Family Law Now After Hours
Hosted this coming week by Family Lawyers Stephanie Brooks, Joseph Cugini & Shanza Sohail, and Articling Student, Jodeen Williams.
Want to learn about same-sex divorce?
We will be live at 5PM on October 22nd on Zoom and our YouTube Channel, to provide an introduction to same-sex separation and divorce. This series is one of our many commitments to providing our community with valuable resources to support them in navigating family law matters.
Navigating Same-Sex Divorce and Separation in Ontario: What You Need to Know
As Canada continues to uphold equal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals, same-sex couples have the same legal protections and processes when it comes to marriage, separation, and divorce. However, navigating a same-sex divorce in Ontario can still present unique challenges, especially in cases involving children, spousal support, and the division of assets.
Key Points to Consider:
- Legal Process: Same-sex divorces follow the same legal framework as opposite-sex divorces in Ontario, but cases involving custody or international marriages can present complications.
- Parenting: For same-sex couples with children, issues like biological vs. non-biological parenting can complicate decision making responsibility arrangements. Courts will always prioritize the best interests of the child, but these factors can create complexities.
- Property and Financial Division: Property, assets, and debts will be divided based on Ontario’s Family Law Act, but nuances in same-sex relationships can arise, particularly if the couple had joint property or adopted children together.
- Societal Stigma: While progress has been made, societal attitudes can still impact emotional aspects of same-sex divorces, making support groups and legal advice critical.
Conclusion
Whether it’s spousal support, child custody, or property division, ensuring that you have a knowledgeable lawyer familiar with LGBTQ+ family law can ease the process and protect your rights.
