marriage must pre-arrange their ceremony by contacting [email protected] or calling 905-832-8504. The ceremony fee is $446.35 (HST included), and if either party doesn’t speak English, an interpreter must be present and complete this interpreter certificate.

For full planning details, refer to Vaughan’s Civil Ceremony Information Package. Remember, all ceremonies must include declarations required under Section 24(3) of the Ontario Marriage Act.

How Nussbaum Law Supports Your Marriage Planning

While most couples focus on the event itself, the legal foundation of a marriage is just as important. Our Vaughan family lawyers help you establish a solid start by:

  • Drafting and reviewing marriage contracts or cohabitation agreements
  • Advising on rights and obligations tied to property, spousal support, and finances
  • Providing guidance if either spouse has a complex marital history (e.g. prior annulment or foreign divorce)

Whether you’re entering a marriage or blending families, our goal is to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Annulment

Annulments are rare in Ontario and legally distinct from divorce. While a divorce ends a valid marriage, an annulment declares the marriage was never legally valid to begin with. Grounds for annulment typically involve a legal defect in the ceremony or the incapacity of one of the spouses at the time of the marriage.

Vaughan Family & Divorce Lawyer

Common legal reasons for annulment include bigamy, marrying under duress or fraud, being underage without legal consent, lack of mental capacity, intoxication preventing informed consent, or close familial relations by blood or adoption. Another ground may be the refusal to consummate the marriage, if not previously agreed upon.

Although an annulled marriage is deemed void, financial obligations may still arise. You could be responsible for spousal support or property division under Ontario’s Family Law Act, even if the marriage is invalid.

Because the process requires proving specific legal grounds and is handled on a case-by-case basis, it’s essential to speak with an experienced family law lawyer in Vaughan. At Nussbaum Law, we assess your unique situation and help you determine whether annulment is an option, ensuring your rights are fully protected throughout the process.

Separation and Divorce

Separation and divorce in Vaughan are governed by Canada’s Divorce Act, which permits dissolution of marriage based on adultery, cruelty, or the most common reason-living separate and apart for at least one year. While the legal grounds are uniform across the country, how those issues are resolved often depends on your legal strategy and the quality of your representation.

Vaughan Family & Divorce Lawyer

In many cases, a properly drafted separation agreement can help smooth the process, clarifying responsibilities around property division, parenting time, decision-making, spousal support, and even pet ownership during divorce. These agreements are legally binding when executed correctly and can help avoid costly, drawn-out court proceedings.

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to divorce. Whether you pursue a contested, uncontested, or joint application, understanding the three ways of getting divorced in Ontario can help you make an informed choice. While you aren’t required to have a separation agreement to file for divorce, it often leads to faster resolutions with less stress and lower expense.

At Nussbaum Law, our divorce lawyers serving Vaughan provide tailored legal support that protects your rights and minimizes disruption to your life. We guide you through every stage (from negotiation to court if necessary) ensuring clarity, fairness, and peace of mind as you move forward.

Child Custody

Child Custody in Vaughan

Determining what happens to your children after a separation or divorce is often the most emotionally charged part of any family law matter. While most parents want what’s best for their children, differing opinions and heightened emotions can make agreement difficult.

Under the Divorce Act, you may come across several important terms related to parenting arrangements:

  • Parenting time: the scheduled time a child spends with each parent
  • Shared parenting time: when a child spends at least 40 percent of their time with each parent
  • Split parenting time: applies when there is more than one child, and each parent has over 60 percent of parenting time with at least one child
  • Decision-making responsibility: the authority to make key decisions about a child’s health, education, culture, and religion
  • Parenting order: a court-issued order that outlines parenting time and decision-making arrangements
  • Parenting plan: a cooperative agreement between parents that details care and responsibilities for the child
  • Contact: court-approved time for non-parents (such as grandparents) to spend with the child, if it serves their best interests

The Ontario Family Law Act does not create separate rules for child custody, so federal legislation applies. To avoid unnecessary conflict and ensure your parenting arrangement is enforceable, it’s important to work with an experienced child custody lawyer.

At Nussbaum Law, we help Vaughan families create parenting plans that prioritize the best interests of the child. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we protect your parental rights while fostering a stable and supportive future for your children. Learn more about child custody in Ontario.

Spousal and Child Support in Vaughan

Financial support is one of the most sensitive aspects of a separation or divorce. Whether you are seeking fair payments or defending against excessive demands, understanding your rights and obligations under Canadian and Ontario law is essential.

Child and Spousal Support

Child support in Vaughan is governed by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which calculate payments based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children. These guidelines aim to ensure that children receive consistent financial care, no matter the family structure.

Spousal support, on the other hand, is more complex. There is no automatic entitlement, and courts consider multiple factors, including:

  • The financial needs and resources of both spouses
  • The length of the marriage or cohabitation
  • Contributions to the marriage or family
  • The impact of child care responsibilities
  • Any prior agreements or legal obligations

Unlike child support, spousal support guidelines are advisory, not mandatory. That makes skilled legal representation critical to ensure fairness in any support order or agreement.

At Nussbaum Law, our Vaughan spousal and child support lawyers help clients understand what they are legally entitled to, and what they’re responsible for. We ensure financial disclosures are complete, calculations are accurate, and agreements are enforceable.

Whether you’re initiating a claim or responding to one, we’re here to protect your financial future and your children’s best interests.

Division of Property

Division of Property in Vaughan

One of the most contested aspects of any separation or divorce is the division of property. While many assume that everything is split down the middle, Ontario law approaches it with more nuance, especially when it comes to who owns what and how it was acquired.

