Separation Agreements and Domestic Contracts
U
nder Ontario’s Family Law Act, spouses or cohabiting persons with or without children may enter into a contract deciding on their respective rights and obligations in the relationship or in the event that they separate.
In most family cases, a separation agreement followed by a divorce is the usual legal mechanism by which parties confirm the terms of their separation, including the division of property, child and/or spousal support, custody and access to children and issues involving the expenses of childcare. Robert Mysicka has experience assisting clients with drafting of these agreements and ensuring that the legal requirements are met. Robert also assists clients in ensuring incidental aspects of their separation are covered, such as estate planning, which is often something clients wish to explore after separation.
In cases that are not resolved by a privately negotiated separation agreement and the parties end up in court, support obligations may become required under an Order of the Court and such Orders can be enforced by the Family Responsibility Office.