Family Lawyer in Toronto, Ontario

Family lawyers for Toronto

SLG Lawyers acts for Toronto clients on separation, divorce, parenting, support and property. We meet by video and phone, or in person at our Ajax office, and our fees are generally lower than downtown firms for the same work.

We act for Toronto 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 Toronto 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

Toronto real estate and the matrimonial home

For many Toronto couples, the home is the largest asset and the hardest issue. Ontario treats the matrimonial home differently from other property: both spouses usually have an equal right to stay in it until there is an agreement or order, and its full value is shared even if one spouse owned it before the marriage. With Toronto prices, an accurate appraisal, the mortgage balance and the cost of selling all affect what each spouse walks away with.

Common-law partners do not have the same property rights as married spouses. If you were not married, your claim to a share of the home may depend on contributions you made. See property division and the matrimonial home.

Where Toronto family cases are heard

Toronto is not a Unified Family Court location, so family cases are divided between two courts:

• The Superior Court of Justice, Family Division, at 393 University Avenue, hears divorces and property division, along with parenting and support claimed with them.
• The Ontario Court of Justice hears parenting, support and child protection cases without a divorce or property claim, at 47 Sheppard Avenue East or 311 Jarvis Street depending on where you live.

Starting in the wrong court can cost time and money. Free help is available at the Family Law Information Centres in each courthouse.

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 Toronto 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.