Family Lawyer in Scarborough, Ontario

Family lawyers for Scarborough

Our Ajax office is a short drive east of Scarborough, at Unit 5, 362 Kingston Road West, with free parking. Scarborough clients meet us in person, by video or by phone, whichever is easier around work and children.

We act for Scarborough 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 Scarborough 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

Families with roots around the world

Scarborough families often have relatives, property or marriages that span more than one country. A separation may involve a marriage performed abroad, a religious divorce alongside a civil one, property overseas, or a parent who wants to move or travel with the children. Ontario courts can deal with most of these issues, but the agreement or order needs to be written with them in mind, including travel consent, passports and where the children will live.

We also act for families who need mahr and religious divorce addressed alongside the civil process, and we accept Legal Aid certificates for eligible matters.

Where Scarborough family cases are heard

Scarborough is part of Toronto, which is not a Unified Family Court location. Family cases are divided between:

• The Superior Court of Justice, Family Division, at 393 University Avenue, for divorces and property division, along with parenting and support claimed with them.
• The Ontario Court of Justice for parenting, support and child protection without a divorce or property claim. Scarborough cases are generally heard at 47 Sheppard Avenue East, depending on where you live.

We will confirm the right court before anything is filed.

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 Scarborough 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.