Family Law Portal

OVERVIEW IN 25 CLICKS

  1. Current Situation
  2. Parenting
  3. Income
  4. Child Support
  5. Property
  6. Spousal Support

BUILD YOUR PLAN

NEXT STEPS

Your Current Situation

Family separation or divorce are very stressful and confusing for everyone. You can reduce your stress and protect your children from unnecessary conflict by building a positive plan to move forward. It is important not to rush to an agreement before you are ready, or your partner is ready. You can start building your positive plan by collecting the information you will need, and by taking a few minutes to think about some of the issues

Click on the headings to see more

- Basic Facts:

  • Dates of Birth: you, your partner, your children, including any children from prior relationships
  • Date of Cohabitation: When did you start living together?
  • Date of Marriage: If married.
  • Date of Separation: If separated.
  • Documents: Marriage certificate, any agreements, such as cohabitation or separation agreements. Any agreements or court decisions from prior relationships.

- Safety:

  • Separation and divorce are stressful times when threats or abusive conduct may happen. If you feel unsafe or feel that the children are unsafe, domestic violence experts can help you (links in this Portal).

- Wellbeing and Health (Physical and Emotional):

  • How is your health? Your partner’s? Your children?
  • What health professionals do you have already, or need to contact?
  • Mental Health/Addictions (you, your partner, your children?)

- Money:

  • Do you know about your family finances and what property you or your partner own?
  • Who was in charge of the money? Who made decisions involving money?
  • Housing/ Relocation (sale of your home? where will you live?)

- Level of Agreement:

  • Make a list of some of the issues you will have to work out (and this portal will help you with the list). Then, start to think about the level of agreement you and your partner might have on each one.
  • Despite the separation, you may find you can agree on many issues.

As you gather more information, you will learn more about your rights and responsibilities. You will understand who can help you, and realize there are different ways to make decisions about your issues that will reduce stress and help to reach an agreement that works best for you and your family.