The Divorce Process

Oakville is home to over 180,000 residents and offers many wonderful family oriented neighborhoods. Oakville’s proximity to Toronto makes it attractive for many professionals that work downtown. Oakville is home to many affluent families, but rich or poor, couples do separate and that is when a good divorce lawyer is needed.

The words “separation” and “divorce” are often used interchangeably, but are, in fact, distinctly different in legal terms. The term “separation” applies when a married or cohabiting couple separate and no longer live together. Separation does not have much legal effect by itself, without a separation agreement. A divorce is a legal act where a marriage is legally terminated by a court order. One may not legally remarry until they have been granted a divorce.

In obtaining a divorce ideally, the first step is to negotiate the terms of a separation agreement. A separation agreement includes: spousal support; division of property; division of debt; custody and access of children; child support; and responsibility for and contribution to child-related expenses. Separation agreements are legally binding contracts, so it is important to know all of the legal consequences of your decision. It is also important that you have full and accurate information about your spouse’s financial situation before you sign a separation agreement. A written and signed separation agreement is necessary to avoid future conflicts and serves as proof of obligation in the case that your spouse stops respecting the agreement.

While separation agreements resolve family issues, they do not legally end a marriage. If you have a signed separation agreement, you can obtain an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can not agree on terms of a separation agreement, then you will need to complete an Application for Divorce and go to court where a judge will make decisions on custody, support and property issues. This is called a contested divorce.

There are options for couples that are willing to communicate and cooperate so they can avoid going to divorce court. Some options are divorce mediation, arbitration and negotiation, using trained legal counsel in Ontario. If you are in the Greater Toronto area, call the experts at Daly law at (905) 844-5883, or visit their website at www.OakvilleLaw.ca. Many alternatives to divorce court are quicker, less expensive and easier on the spouses and any children affected by the separation.

Separated and Ready to Begin a New Chapter

No one enters a marriage with the intent for it to end at some point in the future. Unfortunately, separation and divorce happens, and it happens more often these days. Between dual careers, increased responsibilities, social media and nonstop information inundation, there is more pressure on couples than ever before. Spouses grow apart, things happen, and there’s often no hope of reconciliation.

It is an extremely difficult time, so you want to make the divorce process as smooth as possible. If you’re recently separated and are looking to start a new chapter in your life, you can do so in a more dignified manner, avoiding divorce court,yet do it in a way where your best interests are protected.

Get an Experienced Divorce Lawyer on Your Side

The first step is to get a skilled, experienced, and caring divorce lawyer to explain your options and secure your future going forward. It’s imperative that you be in contact with such a professional in order to protect your best interests, assets, and anything else that you’ve shared while married.

Before you make any move, you need to speak with Oakville divorce lawyer Diane Daly. This experienced divorce lawyer will guide you step by step during the separation and divorce process to help you on the road to a better tomorrow. Ideally, once separation is imminent, a separation agreement should be put in place to deal with all matters related to your marriage, including:

• Child custody
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Division of property and debt

This is a stressful time, but it doesn’t have to be made more painful than it already is. Resolve your differences with dignity and respect, keeping control of the process rather than letting a judge make all the decisions. Diane Daly and her team at Daly law can show you alternatives to divorce court, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration and collaborative family law in Ontario. If there are children involved, then avoiding a long and expensive legal battle is especially important. Set the stage now to have a better future going forward.

Be informed of all your rights, what you’re entitled to, what your responsibilities are, and the exact steps that you should take to get through this difficult process.

Call Oakville divorce lawyer Diane Daly and her team at Daly Law at (905) 844-5883, or visit her website at OakvilleLaw.com for more information on how you can be protected during your separation process and get on the path to a new beginning.