Shariff & Associates

09/03/2026

Shariff & Associates is honoured to announce that Managing Partner Romaana Shariff has been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in Canada for her work in Family Law.

Selected by her peers, Romaana has been continuously recognized in this category since 2025. Her practice covers a wide spectrum of family law issues, including divorce, separation, parenting arrangements, support, property division, and collaborative family law.

This honour reflects her dedication to providing compassionate, practical guidance and tailored solutions to clients throughout Stouffville, York Region, Durham Region, Markham, and the GTA. Read the full update on our blog to learn more: https://ow.ly/9ALc50ZIPQh

09/01/2026

Are prenuptial agreements a smart financial safety net, or do they set a marriage up with a contingency plan?

A recent article from the Institute for Family Studies, "What's Wrong with the 'Prenup Boom'? It Teaches Couples to Fail," raises an interesting perspective on how prenups impact a couple's mindset going into marriage.

In Ontario family law, marriage agreements are not just about planning for an ending. When approached collaboratively, drafting an agreement encourages couples to have honest, transparent conversations about finances, expectations, and future goals long before walking down the aisle.

Whether you view a prenup as essential protection or an unnecessary layer of caution, open communication about assets and liabilities is key to a strong foundation.

https://ow.ly/EAxJ50ZHK5K

It’s getting easier to get a prenuptial agreement, which makes it easier to leave a marriage.

08/27/2026

When a parenting dispute crosses international borders, Ontario family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, including their emotional security and relationship continuity. In the recent decision Mehta v. Shah, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice addressed a case where a parent unlawfully retained two young children in India contrary to an existing court order. The ruling highlights that disobeying court orders, obstructing a child's relationship with the other parent, or attempting to shift proceedings to another country directly impacts a court's assessment of a child's best interests. Ultimately, the Court granted sole decision-making responsibility to the father to ensure stability and proper oversight for the children.

Navigating cross-border custody, mobility issues, and the enforcement of court orders requires timely and strategic legal guidance.

Read the latest blog to learn more about how Ontario courts handle international child retention matters: https://ow.ly/9Xyw50ZG73p

Ontario family law case examines contempt, children retained abroad, blocked parental contact, and sole decision-making responsibility.

08/25/2026

Relationships require intentional effort, effective communication, and a shared commitment to resolving conflicts before they fracture a partnership. While working through difficult moments is often the best first step, some couples eventually find that moving forward separately is the healthier choice for everyone involved.

When a marriage or common-law relationship reaches a turning point, navigating family law matters like property division, parenting plans, and spousal support requires clear guidance and a compassionate approach.

If you are facing a relationship transition in Stouffville or York Region, our family law team is here to help you understand your legal options and protect your future. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation.

https://ow.ly/NXBW50ZERc8

08/20/2026

Many stepparents are surprised to learn that separation or divorce can bring financial support obligations, even if they never legally adopted their stepchildren.

Under family law, if a court finds that a person demonstrated a settled intention to treat a child as part of their family - or stood in the place of a parent - they may be legally obligated to pay child support. How much support is ordered depends heavily on individual circumstances, including the child's financial needs, the involvement of biological parents, and the guidelines applied by the court.

Understanding your rights and potential responsibilities as a stepparent or primary caregiver is vital when navigating a relationship breakdown.

Read more in our latest blog to learn how Canadian courts determine stepparent child support obligations: https://ow.ly/q9xA50ZBvUC

Learn when an Ontario stepparent may owe child support and how courts assess parental roles, other parents’ duties and support amounts.

08/14/2026

Whether you are navigating a residential purchase, managing a home sale, or resolving complex property matters during a separation, having trusted legal guidance makes all the difference. The real estate team at Shariff & Associates provides full-service, stand-alone residential real estate representation across Markham, Stouffville, and the GTA—as well as specialized in-house guidance for real estate issues intersecting with family law and property division. From initial offers and title searches to smooth closings, they deliver tailored legal solutions for every step of the process.

To discuss your family law or real estate matter, contact us at 905-591-4545 or reach out online.

08/12/2026

Progress starts by listening to young voices across all regions and backgrounds. Understanding distinct local contexts helps us design better solutions that turn common hopes into measurable global action.

08/11/2026

When a marriage ends abruptly, the sudden shift from routine to reality can feel deeply disorienting, especially without a family roadmap for navigating divorce. Processing those conflicting emotions of shock, relief, and regret is a completely natural first step, but taking practical control early on can provide much-needed stability. https://ow.ly/RVTA50Zygeg

Divorce may be almost as common as childbirth, and marks another massive change. But it’s less clear what you’re supposed to say about it.

08/05/2026

In Zhao v. Wang, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice confirmed that valid foreign divorce decrees bar subsequent domestic support claims under the Divorce Act. The court upheld a prior Chinese divorce judgment, dismissing the applicant's Ontario support claims as improper forum shopping and staying local property division pending final resolution in China.

Our latest family law update examines key takeaways from Zhao v. Wang regarding foreign divorce recognition, forum non conveniens, and managing cross-border family disputes.

https://ow.ly/SzZo50ZwjVP

Ontario family law case explains foreign divorce recognition, support claims, child support, and property division after divorce abroad.

07/31/2026

Before the long weekend officially begins, our team wants to wish you a wonderful three-day break. Enjoy the sunshine, stay safe, and we will see you back here on Tuesday!