Under the Family Law Act, married couples are entitled to an equalization of net family property. This means that the value of assets acquired during the marriage is calculated, and the spouse with more is required to pay the other half of the difference. This includes the matrimonial home, which is given special status and must be shared, regardless of who holds title.

For common law couples, the rules are different. There is no automatic right to property division. Each partner retains what is in their name unless a claim can be made for contributions through a trust or a cohabitation agreement was signed. In both situations, proving your contribution or entitlement can be legally complex.

At Nussbaum Law, our Vaughan family lawyers handle everything from simple asset splits to high net worth disputes involving:

  • Real estate and jointly owned homes
  • Retirement savings, RRSPs, and pensions
  • Businesses and professional practices
  • Investments and inherited assets

We help you uncover hidden assets, properly evaluate property, and draft legally sound agreements that protect your financial future. Whether your separation is amicable or contested, we work to achieve a fair, timely resolution that reflects your rights under Ontario law.

For more guidance, explore our dedicated page on Division of Assets.

A DIVORCE AND FAMILY LAW LAWYER CAN PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT OF THE LAW.

How Can a Family Law Lawyer Help You?

Whether you’re navigating divorce, custody, or financial separation, family law issues can be emotionally draining and legally complex. Having a knowledgeable advocate by your side can mean the difference between a fair resolution and long-term hardship. At Nussbaum Law, our family and divorce lawyers in Vaughan combine compassionate guidance with strategic legal support to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Objective Legal Advice for Complex Matters

Even if you’ve researched online or spoken to friends, family law is filled with nuances that vary from case to case. Our Vaughan family lawyers provide personalized legal advice backed by years of experience and in-depth understanding of Ontario law. We help clients across Maple, Woodbridge, and Concord avoid common pitfalls and make informed decisions.

Strategic Advocacy in High-Stress Situations

In emotionally charged disputes-especially those involving children or spousal support-it’s easy to lose focus. We act as calm, clear-headed advocates to protect your interests while minimizing unnecessary conflict. Our goal is always to secure the best outcome with the least disruption to your life.

Experienced Court Representation

While we prioritize negotiated settlements, some matters must be resolved in court. If that time comes, we ensure you’re fully prepared and represented. Our Vaughan divorce lawyers manage court filings, develop a strong legal strategy, and present your case before the Superior Court of Justice.

Precision with Legal Documentation

Family law cases involve meticulous paperwork-from applications and affidavits to financial statements and parenting plans. We handle every document with care, ensuring deadlines are met and no detail is overlooked. Our attention to detail can protect you from delays, denials, or costly mistakes

Communication and Conference Support

Legal disputes often require communication with the other party, their lawyer, or the court. We support you during all conferences and legal interactions, helping you understand what’s being discussed and what your next steps should be. When financial disclosures are involved, we ensure the process is transparent and fair.

Contact a Vaughan Family Law Lawyer from Nussbaum Law Today

Your Trusted Vaughan Family Law Firm

Navigating family legal matters is never easy, but with the right legal support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. At Nussbaum Law, we combine legal expertise with genuine compassion to help families in Vaughan and across the Greater Toronto Area resolve sensitive issues with clarity and confidence. Whether you’re going through a contested divorce, organizing a parenting plan, or creating a domestic agreement, our experienced family and divorce lawyers are here to protect your rights and guide you toward a fair outcome.

With offices also serving Mississauga and Brampton, we bring regional insight and a deep understanding of Ontario family law to every case. No matter where you are in the GTA, you can count on Nussbaum Law to be your legal advocate.

Book Your Free Consultation Today

You don’t have to face your family law challenges alone. Connect with a Vaughan family lawyer who listens, advises, and advocates for your future.

Call us at 416-916-0886 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. The first step toward peace of mind is just a conversation away.

Frequently Asked Questions About Family and Divorce Law in Vaughan

The easiest way to get a divorce in Vaughan is to file a joint divorce application with a separation agreement. A joint application implies the spouses both agree to the divorce. The separation agreement means a settlement of all issues like child and spousal support, division of property, and parenting arrangements. If the court has no issue with the separation agreement, your divorce could be final within 60 days.

Some people ask family and friends for recommendations to find a competent family lawyer in Vaughan. Others look online for a local law firm with a good reputation. Another option is to consult directories of lawyers such as TopLawyers.

Most lawyers charge an hourly fee. A Vaughan family law lawyer may charge between $100 and $1000 an hour, depending on their experience level and expertise. Overall, an uncontested divorce in Ontario will cost an average of $1,439 in 2021. The average for a contested divorce (no trial) is $23,278.

A family lawyer handles all legal aspects of a divorce, including drafting separation agreements, negotiating parenting plans, calculating spousal and child support, and guiding clients through property division. At Nussbaum Law, our Vaughan divorce lawyers also advocate for you in court when necessary and work to reach fair, efficient outcomes through mediation or litigation.

Yes. You and your spouse can create a legally binding separation agreement without court involvement. This contract outlines how you’ll handle parenting responsibilities, support payments, and property division. A Vaughan family lawyer can draft or review the agreement to ensure it complies with Ontario’s Family Law Act and protects your rights.

Not exactly. While common law partners may be entitled to support, they do not automatically share property rights like married couples do. Property division for common law relationships is more complex and depends on contribution and ownership. If you’re ending a common law relationship, consult a Vaughan family lawyer to understand your entitlements under Ontario law.

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