Family Law

Common Law Relationships and Legal Marriages in Ontario

While the Canada Revenue Agency considers cohabitation for a period of at least 12 months continuously as common-law partners for tax purposes, this is not the same definition used for Family Law purposes in Ontario. In Ontario, partners are considered to be in a common-law relationship if they have been living together for a period of at least three years. This is shortened to a cohabitation...

Short Term Marriages and Equalization

In the last few years we have witnessed an upward trend and increase in separations and divorces after a few, short years of marriage. The COVID-19 pandemic has lent a helping hand towards this trend and increase in divorces amongst newlyweds. Oftentimes, and without proper legal advice, some parties are misled to believe they are not entitled to property division after a short-term...

Date of Separation

The most common questions that arise during a family law consultation are those surrounding the date of separation. Typically, the first question any lawyer will ask is “what is your date of separation?”. The date of separation is one of the most important dates in a family matter for several reasons, and is referred to throughout the entire proceeding. But, what exactly...