Divorce is a complicated decision. If you have minor kids or have been a stay-at-home spouse, things can be really different. Besides changing your marital status, a divorce can impact your emotional, social, and financial wellbeing. In Ottawa, couples cannot get a divorce until they have lived separately for at least a year. No matter the circumstances, it is wise to consult an Ottawa divorce lawyer at the earliest. In this post, we are sharing more on why legal advice matters for your divorce and other aspects of laws in Ontario.
Filing for divorce
There are several grounds for divorce in Ontario. As we mentioned, the first one is separation for a year. Other grounds include adultery and cruelty. If your spouse has been mentally or physically cruel to you, or you cannot forgive your spouse for adultery, you can ask for a divorce. There are also residency requirements for filing for divorce. You must be legally married to your spouse in Canada or another country. Also, you (or your spouse) must have lived in Ontario for a time period of 12 months before filing for a divorce.
Why do you need a divorce lawyer?
- Legal advice. There is no better or wholesome reason to get an attorney. It would help if you had a divorce lawyer to know your rights and entitlements, besides finding better ways to address concerns related to the divorce. A skilled lawyer will want the divorce to finalize at the earliest and without spending a fortune. Lawyers know everything about divorce laws in Ontario, and you can expect genuine feedback for your case.
- Mediation. If you are not talking to your spouse or are beyond discussing the divorce terms, you definitely need a lawyer. It is much easier for the two divorce lawyers to negotiate the matters, and you can avoid any further arguments with your spouse. If you need advice on alimony and child custody, a lawyer is your most valuable unbiased resource.
- Help with documents. A divorce is a lot of paperwork. Any issue in the separation agreement and other documents can impact your rights and interests. With a divorce lawyer by your side, you don’t have to worry about any of that. Your lawyer can draft and review documents before you sign and agree to anything.
Check online for top-rated divorce lawyers in Ottawa and ask for a personal meeting. It is important to be honest with your lawyer at all times.
