Family Law Services in Richmond Hill

 Custody/Decision Making/Parenting Time...

...in its most basic form, custody is the decision making power over the child. 

Access...

... is the ability to spend time with the child but it does not give any legal decision making power. 

A custodial parent has parenting through their custody but a non-custodial parent must have an access/parenting order or access/parenting agreement. 

Voice of the Child...

 What is the 'voice of the child? The child's voice is about children sharing their views and preferences. In some cases, it is about children talking about their worries, concerns, perceptions and experiences about their family situation. It is not about children making the decision about parenting arrangements or choosing between two parents. 

 What is Spousal Support?

 is money paid by one spouse to the other after they separate or divorce. It is sometimes called alimony or maintenance. Many factors may affect whether a married or common-law spouse is entitled to spousal support and how much support they should receive. 

What is Child Support?

 Child support is an ongoing, monthly payment made by a parent for the financial support and benefit of a child(ren) following the end of a marriage or other relationship.

What are Section 7 Expenses?

Often referred to as S7 Expenses, these are generally special or extraordinary expenses such as childcare or private school.  S7 Expenses are not included in the basic monthly amounts of child support.

An equalization payment equals the division of assets and debts that both parties take in a divorce regarding their division of community property assets and debts. When a marriage ends, the equal contribution of each person to the marriage is recognized. The law provides that the value of any kind of property that was acquired by a spouse during the marriage and still exists at separation must be divided equally between the spouses .

Equalization is a payment from one spouse to the other at the end of a marriage. This equalization payment only applies to married spouses, not to common law spouses .

 Mediation is a voluntary way of resolving disputes where a trained mediator helps parties of relatively equal bargaining positions to resolve disputes about family issues.  Mediation can be either open or closed.

What is Closed Mediation?

Closed Mediation means this process is confidential between the parties only.  It also means any discussions cannot be used as evidence against either party, with very few exceptions (for example, where concerns arise over the welfare of a child).  

Further, the mediator will not report  to the court on the progress of the mediation or provide an opinion on the issues that have been discussed.

What is Open Mediation?

Open Mediation means this process is not confidential .  With open mediation, the agreement to mediate or mediation contract may also authorize the mediator to prepare a report once the mediation finishes.

 Our senior lawyer and Paralegal are also highly trained and successful mediators and Voice of the Child Reporters. 

Collaborative Family Law includes working with third parties such as Child Psychologists, Financial Planners and other third parties.  For couples who are amicable and willing to work collaboratively, we are able to assist with the following:

1. Separation Agreements
2. Marriage Contracts
3. Cohabitation Agreements 

What is a Separation Agreement?

A Separation Agreement is a contract between two people who used to live together and are now living separate and apart.  This agreement explains each parties' rights and obligations upon separation, including:

• division of property
• spousal and child support
• custody and access
• other issues which may be applicable to your personal relationship

What is a Marriage Contract?

  A marriage contract is a domestic contract which sets out how both parties will deal with their issues while together or at the end of their relationship. 

What is a Cohabitation Agreement?

 A form of legal agreement  between a couple who have decided to live together.   Such couple may be viewed as married when applying for a mortgage or in the case of child support, upon separation. 

Not only is this an emotionally difficult time, but often-times it can be financially devastating.  

At Rayson Legal we pride ourselves in mitigating costs.  

Litigation Costs

We have systems in place to ensure your costs are minimized.  Our Lawyers' hourly rates are prorated.  Our Law Clerks assist with processing while our Legal Assistants are responsible for administrative tasks.  

Contract , Agreement,  Mediation & Small Claims Costs

Flat fee applicable without any additional hidden costs or fees.