Divorce Lawyer in Richmond Hill

Divorce questions for Richmond Hill couples

Deciding to divorce is rarely sudden, but the legal side can feel unfamiliar. Many people first call us wanting to know how long it takes, what it might cost, and whether they’ll have to stand up in a courtroom.

The reassuring answer is that most Ontario divorces are finalized without a trial. In Canada, the usual ground for divorce is that you’ve lived separate and apart for at least one year. You can even be separated under the same roof, as long as you’re living separate lives.

How we help you through a divorce

A divorce order ends the marriage itself. The bigger questions – parenting, support and dividing property – are often settled first in a separation agreement, or decided as part of the court case. A judge won’t grant a divorce unless reasonable arrangements have been made to support any children.

• Uncontested or joint divorce. If you agree on everything, we prepare the application, sworn statements and draft order, and file them for you. An uncontested divorce often takes about 4–6 months once filed, depending on court backlogs.

• Divorce with issues still open. If decision-making responsibility (formerly called custody), parenting time, support or property are still in dispute, we work toward a negotiated settlement and go to court only when it’s needed.

• Property and pensions. For married spouses, we calculate the equalization of net family property, including the matrimonial home, investments and pension values.

• Support. We explain how child support is set under the Federal Child Support Guidelines and how the Spousal Support Advisory Guidelines are used to estimate spousal support once entitlement is established.

The court process for a Richmond Hill divorce

Divorce law is federal, but in York Region the cases are handled by the Superior Court of Justice – Family Court in Newmarket. People living in Richmond Hill file there, not at the small claims office on Major Mackenzie Drive.

With an uncontested divorce, a judge usually reviews the paperwork without a hearing, so you may never need to appear in person. Contested cases look different: the parties usually attend the Mandatory Information Program, then a case conference, and a good number settle at that stage.

The Newmarket courthouse also has a Family Law Information Centre and free mediation for people with court appearances that day. We’ll tell you which of these services makes sense for your case, and when.

What to do next

1. Find your marriage certificate. The court needs it for your divorce application. If you married outside Ontario, bring whatever certificate you have and we’ll advise on what else may be required.

2. Pin down your separation date. It affects when you can divorce and the date your property is valued.

3. Mind the property deadline. If you’re married, a claim for equalization generally has to be started within two years after the divorce or six years after separation, whichever comes first. A divorce order shouldn’t quietly close the door on a property claim.

4. Talk to us. Book a free 30-minute confidential consultation by phone, by video, or in person at our Newmarket office.

However your marriage ended, you can move through divorce with dignity. We’ll keep you informed at every stage, explain each document before you sign it, and help you look ahead to life after the final order.