Family Law

If you have received an unsatisfactory family court decision in Ontario, you may wonder if there is an appeals process you can follow. In most cases, a person is entitled to appeal, but that does not guarantee that the decision will be reversed. To be granted, an appeal requires that the original decision was made by error. It is important to remember that when a higher court looks at the same evidence provided in lower courts, they will usually agree with the lower court, and the decision will be upheld. This means that the appeals court will not overturn the decision [...]

Family mediation is a common legal alternative that many people choose when going through divorce or separation. But what is it exactly, and how does mediation work in Ontario? Family mediation in Ontario allows both spouses to sit down, systematically work through their differences, establish terms and conditions, and produce an agreeable solution using an objective third party. Here is a step-by-step guide to family mediation, how it works in Ontario, and some details that can help you decide if it is the right path for you.  What is Mediation in Family Law?  Mediation is the process of using a neutral [...]

Blended families are a beautiful thing. And depending on the dynamics of your family, you may be looking to legally adopt your stepchild.  The process of stepparent adoption in Ontario is fairly straightforward but it is likely that you have a number of questions at the outset.  To help you understand the basics and prepare for the process, we’ve put together this list of frequently asked questions around the adoption of a stepchild in Ontario.  While each situation, and each family, is unique and will have its own circumstances to consider, the following information should be helpful to you in deciding [...]