Also known as matrimonial law, family lawyer in Toronto is an area of legal practice that deals
with domestic subjects, including marriage, civil unions, guardianship,
adoption, child custody, domestic violence, restraining orders, and more.
Because these matters are usually kept quiet for the good of all parties
involved, the average person has many questions when they visit a family lawyer
for the first time. Here are the most common questions attorneys answer on a
regular basis.
What is the Difference Between Divorce and Annulment?
Although both can be used to dissolve a marriage, there are
important legal distinctions between the two. The most obvious is that an
annulment treats the marriage as if it never happened. As such, neither party
is subject to any penalties, contracts, or agreements that might normally
accompany a dissolution of marriage. Fraud, forced consent, and underage
marriage are the most common grounds family law attorneys use for seeking an
annulment.
How is Child Custody Established?
If the former couple cannot agree on primary guardianship, a
court will make the decision for them based on what is in the best interests of
the child. At that point, the couple may discuss visitation privileges and come
to an agreement, or the court set a schedule for them.
What is Child Support?
Because caring for a child can be expensive, the court may
order a parent to pay a certain amount of money to the spouse who retains
primary custody on a monthly basis. These payments may be used to cover the
following expenses:
- Clothing, food, and shelter
- Medical care
- Educational needs
- Medical care
- Educational needs
What is Alimony?
Also known as spousal support, alimony is a means of
financial assistance that is paid from one spouse to another during or after a
divorce. In most cases, it is ordered by a court when one spouse is
substantially dependent on the other for maintenance and support. For example,
alimony is often ordered when the spouse who stayed home with the children must
go back to work after a long absence. Because that spouse may not have the work
history and/or skills to support themselves in the manner they've become
accustomed to, alimony may be ordered to help them make up the difference after
separation or divorce.
What is Mediation?
Because filing for divorce can be an extremely lengthy,
expensive legal process, many couples choose family law mediation instead. A
simple, surprisingly effective method of resolving disputes, mediation puts the
two parties together to discuss an amicable settlement. Although lawyers may be
involved in the process, it is really the third-party mediator that gets the
sides talking. When successful, this dispassionate interlocutor can save
couples huge amounts of money on legal fees.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Stress, emotion, and uncertainty about the future make
family law cases extremely difficult to get through. An experienced attorney
can help explain your legal rights and protect your interests both in and out
of the courtroom. Whether you are fighting for custody of your kids or filing a
restraining order against an ex, a seasoned attorney can lend a hand during a
stressful, confusing time.
Now that you have answers to these common questions, you can
decide for yourself if you require assistance from a family lawyer.
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