By: Amanda Willing Summary: When parents separate or divorce, one of the first financial questions that arises is how child support will be calculated. In Ontario, child support is determined using the Federal Child Support Guidelines, which create a consistent and fair approach. Here’s a simple overview of how it works. The Paying Parent’s Income Child support calculations start with the paying parent’s gross annual income, usually taken from their most recent tax return. Ho

By: Amanda Willing Summary: In Parker v. King , 2025 ONSC 6813, the court shut down an unsupported accommodation claim, reinforcing that credibility and conduct matter in family law litigation. Parker v. King a case that drew attention — and a bit of disbelief — the Ontario Superior Court recently addressed an unusual family court dispute involving whether a litigant could bring his albino ball python, named Rico , into courtroom proceedings as a “service animal.” During a f

Many spouses believe they must move out of the matrimonial home to be considered legally separated—but Ontario law says otherwise. The most common ground for divorce is one year of living “separate and apart,” which can occur even while both spouses remain in the same home. This article explains the three legal grounds for divorce in Ontario, why separation is the most frequently relied upon, and how courts assess whether spouses are truly living separate lives under one roof

By: Amanda Willing Summary: Preparing for a family law case involves more than showing up to court. Being organized with your finances, understanding your child’s care needs, and approaching decision-making with your child’s best interests in mind can make a meaningful difference. Early preparation helps reduce stress, manage legal costs, and position your matter for a more efficient and informed resolution. Separation and divorce can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re

By: Amanda Willing Summary: In today’s world, most co-parenting communication happens through text messages, WhatsApp, or social media DMs. When conflict arises, one of the first questions clients ask is: “Can my text messages be used in family court?” The short answer: Yes — absolutely. But there’s more you should know about how courts treat digital communication and how it can help (or hurt) your case. Are Text Messages Admissible Evidence? Yes. In Ontario, text messages ca

By: Amanda Willing Summary: A Motion to Change is needed when your current family court order no longer fits your circumstances. This applies only if there has been a material change—a significant, unexpected shift such as a change in income, parenting time, the child’s needs, or safety concerns. Evidence is required, and acting quickly can prevent financial or parenting complications. Willing Law can assess your situation and guide you through updating your order. Family cir

By: Amanda Willing Summary: The holidays can be stressful for separated parents, especially when disagreements arise over parenting time. Court intervention may become necessary when one parent refuses to follow an existing order, there’s no clear agreement in place, or a child’s safety is at risk. In these cases, the court can issue or enforce orders to protect the child’s best interests and ensure a fair, structured holiday schedule. While court should be a last resort, ear

By: Amanda Willing Summary: Divorce is not only an emotional process — it’s also a financial one. In Ontario, when a marriage ends, the law aims to ensure that both spouses leave the relationship on equal financial footing. This process is called equalization , and it’s based on each spouse’s Net Family Property (NFP) . At Willing Law , we understand how overwhelming this process can feel. Here’s what you need to know to prepare and protect your financial interests. What Is E

By: Amanda Willing Summary: When life changes and new relationships form, financial responsibilities often become more complicated — especially when a parent has children from different relationships. One common question is how child support is divided or prioritized between families. In Ontario, courts rely on a key concept to guide these decisions: the “First Family, First” principle. What Is the “First Family, First” Principle? The “First Family, First” principle is a fou

The family law court process can feel complicated, especially during an already emotional time. Understanding each step — from filing an application to attending conferences, negotiating settlement, or preparing for trial — can make the journey far less overwhelming.

By: Amanda Willing Summary: Ending a marriage is never easy, but understanding the legal process for obtaining a divorce in Ontario can make it more manageable. In Ontario, divorce is governed by the federal Divorce Act , which outlines the requirements and procedures for dissolving a marriage. Prior to getting a Divorce, there are many steps that need to be followed to ensure all issues related to your marriage are resolved including things such as child support, decision ma

By: Amanda Willing Discover how a domestic contract can safeguard your marriage, outlining the benefits and legal implications of this important document for your relationship. Marriage is a sacred union between two individuals, but it also comes with legal and financial responsibilities. To protect your marriage and the assets acquired during it, a domestic contract can be a valuable tool. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of having a domestic contract in pla

By: Amanda Willing Summary: Discover how a cohabitation agreement can protect unmarried couples with legal safeguards. Learn what to include and why it's essential. In today's society, more and more couples are choosing to live together without getting married. While this may seem like a simpler and more modern approach to relationships, it also poses potential legal issues. An unmarried couple does not have the same legal protections as a married couple in case of a breakup