A non-disparagement clause is a provision commonly included in an Ontario separation agreement that restricts each party from making statements that could harm the reputation of the other. In Ontario, separation agreements are domestic contracts governed by section 54 of the Family Law Act. This clause may be enforceable if the agreement is legally valid.…
Ontario law divides property through equalization of Net Family Property, a process that compares the increase in each spouse’s wealth during the marriage. The spouse with a higher amount typically pays an equalization payment to the other. That being said, the division of a matrimonial home follows different rules. Under section 18 of Ontario’s Family…
Spousal support is one of many issues in a high conflict matter in Family Law. The most contested piece of spousal support is quantum and duration. However, most people forget that before these two issues are determined, it is important to establish entitlement to spousal support. Entitlement is a threshold issue, and is determined under…
In Ontario, domestic contracts such as separation agreements are governed by Part IV of the Family Law Act. What Is a Separation Agreement? A separation agreement is a domestic contract entered into by spouses who have separated or intend to separate. This Agreement outlines the parties’ rights and responsibilities including: For a separation agreement to…
In Ontario, the phrase irreconcilable differences is most commonly used to describe the breakdown of a relationship. While this term matters for divorce, it becomes far more complex when children are involved. Parenting Plan is a written, often legally binding document that outlines how separated and or divorced parents will raise their children. Parenting plans…
A secondary will is a legal document that works alongside your primary will. It is designed to cover assets that do not need probate to be transferred to beneficiaries. Probate is a Court’s confirmation that the will is valid and that the named estate trustee has the authority to act and transfer to the beneficiaries.…
Ontario follows the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which provide clear tables that calculate monthly child support based on a parent’s income and the number of children. These tables apply up to an annual income of $150,000. Once that threshold is crossed, different rules can apply. Courts treat the table amount as a starting point, not…
The Ontario Marriage Act requires anyone divorced abroad to obtain a Foreign Divorce Opinion Letter (FDOL) before applying for a marriage licence. The process confirms your foreign divorce holds legal weight in Ontario, allowing your new marriage to proceed. In this guide we walk you through the eligibility criteria, costs and timelines, and steps to…
Many Muslims in Ontario face uncertainty when separating from a spouse. One common question is whether ending the marriage through Ontario law is enough, or if a separate Islamic divorce is required. Your choice directly impacts your rights, your future relationships, and your religious standing. Generally, in Canada, civil and Islamic divorces are separate processes,…
Life doesn’t always wait for you to prepare. Accidents, illness, or mental health decline can take away your ability to make decisions. That’s why having a Power of Attorney (POA) is one of the smartest legal protections you can have, no matter your age. What Is a Power of Attorney? A Power of Attorney is…