How can a family lawyer help?
- Separation agreements and divorce applications
- Parenting arrangements — decision-making responsibility and parenting time
- Child support and spousal support, including variations
- Division of property and the matrimonial home
- Marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements
- Mediation and negotiated settlements
- Family court applications and motions
Do I qualify for a divorce in Ontario?
Divorce in Canada is governed by the federal Divorce Act. The most common ground is that the spouses have lived separate and apart for at least one year. You can start the application before the year is up, and spouses can sometimes be “separated” while still living under the same roof. Adultery and cruelty are also grounds, but are rarely relied on.
How are parenting arrangements decided?
Since March 1, 2021, Canadian and Ontario family law use the terms decision-making responsibility and parenting time instead of “custody” and “access”. Every decision is made according to the best interests of the child — including the child’s needs, relationships, safety and views.
How are support and property worked out?
Child support is generally set by the Federal Child Support Guidelines, based on the paying parent’s income and the number of children. Spousal support depends on entitlement, and its amount and duration are usually guided by the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines. Married spouses in Ontario share the growth in their wealth during the marriage through an equalization of net family property; common-law partners do not have the same automatic right, which makes advice on their property claims especially important.
Last reviewed: October 3, 2026General information about Ontario law — not legal advice for your situation.