Your Trusted Family Law Advocates in Toronto: A Step-by-Step Guide to Our Client-Centric Approach
- Start with a family lawyer Toronto free consultation
- Learn the facts
- Present you with options for each issue
- Identify goals and develop a strategy
- Execute the strategy
- Achieve the best possible outcome
Our family lawyers help with:
- Mediations
- Divorces
- Separation agreements
- Marriage contracts
- Applications for parenting time and decision making
- Applications for equalization of assets
- Motions to change support
- Motions to change access
- Interim motions for spousal support
- Advising you in the division of your pension
- Grandparent’s Rights
Reach Out for a Family Lawyer Toronto Free Consultation – Our Family Law Firm Serves As Your:
Children
How do children see your separation?
The emotional experience of fear and anger during separation is common to children, just as it is to adults. However, it is important to remember that infants, children, preteens and teenagers may express their emotions and cope with separation in unique ways.
Infants and Toddlers 0-5
Although infants and toddlers are unable to understand the concept of parental separation, they are sensitive to their surroundings. Toddlers and even infants can sense if a parent is distracted, stressed, or angry.
Infants and toddlers express their emotions nonverbally, oftentimes crying or whining. Since infants and toddlers lack the capacity to speak and manage their own emotions, it is important to remember that no matter what they depend on the consistent day-to-day care and support of a loving parent.
As parents undergoing separation, the best way to help your infant or toddler adapt to the changes is to ensure that you provide consistent and reliable care for their physical and emotional needs. It is ideal, if it is possible, to try your best to protect you infant or toddler from hostility or conflict.
Source: Government of Canada
Children age 6-11
Young children have a limited capacity to understand what is happening during a separation, what they are feeling, and why they are feeling this way. It is hard for your child to conceptualize a different reality from the one they know and they simply lack the cognitive skills and life experience to imagine what life will be like when their parents no longer liver under one roof. This limited capacity to understand does not stop children from trying to make sense of it all. Since children have yet to develop the skills to see beyond themselves, they often blame themselves and create reasons to feel responsible for the separation.
It is important to keep in mind that children develop profound bonds with their parents and maintain a deep sense of loyalty to their parents because they are the be all and end all in a child’s life. Since children build their sense of self by watching and interacting with their parents, those children who witness parental arguments often experience it as if they are personally involved. It is hard to children to separate themselves from their parents at this stage. It is also very difficult for children to understand why the two most important people in their lives, on whom they depend for their safety and survival, cannot get along.
Therefore, it is your duty as a parent to ensure that your child knows that the separation is not their fault. Assure them that no matter what, both parents will always remain in the child’s life and make sure they understand that although things will change, your love and their ability to rely on you, will never change.
With preschoolers and younger children, be as clear and specific as possible about timelines living arrangements. Be sure to give them clear answers regarding when the changes will take place, where you they will live, and how and when they will be with both parents. Think about what you were doing and thinking about when you were a young child and try to address what would be on your mind after hearing the news.
Source: Government of Canada
Preteens & Teenagers 12-18
This is a difficult stage because at this age preteens and teens are able to understand the complexities of separation but at the same time are still figuring out how to become their own person.
Preteens and teens go through a lot of developmental changes and experience contradictory emotions such as wanting to be independent but also wanting to feel protected; looking for freedom but also some degree of guidance. Preteens and teens do not blame the concept of divorce for the separation as a younger child would, instead they tend to hold their parents accountable. Oftentimes, preteens and teens will react to the news of separation with anger or sadness. Specifically with older teenagers, they may start to wonder about their own capacity to build good relationships.
Teenagers have the advantage of a growing maturity and understanding of human relationships. However, this greater understanding makes them aware of how life will change, from housing to disruptions in their school and social life. Therefore, preteens and teenagers will worry about how the separation will affect them – both now and in the future. You can help by encouraging them to talk about their feelings, express disappointment and fears, and give them some say in how to deal with changes likely to occur. Help them to find solutions with you.
