Family Law
Expert Family Law Solutions: A Guide to Our 7 Core Services
Facing a tough separation or a complex family legal matter can be one of the most challenging times in your life. You don't have to face this alone. Birring Law is your dedicated advocate, providing the expert legal help you need with a client-focused approach. As your GTA family law expert, we offer personalized, results-driven strategies for your custody, support, or divorce case. Protecting your rights is our priority. Our firm is the proven winner you want on your side.
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My Family Law Services
I provide expert legal guidance across all areas of family law. Click on a service below to learn more about how I can help you navigate your specific situation.
PARENTING TIME
Parenting time, formerly known as access, determines the schedule of when your children will be in the care of each parent. At Birring Law, we work diligently to establish parenting arrangements that are in the best interests of your children while protecting your rights as a parent. As your lawyer, I will be your personal advocate in negotiating a clear, stable, and fair schedule that fosters a positive environment for your children, guided by the principles outlined in Ontario's Family Law Act.
DECISION MAKING RESPONSIBILITY
Decision-making responsibility, formerly known as custody, refers to the authority to make major decisions about your child's life, including their health, education, and religious upbringing. Birring Law provides personalized legal strategies to help you secure sole or joint decision-making responsibility. Our goal is to ensure your voice is heard and that the final arrangement reflects your child's best interests.
COMMON-LAW RELATIONSHIPS
The end of a common-law relationship involves unique legal challenges, particularly concerning property and support. The laws governing these separations differ from those for married couples. Birring Law offers expert guidance on your rights and obligations, helping you navigate issues like property division and potential spousal support claims to ensure a fair and just resolution.
DIVISION OF PROPERTY
Dividing assets and debts upon separation or divorce can be a complex and contentious process. As a results-driven family law firm, we meticulously handle the equalization of net family property. Birring Law is committed to protecting your financial future by ensuring a fair and equitable division of all marital assets, from the family home to investments and pensions.
FAMILY VIOLENCE & RESTRAINING ORDERS
Navigating a separation is significantly more complex when family violence or partner abuse is a factor. The firm approaches these sensitive cases with the urgency and compassion they require. Protecting you and your family is our foremost priority. We provide a safe environment to discuss your situation and take decisive legal action, including acting swiftly to obtain restraining orders that provide critical legal protection and peace of mind.
SPOUSAL SUPPORT
Spousal support is a key consideration in many separation and divorce cases, designed to address financial disparities between partners. Whether you are seeking support or are required to pay it, an experienced family lawyer from Birring Law provides clear guidance on entitlement, amount, and duration. We are committed to achieving a fair outcome that allows you to move forward with financial stability.
SEPARATION AGREEMENTS
A comprehensive separation agreement is the foundation for a smooth and amicable resolution to your family law matters. This legally binding document finalizes all issues, including property division, support, and parenting arrangements. The firm's skilled negotiator and drafter creates clear, enforceable agreements that protect your interests and prevent future disputes.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law in Ontario
To help you better understand the process, here are answers to some of our most common questions. For legal information written in plain language, you can also visit Steps to Justice provided by Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO).
Separation occurs the moment you and your spouse or partner begin living "separate and apart" with no chance of getting back together. A divorce is the official, legal termination of a marriage granted by a court order. You must be separated for at least one year before a court will grant a divorce.
Unlike married couples who have an automatic right to equalize their net family property, common-law partners do not. Generally, each partner keeps the property they brought into the relationship and what is in their own name. However, you may be able to make a claim for a share of the property's value through a trust claim, which can be a complex legal argument that requires an experienced lawyer.
In Canada, you must prove a "breakdown of the marriage." The most common way to do this is by living separate and apart for at least one year. You can file the application for divorce before the one-year mark, but the divorce order will not be granted until the full year of separation is complete.
This is the single most important factor a court considers when making decisions about children. According to the Government of Canada's Department of Justice, it involves evaluating everything that affects a child's safety, security, and well-being. This includes the child's relationship with each parent, their needs, their views (if appropriate), and any history of family violence.
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