Divorce is one of the most common issues that family lawyers deal with. Dissolving a marriage can be a long, drawn-out, and challenging process. Fortunately, a family lawyer in Toronto could simplify the process and help you bring your marriage to an end.
For some divorcing couples, the primary issues are financial. Divorce proceedings may involve conflicts over property division, spousal support, or the distribution of marital assets.
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With the help of a Toronto family law firm.
There are many legal issues that can arise between family members. While divorce is perhaps the most common, there are various other disputes that could be resolved with the help of a Toronto family lawyer.
Dealing with family-related conflicts on your own could be risky. To ensure your rights are protected, discuss your options with qualified a legal representative. A seasoned family lawyer such as Paul Riley can guide you through the legal process and help you resolve your case.
Client satisfaction is important to us, and we consistently seek feedback from clients to ensure we are doing all we can to provide the best service possible. All decisions are made with our client’s needs, best interests and satisfaction in mind. When providing legal advice to our clients, we do so in the same way that we would provide advice to a family member or friend in a similar situation.
We recognize that going through a separation is one of the most disturbing life transitions one will ever experience. Our team takes a compassionate approach to handling your separation. We offer complimentary in-house mindset coaching to help you process the changes your family is going through. In addition, all of our staff are fully trained as Certified Divorce Specialists, meaning they have specialized communication skills training in working with divorcing clients.
One of the biggest complaints clients have about law firms is lack of communication. At our firm, we emphasize the importance of client communication. Even if there are no updates to report on a client’s file, regular client check-ins are conducted, in order to ensure that clients feel seen and heard at all times, and does not feel forgotten about.
We are creative problem-solvers. Whether it comes to crafting a creative settlement for a client or implementing new technology in our business to help our staff better do their job, we are always looking for creative and innovative solutions implement in our business. We consider ourselves “a law firm from the future” leveraging the use of technology and AI to create the best possible client and staff experience at our firm.
Spousal support, or alimony, is money one partner pays to the other after the relationship ends. The court might grant spousal support when a couple separates or divorces. In addition, cohabitating partners and partners who have a child together may be entitled to alimony payments.
Spousal support is not automatic; the partner seeking alimony must prove the other partner has sufficient income to live independently and meet the other partner’s specific financial needs. Someone seeking spousal support could prove their need by showing that caring for children or supporting the other partner’s career caused them to miss educational, professional, or financial opportunities. Courts also award spousal support if the couple has a marital or separation agreement calling for one spouse to receive spousal maintenance.
The Ontario Family Law Act s.5 determines how couples must split the debts and assets they acquired during the marriage. Each spouse calculates their net worth on the date of marriage and at the date of separation. The difference in each spouse’s net worth is their Net Family Property.
The spouse whose Net Family Property is larger must make an equalization payment to the other spouse. The couple calculates the difference between their Net Family Property values to determine the amount of the equalization payment, which is one-half the difference between their Net Family Property amounts.
Issues surrounding the matrimonial home often complicate property division. Both parties have equal possessory interests in any property that at least one spouse owns at the time of separation and that the couple resided in as a family home during the marriage.
If one spouse owned the property when they married, its value at the date of marriage does not count in their Net Family Property calculation; though, its value at the separation date counts toward the Net Family Property of the spouse who owns it. If the spouses own it jointly, each spouse claims half its value at the time of separation when calculating their respective Net Family Property.
A couple could have more than one matrimonial home; however, the Ontario Family Law Act s.28 (1) clarifies that only property in Ontario can be a matrimonial home. If the property includes a working farm or business, only the portion of the property that contains the residence counts as a matrimonial home. A Toronto family lawyer with experience handling property division issues could provide guidance about dividing interest in the matrimonial home in a specific situation.
Not all parenting time issues arise during divorce proceedings. Any parent who wishes to make changes to existing parenting time orders may petition the court to hear their case.
Parenting time may be awarded in two forms: sole or joint. There is a presumption that shared parenting time is in the best interests of the child – meaning both parents live with their kids for an equal amount of time and share in the decision-making process for their children. However, sole parenting time – which gives only one parent the right to live with their child full-time and the final say on important decisions – may be appropriate in some cases.
Parents without parenting time of their children could petition the court to spend more time with them. A Toronto family lawyer from the Riley Firm would be well-equipped to assist you in any parenting time or visitation disputes that arise, both in and out of divorce.
Not all couples facing the end of their marriage want to divorce. For a variety of reasons, some people choose to remain legally married while living separately. With the help of a separation agreement, you could make arrangements similar to those accomplished through a divorce decree.
Separation agreements must be in writing, signed by both parties, and witnessed. The parties must fully disclose their assets and debts to each other before finalizing the agreement. Ideally, each party has a lawyer review the drafted contract to ensure the party understands its implications and confirm both parties received the
other’s disclosure.
Although separation agreements are enforceable contracts, courts sometimes set them aside if it appears one party withheld important information, pressured the other, or if the agreement is so one-sided it shocks the conscience. Working with one of our capable family lawyers in Toronto could help prevent any legal roadblocks.