Source: Government of Canada
Children
Talking to Your Children About Your Separation
(and Preparing Them for Change)
What are they feeling?
What I Want from My Parents: An Unspoken Wish List
I need both of you to be in my life. When you don’t stay involved, I feel like I am not important and I miss you a lot.
When you fight in front of me, I want to run and hide.
Please try hard to work together to raise me. I want you both to be my parents.
It hurts me when you say negative things about my other parent, because I love them.
Please don’t ask me to take sides. I want to love you both. If you act jealous or upset, I feel like I need to take sides.
I am afraid to tell you how I feel because it might hurt you, and I don’t want to hurt you.
Please communicate directly with my other parent so that I don’t have to send messages back and forth. I don’t want the job of being a messenger – I just want to be a kid.
Please ask me my opinion when you need to make a decision about me. When you do, I feel loved, respected and more in control.
Please take care of yourself and ask other adults to help you cope. When I see that you are taking care of yourself, I worry less and feel more secure that you will be there to take care of my needs.
Source: Government of Canada
What are the difficult questions?
Expect Tears, Protests and Lots of Questions
- Why are you getting divorced?
- Why can’t you just stay together?
- Don’t you love each other anymore?
- It’s not fair!
- Did I do something wrong?
- Is this my fault? Can I make it better?
- Where am I going to live?
- Do we have to move?
- What am I going to tell my friends?
- Is there a chance that you will get back together?
Finances
How to think about division of assets
A separation generally requires someone to pay support to the other and divide their assets.
First and foremost it is critical to get the numbers right, your financial security depends on it. Secondly, identify your priorities and ask your lawyer to give you options.
Matrimonial Home
A family home is often the most valuable asset that a couple has.
Dividing it presents unique challenges because often its owners develop a strong emotional attachment to it. These challenges are compounded when there are young children involved, who reside close to their schools and for whom the sale of the home represents a monumental change to life. Therefore, we often assist parents with buyout negotiations of their family home. When a buyout is financially impossible, it is crucial to time a sale of the matrimonial home, with those months when the housing market is most favourable.
When a separating couple is faced with the prospect of selling their home it is important that they track who is paying for which expenses; that they keep a cordial atmosphere; and that they register a matrimonial home designation on title.
Lastly, any advice on whether to stay or leave the matrimonial home, has to be anchored in a strong understanding of each couple’s circumstances. Leaving the home, when safety is not a concern, may delay its sale, because when a former spouse stays in the home alone, they may now have an incentive not to sell. Additionally, the decision to leave may impact one’s parenting rights. Therefore, when safety is not a concern, it is advisable to speak to a lawyer and strategize the timing of leaving the home.
Pension
Curious what will happen to your pension?
There is a wide range of pensions that require different approaches in their valuation and division.
Pensions are assets to be divided in a separation. However, only the portion that was accumulated during the marriage is subject to the division.
Our lawyers have the expertise to deal with the division of your pension. We are happy to talk to you about the type of pension you have and what is the best approach to determine its value and how best to divide it.
Finances
We are here for you…
- When you want to negotiate the buyout of your home.
- When you need to divide your pension.
- When you need to understand your spousal and child support obligations and rights.
- To help you understand the impact your divorce will have on your finances.
- To help understand how divorce will affect your business.
- When you need to plan for your retirement.
- To help divide your property.
Support
Spousal and Child Support are Critical for your Family’s Financial Security:
At Unified, we will help you formulate a plan for the future. We focus on these three pillars:
- Ensure that you have sufficient resources
- Invest in your child’s education
- Save money for your retirement
Support
How to think about spousal and child support
Are you entitled to spousal support?
Entitlement to Spousal Support
There are three conceptual grounds for entitlement to spousal support:
- Compensatory;
- Contractual and;
- Non-compensatory.
When a marriage ends, spouses are entitled to compensation for contributions to the marriage and for losses sustained as a consequence of the marriage. Compensation may be grounded in the need to consider the “condition” of the spouse; the “means, needs and other circumstances” of the spouse.
