Often, family issues become very emotional, and related Ontario law is difficult for a layman to comprehend. Our lawyers understand how hard it can be to make a life-changing decision when you are under emotional stress.
Whether you are faced with the difficult decision to end your marriage or to challenge a parenting or support order, our experienced family lawyers can help you to navigate through complicated issues and resolve your matter as quickly as possible.
Our family law team works to preserve family relationships by resolving matters through negotiation or mediation. However, if the court is unavoidable, we will vigorously defend your interests through litigation.
There are two types of divorce. Contested and uncontested. Depending on which of the two you choose from, your divorce may be an easy or a difficult decision to make.
According to the Divorce Act, there are three grounds for divorce: cruelty, adultery, and separation that is living separate and apart for one year. Separation is the most commonly used ground for divorce.
Although the governing family laws for married and common-law spouses are different, they both have property rights that arise from the relationship and its breakdown. Depending on your situation, different considerations may apply.
Child support is governed by the Child Support Guidelines. While the Guidelines may appear straightforward, there may be several issues that arise in determining child support, including determining the appropriate level of income and any children’s needs.
Child support is the right of the child, and in the case of divorce, the court requires the parties to “satisfy itself that reasonable arrangements have been made for the support of any children of the marriage.”
Spousal support is support paid by one former spouse to another. Many factors such as the length of the relationship, the income, whether or not children are involved, play important role in determining whether you may be entitled to receive or required to pay spousal support. Unlike child support, it is not guaranteed.
When two persons in a relationship have decided to separate or divorce, there are many issues for them to consider and resolve relating to their children.
Issues of child custody and access are among the most complicated in family law. It is because every family is different and every child is different. The best interests of a child will change depending on the circumstances of the case.
Lawyers at Burton, Kim & Zysman P.C. will help you to understand your rights regarding your custody and access and what type of custody is most appropriate in your case.
Domestic violence and abuse may be present between spouses and a parent of a child. It also takes many forms, including physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal. Many times, a person may not realize being abused while it is happening.
There are different legal avenues a person can take to address domestic violence, depending on the marital status.
Collaborative practice is an out of court resolution process for separating and divorcing couples. It emphasizes open communication and full disclosure. Hailey Zysman is a collaboratively trained lawyer who can assist you to reach amicable settlements.
Domestic contracts include cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, also known as a prenuptial agreement, and separation contracts. Our family lawyers can draft and advise you on various legal rights arising from the contract.
Our family law and estate planning team can assist you to ensure your interests are well looked after.
It is also known as a limited scope retainer. It is a cost-effective option for self-represented parties.
Some of the examples of unbundled services we offer to self-representatives include:
1. Drafting services to prepare pleadings (notice of claims and replies), affidavits, and notice of motions;
2. Drafting of case conference briefs and settlement conference briefs;
3. Legal opinions; and
4. Legal research for case law relevant to your case and/or analyzing and reviewing case law provided to you by the other party.