Family Lawyer in Markham, Ontario

Family lawyers for Markham

SLG Lawyers acts for Markham clients on separation, divorce, parenting, support and property, by video, phone or in person at our Ajax office, a short drive along Highway 407.

We act for Markham clients by video and phone from our Ajax office, with documents signed electronically. Court steps are handled by video where the court permits; where an in-person attendance is required, we will tell you at the outset. If you are in hospital or cannot travel, we can arrange a meeting where you are.

Family law services for Markham clients

• Separation agreements and divorce
• Parenting time and decision-making (formerly custody and access)
• Child and spousal support
• Property division and the matrimonial home
• Motions to change existing orders and agreements
• Family law for Muslim families, including mahr and religious divorce alongside civil divorce
• Legal Aid Ontario certificates for eligible family matters

Business owners and complex incomes

Many Markham separations involve a family business, self-employment income, rental properties or investments, sometimes held through a corporation. These affect both property division and support: a business may need to be valued as part of each spouse's net family property, and income retained in a corporation can sometimes be counted when calculating support. Getting financial disclosure early, and the right valuation, avoids disputes later.

If parents have different first languages, or grandparents are closely involved in childcare, the parenting plan should reflect how the family actually lives. See parenting time and decision-making.

Where Markham family cases are heard

Family cases from Markham are heard at the Newmarket Courthouse, which serves York Region. The courthouse has a Family Law Information Centre where you can get free information, and family mediation services are available. Many cases settle through negotiation or mediation without a contested hearing.

Family law deadlines to know

• 6 years after separation or 2 years after a divorce, whichever comes first, to claim equalization of net family property (married spouses).
• Common-law partners' property claims are subject to general limitation periods, so get advice soon after separating.
• 30 days to file an answer after being served with a family court application in Ontario (60 days if served outside Canada or the U.S.).
• 1 year of separation before a divorce can be granted on the ground of separation.

Some limits can be extended, and child support can be claimed at any time while it is owed. Ask us about your dates.

Legal Aid certificates for Markham families

We accept Legal Aid Ontario certificates for eligible family law matters. If you are not sure whether you qualify, see our guide to Legal Aid for family law in Ontario or call us.

What to bring to your first meeting

• Any court papers, agreements or orders you have received or signed
• Your last three years of income tax returns and notices of assessment
• Recent pay stubs, or business financial statements if you are self-employed
• A list of property and debts on the date of marriage and the date of separation, if you have it
• Your marriage certificate, if you were married
• Your children's names, ages and current schedule

Do not worry if you do not have everything. We will send a checklist and help you gather what is needed.

How to get started

1. Call, WhatsApp or use the consultation form with a short description of your matter.
2. We run a conflict check before discussing details.
3. We book a consultation with a lawyer by video, or in person at our Ajax office if you prefer.
4. If you proceed, you receive a written retainer or contingency agreement before work begins.
5. We send a document checklist and confirm next steps and deadlines.