The objectives that require a spousal support order to relieve any economic hardship arising from the breakdown of the marriage and to promote economic self-sufficiency of each spouse within a period of time are examples of non-compensatory factors. Periodic payments are not appropriate where a large lump sum has already been paid and the parties are well within the range specified for duration.
How Much Support Am I entitled to?
When it is determined that someone is entitled to Spousal Support the next question is how much. The answer varies wildly depending on how incomes are characterized and what deductions from those incomes are available to either spouse. This is a critical part of ensuring that a fair amount of support is being paid.
Once the incomes are determined the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines give a range of how much support should be paid, as well as, the length and for how long.
Where a person falls within that range is highly dependent on the length of the marriage, their roles during the relationship, and their ability to become self-sufficient. If you want to deep dive into the considerations that come into play please visit our insights section.
Navigating Divorce and Separation in Toronto: From Uncontested to Contested Trials
Uncontested Divorce:
In cases of amicable separations, including Simple Divorce and Joint Divorce, our dedicated team tackles the finer details of the legal process.
Contested Divorce:
For complex divorce cases involving intricate property division and spousal support matters, our experienced spousal support lawyers will work to ensure your rights and interests are protected at all times.
Separation Agreement:
Protect your spousal rights and assets with a detailed and tailored separation agreement drafted by our family law lawyers.
Spousal Support and Alimony:
We work on behalf of both payees and recipients of spousal support to ensure their legal rights are protected.
Property and Asset Division:
Our goal is to achieve equitable division of marital assets.
Post-Divorce Modifications:
We assist with modifying your divorce agreement to align with your current situation.
Understanding foreign divorce recognition
Obtain legal recognition in Ontario, Canada, of a foreign divorce with Unified LLP’s help.
Advocating for Your Child’s Best Interests: Custody, Visitation, and Parental Relocation in Toronto
Child Custody:
We passionately advocate for custody arrangements that are in the best interests of both you and your children.
Visitation:
We work on your behalf to obtain visitation rights prioritizing the well-being and happiness of your children.
Parental Relocation Consultation:
Moving homes can complicate custody agreements. We ensure that your child is prioritized throughout the consultation process.
Modification of Custody and Support Orders:
As circumstances change, get an updated version of your agreement that more aligns with your current status and situation.
Child Custody Agreements:
Personalized agreements that prioritize the health of your children – always.
Understanding child support: Our Commitment to Your Child’s Wellbeing
Child Support:
We work to achieve child support payments that are fair and accurate.
Safeguarding Your Future: Prenuptial and Cohabitation Agreements Tailored for Toronto Couples
Prenuptial Agreements:
Safeguard assets with compassionately crafted agreements.
Marriage Contracts:
Set terms without insulting your partner.
Standstill Agreements:
Protecting your rights after you are married and giving you the time you need to develop an equitable and agreeable marriage contract or other arrangement.
Cohabitation Agreements:
Establish the financial and parental rights and responsibilities for unmarried couples.
Full Financial Disclosure: Unveiling Hidden Assets for Fair Division in Toronto
Asset Disclosure:
We work to ensure that all assets the other party may be attempting to hide are uncovered and included in the proceeding, ensuring full fairness when engaging in property division.
Hidden Assets:
If you believe assets are being hidden, we leverage every available resource to ensure that they are discovered and included in the proceedings.
Resolving Family Disputes in Toronto: Mediation and Litigation Services for Your Peace of Mind
Family Mediation and Family Arbitration:
We support clients during alternative dispute resolution methods to simplify legal issues without court intervention, emphasizing compassion and understanding.
Family Court Proceedings:
Should court intervention be unavoidable, our experienced family lawyers are here to protect your interests.
Toronto Family Lawyers Helping You Secure Your Future
Work with a team of leading family lawyers in Toronto ready to tackle all your family law needs.
