Mississauga Family Lawyers

What Happens If I Separate / Divorce?

No one expects or looks forward to a divorce. While separation and divorce are difficult choices to make, Tailor Law actively supports your transition and assists you in making important decisions regarding your finances, child support, spousal support, and the division of property. Once you have decided that a separation or divorce is the course of action you wish to take, or once you have been petitioned for a divorce, you will need to consider the following:

• Who will stay in the family home?
• How will your children and/or shared pets be cared for?
• Will you co-parent or seek full custody?
• Will you owe or receive any child support and/or spousal support?
• How will assets, joint investments, and property be divided?

Spousal Support

Spousal support involves payments made from one party to another after a separation or divorce. Generally speaking, spousal support is paid by the party who earns more to the party who earns less. The purpose of spousal support is to recognize the contributions that each party has made during the course of the relationship, to relieve financial hardship, and to share the costs of caring for any children involved. As spousal support is not automatic, it must be requested. In determining if you are eligible for spousal support, our legal representatives will discuss your options with you.

Child Support

Every child has the right to be supported. If your children live with one parent for a majority of the time during and after separation or divorce, the other parent may be required to pay child support. In determining who pays child support, the Ontario Family Court will use the Child Support Guidelines to make determinative decisions on the amount and frequency of the child support. Although your children may spend an equal amount of time with each parent, the parent with the higher income may still have to pay some form of child support. Child support payments are based on gross annual income and the number of children entitled to support.

Division of Property And Assets

If you are married and have decided to separate or divorce, the value of the property between the parties is usually shared. This is referred to as equalization. As common-law couples have different rights, there are different rules that apply to the division of property. In order to calculate the value of your respective property at the end of your relationship, you should list and value all of your assets and debts. By taking account of this calculation, you can calculate your Net Family Property (NFP). Your NFP is a calculation of how much money a married party is worth at the end of the relationship, after taking into consideration what that party brought into the marriage.

Protecting You And Your Loved Ones

While we cannot ensure that the other party will cooperate, we can guarantee that we will provide you with a strong course of action, take consideration of your financial situation, and offer guidance on providing for the best interests of any children involved. The team at Tailor Law is here to offer you comprehensive services on a number of family law issues, and we are eager to assist you in achieving your goals every step of the way.

Family Court Lawyers: Trial And Litigation

A family lawyer is a lawyer who represents you in matters of child custody, parental rights, spousal support, divorce, and other issues affecting families. A lawyer whose practice focuses on trial and litigation within the family law system is known as a family court lawyer. When negotiations between the parties break down, family court lawyers prepare your case for trial by focusing on your argument and putting your best case forward.

This can include preparing statements in your defence that are based on case law precedents. Case law precedents are legal cases that have been decided in previous courts, including family courts. Precedents are used to either support your argument or oppose the other party’s argument. Family court lawyers also assist by preparing you for your hearing or trial. The family court lawyers at Tailor Law have a proven track record in making use of up-to-date legal precedents. This is important, as developments in family law happen quickly.

In addition to preparing you for your trial, a litigation lawyer will champion your case in court by providing unwavering support and managing developments in your matter. This means that the lawyers at Tailor Law will communicate openly with you, respond to your concerns in a timely manner, and manage your case efficiently. Our litigation services are meant to provide peace of mind for any party involved in the family court trial process.

Legal Separation Agreement

Some things just need to be put into writing. A legal separation agreement is an agreement between two parties that stipulates the terms of their new lives as people who live separate and apart. It is used when two parties decide that living together is no longer a viable option for their relationship. A legal separation agreement often outlines arrangements in relation to relatives and third parties, as well as the arrangement between the separating parties themselves. A typical legal separation agreement includes the following items:

• guardianship
• parenting plan (if children are involved)
• settlement of property
• ownership of any pets
• settlement of finances, particularly in joint accounts

A family lawyer tailors such an agreement to your particular needs in order to ensure that you are as protected as possible from the opposing party’s demands. We can design the agreement to suit your life and needs.

Child Custody: Joint Custody

In Ontario, there are two forms of child custody. The first kind of child custody is known as joint legal custody. Joint legal custody occurs when both parties to a family dispute share legal custody of a child or children. As legal custody is based on a parent’s right to make decisions regarding childcare, education, healthcare, religion, and other important aspects of a child’s life, both parents in a joint custody arrangement have a say in the residential and visitation arrangements of the children.

Child Custody: Shared Custody

The second kind of child custody is joint physical custody (or shared custody). Shared custody occurs when both parents spend at least 40% of their time with the children. Shared custody arrangements can vary widely, but such arrangements are always based on the best interests of the child or children involved.

Child Custody: Sole or Full Custody

Sole custody is the most common arrangement between separated or divorced parties. This refers to an arrangement in which one parent has both physical and legal custody of the children. Sole custody is also known as full custody.

Regardless of the type of custody that is granted, Tailor Law works with you to achieve maximum personal time with your kids. At Tailor Law, we understand that custody is a primary concern. We provide full legal support to ensure your children’s needs are met.

Contested Divorce

A contested divorce occurs when the spouses cannot come to an agreement on the acceptable terms of divorce and thus must hash them out in court. This isn’t fun but might be necessary. A contested divorce can heighten emotions and can threaten any semblance of peace that once existed between the parties. In supporting your position in a contested divorce, the lawyers at Tailor Law can ensure that your divorce proceeds with the smallest amount of friction possible.

Uncontested / Joint Divorce

An uncontested divorce, also known as a joint divorce, occurs when the parties to a divorce agree on most, if not all of the terms of the divorce. When the parties have reached an agreement, that agreement can be typed up and filed with the court as part of the divorce Application. In comparison to a contested divorce, a joint divorce typically proceeds on a quicker basis and is often much easier on the parties involved, both financially and emotionally. This type of divorce is ideal.

