If you are grappling with the possibility of a divorce, you may, understandably, feel like your life has been turned upside down. You probably have questions about what to expect, what your rights are, and what happens next. While the following is not intended to replace the advice of qualified, competent divorce lawyers, we have tried to address some basic questions about separation, divorce, and family law.

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When do I need to contact a divorce lawyer? 

 

You should seek the advice of experienced divorce lawyers as soon as you have made the decision to separate, or as soon as you become aware that your spouse intends to seek a divorce. Hiring a divorce lawyer does not mean you’re being combative or adversarial; rather, you’re simply taking an important step to protect yourself. Even in amicable divorce cases, disagreements and conflicts can occur. You want an ally with expertise and experience, someone who has your best interests in mind at every step in the process.

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Am I entitled to alimony or other spousal support from my ex-spouse? 

 

It depends upon the situation. For example, in some cases where one spouse works outside the home while the other raises the kids and the household, then the non-working spouse is often entitled to some form of support. Sometimes alimony or other support arrangements are laid out in prenuptial agreements and marriage contracts. Other couples reach a separation agreement that lays out each party’s obligations with regard to support. If you and your spouse do not have such an agreement, the question of spousal support (including the amount and how long that support will last) will be determined by a judge.

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What will happen to my children if my spouse and I separate or divorce?

 

Divorce is never easy, but it is often even more difficult when there are children involved. An experienced Ontario family lawyer can help you assess your family’s unique needs and goals and determine what your options may be for issues like child custody, child access and visitation rights, child support payments, and parenting plans.

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Joint custody means that both parents are involved in decision-making about the children; sole custody means that one parent makes the major decisions about the children’s lives (on issues such as education, health care, religion, etc.). Even where parents have joint custody, a child may live primarily with one parent. Child access is different from custody. Sometimes called “parenting time,” it is the day-to-day issue of where the children will reside and how they will interact with or visit each parent. Ultimately, as part of your divorce proceedings, a judge will issue a decision about how custody and access should be handled in your specific case, based on the best interests of the child or children.

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AbiLaw Family Lawyers

 

Our firm handles all types of family law and divorce matters, including separation, divorce, child support and custody, visitation rights, alimony matters, and parenting plans. Abi Adeusi and her team brings almost two decades of legal experience to your unique case. She focuses exclusively on matters of family law and believes in earning each client’s trust by providing the best possible legal services and counsel. Through her successful law practice in the Oshawa, Ontario area, Abi has developed a reputation for integrity and professionalism, earning her the respect of both clients and colleagues in the legal arena. Her passion and dedication to her work drive her to reach the best possible results for her clients, both in and out of the courtroom.