Divorce Lawyers in Guelph
Seeking a divorce is a daunting process. The legal system is complex and difficult to navigate without assistance. Let MFC Lawyers shoulder your legal burden.
Receive comprehensive legal support and guidance throughout the divorce process. Our lawyers will help you throughout the complexities of divorce, ensuring that your legal rights are protected and that the process is as smooth as possible. Gain a clear understanding of the necessary steps, make informed decisions, and achieve the best possible outcome for your situation with our lawyers on your side.
— L. Florovski"Erika is a fantastic lawyer. I used her services and she was very caring, thoughtful, and extremely hardworking. I would recommend her to anyone that needs a strong divorce lawyer."
What Are Grounds for Divorce?
To obtain a divorce, the law requires a ‘breakdown of the marriage” and a separation of at least one calendar year. Once that year has passed, either member of the couple can bring an Application for Divorce.
Two people do not have to live physically apart in order to be separated – it is possible to live “separate and apart” in the same home.
MFC Lawyers can assist you in starting the process of separation – dividing assets and navigating child custody and parenting time – prior to the completion of your divorce. This speeds up the process and helps maintain financial security throughout the separation period.
How Our Firm Can Help You
MFC Lawyers’ experienced divorce lawyers provide comprehensive support throughout the divorce process, guiding clients in various aspects, including:
- Property division: Dividing marital assets while ensuring a fair distribution that protects your interests.
- Debt repayments: Guidance on debt repayments that will help you understand your responsibilities and avoid potential legal pitfalls.
- Child custody: Prioritizing the best interests of the children involved, we will assist with negotiating child custody and visitation agreements.
- Spousal support: Determining the appropriate amount and duration of spousal support, ensuring that both parties are treated fairly.
- Additional benefits: Assisting in understanding and securing additional benefits that you may be entitled to during the divorce process.
In addition to providing legal guidance, MFC Lawyers will handle paperwork, collect records, support you through negotiations, and represent you in court. MFC Lawyers is your trusted advocate, ensuring that your rights and interests are protected every step of the way.
FAQs About Divorce
Click to read answers to some of our most frequently asked questions about divorce.
To contest a divorce and seek other reliefs in Ontario you must serve the appropriate responding court forms on the other party and file them with the Court within 30 days of having been served the divorce application. You should outline your reasons for contesting the divorce, advise the Court of any additional things you intend to seek (child custody, parenting time, or child support; spousal support; division of property) and provide any supporting documents.
If you do not contest an Application for Divorce within 30 days, the Court can “note you in default” and proceed without hearing your side of the story.
The first step to obtain an Ontario Divorce is to determine whether you are eligible. First, you and the other party must be legally married. You will need your marriage certificate (or, if you were married outside of Canada, an equivalent document declaring you are married). Second, you will need to determine when your marriage ended (your “separation date”). You cannot obtain a divorce without being separated for at least one year. Third, you need to have lived in Ontario for at least one year. If you have not lived in Ontario for at least a year, you will need to apply for a divorce in the place you lived before Ontario.
It is better to have a Separation Agreement or Court Order addressing things like child custody and child support, spousal support, and the division of property before seeking a Divorce in Ontario.
There are certain requirements that must be met before the Court will grant a divorce.
Specifically, parties must have appropriate arrangements in place for the support of any children of the marriage. Without proof of those arrangements, a Court may not grant a divorce.
It is also important to be aware of time limits in family law. If you seek a divorce without having requested things like spousal support or the division of property, you may have a limited time after the completion of the divorce to make those claims. Once the time limit has passed, you may not be able to make certain claims.