The Divorce Process

The divorce process is something that we often take for granted until we find ourselves in such a situation. We don’t plan for it because we don’t want it to happen. It’s difficult to navigate the respective obligations, shared responsibilities, and appropriate legal dues of the parties. As experienced family lawyers, we pride ourselves on providing efficient assistance in getting through this challenging time. Providing legal services in Mississauga as well as in Oakville, North York, and throughout the GTA, Tailor Law focuses on your strengths to bring your best case forward. Contact us now to make us a member of your team.

The Cost of Divorce

No one budgets for divorce. Each divorce is different. The cost of divorce is calculated on a case-by-case basis. There are very few instances in family law where we can determine the cost of the matter at the outset. That being said, Tailor Law works with you to provide quality services for the best possible value, and will strive to provide the most favourable outcome available for you.

While the divorce process can be quite costly, particularly when it comes to a contested divorce, our law firm provides services that are aimed at meeting various price points and budgets. Get in touch with us to find out how you can budget your expenses in preparation for a family law issue. We offer free consultations which you can book at any time by calling 905-366-0202.

Divorce Lawyers For Men

Men and women experience divorce differently. While both spouses tend to have the best interests of their families at heart, this can manifest itself in very different ways. In helping to bridge the gap between male spouses and family lawyers, divorce lawyers for men are lawyers who focus on providing effective and relatable services to male spouses.

Divorce Lawyers for Women

For many women, divorce is a very sensitive and stressful experience. Divorce lawyers for women are lawyers who are experienced in representing women through divorce proceedings, and who are well-versed regarding the obstacles women may face. Services include legal support for women, advice and assistance on separation, and representation for child-related matters.

Family Lawyers For Men

Family lawyers for men place emphasis on the issues that men face in divorces, disputes, settlements, and child custody matters. Tailor Law provides full services for men involved in family law proceedings, and offers the best solutions in settling family disputes. We pride ourselves on providing special support for men who are seeking assistance with child support payments, custody matters, child protective orders, spousal support payments, and property disputes.

Getting or paying your fair share of support means using the best strategies in family case conferences, hearings, and at trial. Men looking for lawyers with a proven track record can feel confident in the services that Tailor Law family lawyers provide.

Family Lawyers For Women

Family lawyers for women are lawyers who maintain a special focus on the issues that women face in the event of separation and divorce. Divorces are often the most difficult time in one’s life, and Tailor Law appreciates the sensitivity and experience required in settling such matters as seamlessly as possible.

Mothers often share a special bond with their children, and our lawyers understand that financial support, parenting time, and custody of any existing children are issues of the utmost concern. Tailor Law provides full legal services that allow mothers to receive the best advice from experienced family lawyers.

Tailor Law is staffed with a team of female lawyers that provide full support to women facing issues with divorce, spousal support, child custody, child support, and other family law matters. We understand that a familiar face can make all the difference. Feel confident in having a team of lawyers who are on your side. Call now and explore the ways in which Tailor Law can make this difficult time easier to navigate.

Family Lawyers For Common Law Couples

Marriage isn’t for everyone. Common law relationships have become increasingly common as an alternative to official marriage. A common law relationship is one in which the couple is not married, but has lived together for a certain amount of time. You may even have entered into a common law relationship without realizing it. In Ontario, you are considered a common-law couple if you have been living with your partner for at least three years, or for one year if you have a child with your partner.

While a common law relationship holds specific legal status, it is not a relationship that requires a divorce. Couples may end their relationship at any time, without taking legal action. If children, pets, or property are involved, however, certain considerations may need to be met, depending on the length of time that the couple has lived together. Knowing your rights in the event of ending a common law relationship is very important. The lawyers at Tailor law provide legal advice and services pertaining to all common family law matters.

Disability Family Lawyers

Spouses receiving disability benefits face a unique set of challenges in a divorce. Divorce can also exacerbate existing challenges by affecting finances and putting a wrench in established plans for care. If you have been receiving employment or other support payments due to a disability, your spouse is not entitled to these benefits before or after a divorce. Similarly, you are not entitled to your disabled spouse’s benefits.

Disability divorce lawyers understand that disabilities should not provide barriers to an individual’s full participation in life. Divorce shouldn’t be any different. Those with disabilities want a lawyer they can trust. Tailor Law provides exemplary services and accommodations for parties with disabilities, and this is reflected in our track record.

Pre-Nuptial And Post-Nuptial Agreements

When two people decide to get married, they don’t usually plan for the end of the marriage. What happens if the marriage breaks down? A prenuptial agreement is the first step in protecting your assets in a separation and divorce. A prenuptial agreement is an agreement between two parties that is signed before marriage and outlines what should happen if the two parties separate. A prenuptial agreement outlines who the parties are, and what assets and properties each party had prior to marriage. It also sets out future financial considerations following the end of the marriage.

It’s not too late if you are already married. A postnuptial agreement is similar to a prenuptial agreement, but a postnuptial agreement is drafted once two individuals have already married. A postnuptial agreement may offer less financial protection as assets and property could be considered marital property once couples have married. Before getting married, you should strongly consider consulting with one of the family lawyers at Tailor Law.

Free Consultations With Tailor Law Family Lawyers

Knowing your best angle is an important element of our strategy in any legal case. This becomes even more important when child custody or property rights are at stake. A free consultation will steer you in the right direction and allow us to determine how we can best assist you. The lawyers at Tailor Law provide professional, effective services in Mississauga, as well as in North York, Oakville, and throughout the GTA. Call us anytime at 905-366-0202 to book your free consultation with a compassionate and dedicated member of our team.