Family Law Lawyer Toronto FAQ
See common inquiries regarding a family law lawyer in Toronto below.
What is the role of a family lawyer in Toronto?
A family lawyer in Toronto focuses in various family law matters and legal issues related to divorce, child custody and access, separation agreements, marriage contracts, spousal support, and property division, family dispute resolutions, among others. They offer legal advice, representation, and support throughout the legal process.
How can I find the right family lawyer in Toronto?
Finding the right family lawyer in Toronto is important – otherwise you may be at a severe disadvantage when managing any family law issues you’re facing. Online research, recommendations from friends and family, and reading reviews and client testimonies are a good place to start.
What services do family lawyers offer in Toronto?
Family law lawyers are able to provide a wide range of services relating to separation and divorce proceedings, child custody and support, division of property disputes, spousal support, prenuptial agreements, and more.
How much does hiring a Toronto family lawyer cost?
The cost of hiring a Toronto family lawyer varies depending on the complexity of your case, the lawyer’s experience, and their fee structure. Get a family lawyer in Toronto free consultation at Unified LLP to get a better idea of the costs.
How do I set up a family lawyer free consultation?
Simply reach out! You can contact us here or reach out to our leading family lawyer here or book your family lawyer Toronto free consultation here.
What should I bring to my family lawyer Toronto free consultation?
You don’t need to bring anything at all to your first meeting with a family law lawyer in Toronto.
How long does it take to resolve family legal matters?
The duration of family legal matters can vary greatly, depending on the complexity of the case and whether it is resolved through negotiation, mediation, or litigation. Once we’re able to assess your specific set of circumstances, we’ll be better able to determine how long you can expect the process to last.
Can I represent myself in family court or do I need a team of Toronto family lawyers?
While it is possible to represent yourself, it’s highly advisable to seek legal representation from a team of Toronto family lawyers; family law is complex and emotionally charged, and those entering into it without a legal background face a severe disadvantage. A knowledgeable family lawyer is your best chance of protecting your rights and interests.
What qualities should I look for in a family law lawyer Toronto?
You should look for an experienced, communicative, and compassionate advocate who will work diligently to ensure that your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
Can you help resolve child support and spousal support issues?
Yes. No matter what family law services you may need, we are able to take on your family law case. We will work to negotiate a fair settlement that prioritizes your interests and the interests of your children. We help you navigate family law proceedings, including a court process if necessary.
Do I need a family law lawyer even if my divorce is amicable?
Yes, even in amicable cases, having a family lawyer can ensure that your interests are protected and all legal requirements are met. A family lawyer can help you draft fair agreements and guide you through the legal process to ensure that nothing is overlooked. We focus on the Divorce Act, the Family Law Act, and all other relevant legal acts.
Areas of family law we serve
Our team of family lawyers represent clients in court and during negotiations, providing comprehensive legal services. From divorce settlements to issues with Child protection services, we are well versed in all relevant acts including the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, 2017, (CYFSA), ensuring your best chance at obtaining a favourable outcome.
We can represent you as your:
- Spousal Support Lawyer
- Parental Alienation Lawyer
- Child Custody Lawyer
- Divorce Lawyer Toronto
- Divorce Lawyer
- Family Lawyer Calgary
- Family Lawyer Toronto
As experienced family lawyers, we know that this is often a difficult time for you and your loved ones. That’s why we make it our objective to ensure that all your legal needs are managed as efficiently as possible, from division of family property to custody and access to your child to divorce finalization, the Unified team is here to give you peace of mind. Legal aid and the Family Law Information Centre do offer additional services, but if you want a leading legal counsel on your side, reach out today for a family lawyer Toronto free consultation.
What other practice areas do you serve?
We maintain physical offices in both Alberta and Ontario. Our team can provide legal representation as your:
This FAQ is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Consult with a qualified family services lawyer to address your specific professional concerns. If you’re ready for a family lawyer free consultation, don’t hesitate to contact us or call at 416-222-1673.
