Alves Law

09/04/2026

Who Gets The House In A Divorce In Canada?

One of the biggest questions people ask during a divorce is:
"Who gets the house?"

In Ontario, the answer isn't always based on whose name is on the title.
Under Ontario's Family Law Act, both spouses generally have an equal right to possess the matrimonial home after separation, even if only one spouse legally owns it. That means one spouse usually can't force the other to leave or sell the home without an agreement or a court order.

Depending on your circumstances, there may be several possible outcomes, including:
• One spouse buying out the other's interest
• Selling the home and dividing the proceeds
• Negotiating a separation agreement that outlines what happens next

Every family's situation is different, and understanding your rights early can help you make informed decisions during the divorce process.

https://www.alveslaw.ca/property/who-gets-the-house-in-a-divorce-in-canada/

Learn about matrimonial home rights in Canadian divorce cases, including Ontario’s equalization process, provincial differences, and options for property division.

09/02/2026

Representing yourself in family court might seem like the right choice, especially if you're trying to reduce legal costs. But before you decide, it's important to understand exactly what's involved.

Self-representation means you're responsible for preparing documents, meeting court deadlines, understanding legal procedures, and presenting your case. While Ontario's family court system is accessible to people without lawyers, judges expect everyone to follow the same rules and procedures.

The Government of Ontario also notes that while court staff can help explain court forms and procedures, they cannot provide legal advice.

Every family law situation is different. Some straightforward matters may be manageable without a lawyer, while more complex cases involving parenting, support, or property division often benefit from experienced legal guidance.
Our latest blog explores the realities of self-representation, common challenges, and how to determine whether it's the right approach for your situation.

Read the full article: https://www.alveslaw.ca/family-law/self-representation-in-ontario-family-court/

08/27/2026

Many parents are surprised to learn that Ontario no longer uses the terms "custody" and "access." The law now emphasizes decision-making responsibility and parenting time, reflecting a more child-focused approach that encourages cooperation over conflict.
If you're separating, divorcing, or updating a parenting agreement, understanding these changes can help you make informed decisions for your family. Read our latest blog to learn what the new terminology means and how it could affect your parenting arrangements.
https://www.alveslaw.ca/family-law/why-ontario-replaced-custody-and-access-with-new-parenting-terms/

10/27/2025

The staff at Alves Law wishes everyone a Happy Halloween 🎃🎃🎃👻

We had a costume competition, and our office manager Kelly (the cheetah) won!

09/15/2025

The legal and financial consequences of not paying child support are incredibly severe. In Canadian family law courts, child support is considered the right of the child. 👶💰💲

Payments do not go to the other parent of the child but towards the child’s needs and wellbeing. If a parent is found to not pay child support, courts will take action to compel them to pay up.

This includes anything from:
- garnishing their wages (withholding wages to satisfy child support obligations)
- seizing their assets
- suspending their driver’s license or passport

If a parent continues to withhold child support, they may even receive hefty fines or imprisonment, especially if they are in contempt of court for not following a court order to pay child support.

Always pay child support as required and promptly report any financial changes to ensure payments reflect your current situation.

09/08/2025

Paying child support where it is due is not just a legal obligation, but also a method to ensure your child’s basic necessities are met, alongside their wellbeing and future.

Child support does not go towards the other parent of your child, but to the child itself. It helps cover everything like housing, food, clothing, medical and educational expenses. Everything you would be taking care of if the child lived with you full time. It is your way of ensuring your child is taken care of in your absence.

Unpaid or delayed child support can negatively impact your child in the form of less opportunities and stress, not to mention a negative impact on your relationship with your child as well.

Legally, it can mean fines, penalties and other legal consequences as well.
Always ensure that any child support payments you make are timely and proportionate to your financial circumstances and income.

If you need assistance in calculating child support payments, our professional at Alves Law will be happy to schedule a consultation and help you get started!

09/01/2025

Happy Labour Day! 👷🔬🔎👩‍🔬👮‍♀️👩‍🌾👨‍🍳🧑‍⚖️

We hope everyone takes the long weekend to relax and have fun before the back-to-school rush starts up this month!

Our office will be closed on Monday, September 1st and will reopen on Tuesday, September 2nd.

08/25/2025

What do you think is the biggest co-parenting challenge?

A) Communication 📣
B) Scheduling 🗓
C) Different parenting styles 👪
D) Transitioning between homes 🚗