Best Divorce & Separation Lawyers in Canada

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English
ND Law Professional Corporation, located in Cambridge, Ontario, offers comprehensive legal services in real estate, immigration, family law, wills and estates, and notary services. The firm is dedicated to providing expert guidance and support to clients navigating complex legal matters, ensuring...
Frangione Garrett LLP
Thunder Bay, Canada

English
Frangione Garrett LLP is a full-service barristers firm based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, specializing in child protection, family, and criminal defence law. Serving Northwestern Ontario, the firm's lawyers travel extensively to communities such as Marathon, Manitouwadge, Longlac, Geraldton,...
Lift Legal
St. Albert, Canada

English
Lift Legal, based in St. Albert, Alberta, is a boutique law firm specializing in business law, family law, real estate law, and wills and estates law. The firm offers comprehensive services, including business start-ups, contract drafting, corporate governance, mediation, collaborative family law,...
Walker Head Lawyers
Pickering, Canada

Founded in 1980
English
Established in 1980, Walker Head Lawyers is a full-service law firm based in Pickering, Ontario, serving clients throughout the Durham Region and Toronto. The firm offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including family law, civil litigation, divorce, elder law,...

Founded in 1969
English
Diamond Fischman & Pushman, established in 1969, is a distinguished law firm located in Oshawa, Ontario, specializing in residential and commercial real estate transactions. The firm offers comprehensive services, including drafting, reviewing, and negotiating agreements of purchase and sale, as...

Founded in 1984
7 people in their team
English
MHWP Law is a full-service law firm based in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, offering legal representation to clients across British Columbia since 1984. The firm provides counsel in corporate and commercial matters, real estate transactions, wills and estates, and litigation, supported by a team of...
Shim Law
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2014
50 people in their team
French
English
ABOUT SHIM LAWProviding Solutions for your Legal ProblemsWe have a team of lawyers with diverse skills and backgrounds to serve you in any legal situation. Shim Law was formed in 2014 when a team of Calgary Lawyers collectively came together from all across the world to put together their...
Crossroads Law
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
French
Bengali
OUR FAMILY LAW FIRMAt Crossroads Law, our goal is to help our clients successfully navigate the family law system in Calgary and Vancouver to reach the outcome that best meets their needs and the needs of their family. That is why our family law firm takes a client centered approach. Your...
Stanley Law Office
Calgary, Canada

Founded in 2016
English
Stanley Law Office is a Calgary-based award-winning law firm that delivers full service legal representation across Alberta. The firm emphasizes client-focused service, clear communication, and practical solutions tailored to each matter, helping clients navigate even complex legal challenges with...
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About Divorce & Separation Law in Canada

Divorce and separation in Canada are governed by both federal and provincial laws. The Divorce Act is the federal law that deals with divorce, child support, and spousal support in Canada. It applies to all provinces and territories. Issues like property division and child custody fall under provincial jurisdiction. The process involves legal and emotional considerations, making it important for those involved to understand their rights and obligations. Canada follows a "no-fault" divorce system, meaning you do not have to prove any wrongdoing by your spouse to obtain a divorce.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Legal assistance is highly recommended in situations involving divorce and separation due to their complexity and significant life impact. You may need a lawyer to:

  • Navigate the legal paperwork and ensure compliance with legal procedures.
  • Provide guidance on child custody and support arrangements.
  • Advocate for fair division of property and assets.
  • Address any spousal support concerns.
  • Help you understand your rights and develop a strategic approach to your case.
  • Offer mediation or negotiation support to reach amicable agreements.

Local Laws Overview

Key aspects of divorce and separation laws in Canada include:

  • Residency Requirements: One spouse must have lived in the province for at least one year before applying for a divorce there.
  • Grounds for Divorce: The most common ground is living apart for one year. Adultery and cruelty are also grounds, though they require evidence.
  • Child Custody and Support: Decisions are made in the child's best interest, considering factors such as stability and caregiving ability.
  • Spousal Support: Determined based on need, ability to pay, and other factors like the length of the marriage.
  • Property Division: Generally, marital property is divided equally unless otherwise agreed upon or determined by the court.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between separation and divorce?

Separation means living apart from your spouse with the intent to end the relationship, while divorce is the legal dissolution of the marriage.

How long do I need to be separated before I can file for divorce?

Under Canadian law, couples need to be separated for a minimum of one year before finalizing a divorce, although you can start the process sooner.

Do we have to go to court to get divorced in Canada?

If both parties agree on all terms, you might not have to appear in court. Uncontested divorces can often be processed through filing paperwork.

How is child custody determined?

The best interests of the child are the primary consideration. Factors include the child's emotional and educational needs, stability, and the ability of each parent to care for the child.

Will spousal support be required after a divorce?

Spousal support depends on several factors, including the payer's ability to provide support, the recipient's need, and the length of the marriage.

What happens to our property after divorce?

Marital property is typically divided equally. However, certain assets might be exempt, and agreements can be reached through negotiation or mediation.

Can I move to a different province with my child after separation?

Relocation that might affect the child's relationship with the other parent usually requires consent from the other parent or the court.

What is mediation, and is it mandatory?

Mediation is a process to help clarify issues and reach mutual agreements with a neutral third party. It is not mandatory but can be helpful and cost-effective.

Can I receive child support if I am not divorced?

Yes, child support arrangements can be made irrespective of the marital status, based on custodial arrangements and provincial guidelines.

How can I change a maintenance order?

You can apply to the court to vary a support order if there is a significant change in circumstances, like income change or custody arrangements.

Additional Resources

For further assistance, consider reaching out to:

  • Family Law Information Centres: Located in most courthouses, offering information and support.
  • Legal Aid Services: Provide assistance to those who qualify financially.
  • Provincial Law Societies: Can refer you to family lawyers in your region.
  • Public Legal Education and Information Centres: Offer resources and publications about family law.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in divorce or separation, consider the following steps:

  1. Consult with a family lawyer to understand your options and legal rights.
  2. Gather all necessary documents related to finances, property, and child arrangements.
  3. Consider seeking mediation services to resolve disputes amicably.
  4. Reach out to local support groups or counselors for emotional support during this transition.
  5. File the necessary paperwork for separation or divorce with the court, if you're proceeding legally.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Canada through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Divorce & Separation, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.

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