Some family legal matters that we can handle for you include:
- divorce applications, and other court proceedings
- mediation/arbitration
- spousal and child support claims
- child custody and access claims
- division of family assets
- sale of the family home
- separation agreements
- marriage and cohabitation agreements.
Discuss your family case.
Call now 1 416 628 4635
Our team of knowledgeable professionals at HLF provides an array of services to couples and families in transition.
We provide advice and representation, whether by way of negotiation, court proceedings, or alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation/arbitration), in all family matters involving spousal and parental rights arising from cohabitation, marriage, separation and divorce.
The breakup of a family is stressful.
We understand that clients going through divorce or custody proceedings need someone to be there for them every step of the way, someone they can trust, someone who will protect their interests, someone who will stand by them for the long haul. They need competent, timely and thoughtful advice throughout this period of emotional upheaval and uncertainty.
We provide more than legal information.
We provide legal advice. After you tell us the facts of your case, we will tell you what you should and should not doin your situation, what specific court application(s) you should make, what you should say, and when.
As family lawyers, we are familiar with various types of family legal issues, and are used to working within the family court system. We know the many rules to follow in the courtroom, including rules about what documents are required, what procedural steps are needed and what evidence is admissible.
The court process in real life is a lot different from what you see on TV. Most people do not know the legal intricacies of their situation or of how properly to present their case. That’s why seeking legal advice is prudent.
It is wise to get legal advice even if you are not going to court.
For example, if you sign a domestic agreement without getting legal advice, you may be giving up rights without knowing it. A lawyer can tell you about your legal rights and responsibilities, and advise you about whether to sign important legal documents.
In these situations, you will want to ensure your legal advice is independent. This means that you and the other party or parties involved with your case get advice from different lawyers. Even if you are friendly with the other party, both of you should still get advice from different lawyers to avoid a conflict.
Our clients know they can rely on us and have come to value our compassion and pragmatism.
We strive to protect our clients’ interests by helping to minimize the financial and emotional costs of their family dispute.
To learn more about our client-centric approach to family law, please contact any member of our dedicated team.
Family Law – Relevant Legislation and Guidelines
In Canada, federal, provincial and territorial governments share responsibility for family law matters.
The federal government is responsible for laws about marriage and divorce. Provincial and territorial governments are responsible for laws that apply to couples who separate but do not divorce and to common law couples (i.e. couples who never married).
Provinces and territories are also responsible for the administration of justice, including court processes and documents.
| Legislation and Guidelines | Subject Matter |
| Federal | |
| Divorce Act | Divorce, custody, child support and spousal support. |
| Federal Child Support Guidelines | Rules and tables under the Divorce Act for setting child support amounts. These guidelines are the law. |
| Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines | How much and how long spousal support should be paid, within the legal framework of the Divorce Act. These guidelines are not the law. |
| Ontario | |
| Family Law Act | Family property, child and spousal support, the matrimonial home, domestic contracts, and restraining orders. |
| Family Law Rules | Guide family law litigation cases in the Family Court of the Superior Court of Justice, in the Superior Court of Justice and in the Ontario Court of Justice, as of July 1, 2004. |
| Children’s Law Reform Act | A comprehensive list of factors to be considered when making decisions about parentage, custody and access, and guardianship for children. |
| Arbitration Act | Guidelines for facilitating private dispute resolution through arbitration, a legal mechanism for resolving disputes outside of court. |