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Relocating After Divorce
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Introduction
Spousal Support
Child Support
Prenuptuals Vs Postnuptials
Divorcing a Narcissist
Through the toughest time in my life, separation and with a newborn baby, the Riley firm has been extremely hard working and supportive! Giving me so much peace of mind !
Alyssandra and Kim have been amazing! Quicks responses, fast acting and extremely effective. They really care about what I’m going through and thoroughly work hard for me and my children’s rights !
I highly recommend the Riley Firm!
I don’t think a single review would do this law firm justice. I am greatly thankful for everything they offered me. Even though my family matter was complex and it had many areas to touch, Paul was able to cover it all and get me exactly what I needed. I was guided through the whole process that took me roughly around 3 years. I felt that I was heard, all my concerns were addressed. I did not expect that divorce was that draining, but this law firm fought aggressively for my rights and for my children’s rights.
It also felt like family. They were always there to support and reassure me. Communications were excellent as well. I don’t remember ever sending an email and not getting a response the same day. Tinoye was always there when I had a question or during trial prep sessions, or even when I just wanted to talk. Even during the trial itself, Paul and Tinoye did an amazing job. I couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome.
Paul, Tinoye, I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. You will always have a home in Ottawa
I never imagined I’d find myself in need of legal counsel for a divorce, but when the time came, the Riley Firm was an absolute lifeline. From the moment I walked through their doors, the team’s professionalism and empathy eased my worries and anxiety. They provided not just legal expertise, but genuine support throughout every step of the process.
I cannot recommend Michelina from The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm highly enough! Her exceptional customer service truly goes above and beyond. She provides compassionate guidance and unwavering support. Her dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for her clients is unmatched!
The Riley Firm has become an extension of my family, called upon when needed the most. The are always there to support you, from coaching, to help you manage the emotion and complexity of the situation, to top-notch legal advice and support from the highest calibre of legal minds in the business. They listen to you, help you focus on priorities, and navigate the complexities of the judicial system. At the core of their service is a personal lens to all they do – they are good people helping others in a difficult time, always guiding you to the light
Unfortunately, we do not accept Legal Aid cases or issue Legal Aid Certificates. Please visit Legal Aid Ontario’s website for a list of lawyers who can help with this type of service.
Unfortunately, no we do not offer free consults. If you are looking for a free consultation, please visit the Law Society of Ontario’s website for a list of lawyers who may be able to assist with this type of service.
The main purpose of a consultation is to allow you to share your needs and concerns with our legal team so we can determine how to help you. If you are dealing with any potential family law matter, such as separation, divorce, property division issues, concerns about parenting time, or decision-making responsibility, your next call should be to a lawyer who has extensive experience handling these matters.
Ensuring that you bring all documentation that you have to the meeting can enable a more productive discussion and help the lawyer provide more tailored advice to lay the foundation for your pending case. These documents could include but are not limited to marriage contracts, financial documentation, property deeds, lists of assets, tax returns, information about your children and child care costs, and support orders.
While your case will not be resolved in a single discussion, the consultation provides an opportunity to better understand your case and your potential legal options. The direction of each case will differ slightly based on the facts and circumstances involved. However, by the end of the initial consultation, the goal will be for both the lawyer and prospective client to make an informed decision about optimal next steps.
The lawyer you speak with will ask detailed questions about your situation to better understand your legal needs, evaluate your case, and start strategizing possible solutions. You will have the opportunity to discuss a wide range of issues pertaining to your legal matters and discuss the potential working arrangement. In addition to discussing your legal needs, you can also ask about the lawyer’s experience, background, the cost of services, and any other specifics you are unsure about.
Your first consultation with a family lawyer in Toronto will be the crucial first step in your case. Everything in your meeting is confidential, and our lawyers are here to help you through this challenging process. It can be helpful to prepare a summary of your story in advance so you can communicate the chain of events that led you to this point clearly and concisely.
This could include essential dates such as the date you separated from your partner, information about your children, and details about the pending divorce. Writing down any questions you have for the lawyer in advance may be helpful to maximize your legal consultation.
A family lawyer handles a wide range of cases about the family unit. These include divorce and separation cases and concerns about property division. Issues of spousal support, child support, or rights and responsibilities concerning minor children are all areas where a family lawyer could provide invaluable assistance. If you previously signed a marriage contract, such as a cohabitation agreement, or need help adjusting an existing visitation schedule or parenting plan, these are also matters a family lawyer could help with.
Any family law issue is best navigated with a lawyer by your side. Even if you are facing an amicable situation, such as a divorce, where both you and your former partner are generally in agreement as to the next steps, you should not forgo legal representation. A lawyer can safeguard your rights and help you navigate the deep complexities of the courts and legal system.
The Riley Divorce & Family Law Firm Blog provides extensive information concerning all types of family law concerns and disputes, whether you have questions about the costs of hiring a family lawyer or want to learn more about divorce laws.
Paul Riley Law Office
Paul Riley Law Office
