Sometimes life takes unexpected turns and you may be faced with a divorce or separation. In Ontario the ground for divorce is breakdown of marriage. The most common reason cited for a breakdown in marriage is that the spouses have lived separate and apart for more than one year with no intention of resuming cohabitation.
Divorce proceedings often include claims for child support, child custody and spousal support. Parties may also need to deal with equalization and division of property.
Upon the filing of divorce proceedings there are several steps that parties may need to go through in court. These include case conferences, motions, settlement conferences and trial. However, if parties are having a divorce without the need for the determination of support, custody and other issues the steps outlined above may not be necessary. Furthermore, parties may elect to have their issues dealt with by negotiating and entering into a separation agreement which can be later incorporated as part of the divorce order.
Divorce and separation are not the only issues handled by a family lawyer. Parties entering into a marriage may be advised to execute a marriage contract either before entering into a marriage or during a marriage but before its breakdown. A\ marriage contract may deal with issues of ownership of property or support issues in the event of a breakdown of marriage. Even common law couples may enter into a domestic contract called a cohabitation agreement.
Before executing a domestic contract it is important to obtain sound legal advice. At Dye Law we can provide you with such advice. Visit us today for advice on any of the following family law issues:
• Divorce or separation
• Equalization and property division
• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Marriage Contract
• Cohabitation agreement
• Separation Agreement
• Variation of support order
