Separation, divorce, and other family law disputes can affect your children, finances, home, and future. Having clear information about your rights and options can help you make important decisions with greater confidence.
Key Takeaways For Family Law In Aurora
- Gelman & Associates has a satellite family law office at 16 Industrial Parkway South in Aurora.
- Family law matters involving Aurora residents may be dealt with through the Newmarket Courthouse at 50 Eagle Street West, depending on the type of proceeding and jurisdiction.
- Divorce and separation can involve separate issues concerning parenting, child support, spousal support, property, financial disclosure, and the matrimonial home.
- Many family disputes can potentially be addressed through negotiation, mediation, collaborative family law, or arbitration rather than a trial.
- Obtaining legal advice early can help you understand your options before signing an agreement, leaving the family home, or taking another significant step.
Visiting Our Aurora Family Law Office
Gelman & Associates’ Aurora office is located at:
16 Industrial Parkway South
Aurora, Ontario L4G 0R4
The office is on Industrial Parkway South, near Wellington Street East and Aurora GO Station. The Aurora GO Station is located at 121 Wellington Street East and provides GO Transit connections as well as connections with York Region Transit.
Our Aurora location is a satellite office. Team members are not present at this location every day, and walk-in appointments cannot be accommodated.
Please book a consultation before visiting.
Aurora Office Phone: (289) 840-7077
Toll-Free: 1-844-736-0200
Get Directions To Our Aurora Office
Family Law Services For Aurora Families
No two families experience separation in exactly the same way. Some clients come to us before they have formally separated and want to understand their options. Others have already reached an agreement with a former partner or need representation in an ongoing court proceeding.
Our Aurora family lawyers provide advice and representation across a broad range of Ontario family law matters.
Divorce And Separation In Aurora
Separation and divorce are not the same legal event.
Spouses generally become separated when they begin living separate and apart because their relationship has ended. A divorce, by contrast, is a court order that legally terminates a marriage.
Our lawyers can help Aurora clients understand divorce and separation in Ontario, including uncontested and contested divorce applications, separation agreements, financial disclosure, and related family law claims.
For married spouses, divorce proceedings are governed by the federal Divorce Act. Other issues arising from separation may also engage Ontario legislation such as the Family Law Act.
Parenting Time And Decision-Making Responsibility
When parents separate, they may need to decide where their children will live, how parenting time will be scheduled, and how important decisions about the children will be made.
The law focuses on the best interests of the child when determining parenting arrangements.
Our parenting and decision-making responsibility lawyers can assist Aurora parents with parenting plans, schedules, decision-making arrangements, relocation issues, travel, and parenting disputes.
Child Support
Parents generally continue to have financial responsibilities toward their children after separation.
The amount of child support may depend on factors such as income, the parenting arrangement, the number of children, and whether there are special or extraordinary expenses.
Our child support lawyers can help clients understand their rights and obligations under the applicable child support rules and address disputes involving income or additional expenses.
Spousal Support
A separation may also raise questions about whether one spouse is entitled to support, how much should be paid, and how long support may continue.
Spousal support is not automatic in every case. The outcome can depend on the circumstances of the relationship and its breakdown.
Our spousal support lawyers assist with support claims, negotiations, reviews, variations, and court proceedings.
Property Division And The Matrimonial Home
For married spouses, separation can involve determining each spouse’s net family property and whether an equalization payment may be owed.
The matrimonial home also receives special treatment under Ontario family law. Questions concerning ownership, possession, sale, and equalization can therefore become important during a separation.
Our property division lawyers can help clients identify assets and debts, understand disclosure requirements, and consider how Ontario’s property rules may apply.
Separation Agreements And Domestic Contracts
Many separating spouses resolve some or all of their issues through a written separation agreement.
An agreement can address parenting, support, property, debts, the family home, insurance, and other responsibilities following separation.
Our lawyers can assist with negotiating and drafting agreements as well as providing independent legal advice before an agreement is signed.
We also advise clients about cohabitation agreements, marriage contracts, and other domestic agreements intended to establish expectations before or during a relationship.
Family Court Serving Aurora And York Region
Family law matters involving Aurora residents may be heard at the Newmarket Courthouse at 50 Eagle Street West, depending on the type of case and the applicable court jurisdiction.
The courthouse provides family court services and is used for family proceedings within York Region. Court location and procedure can depend on the claims being made, so parties should confirm the appropriate court before beginning a proceeding.
The Ontario Court of Justice hears many family cases involving matters such as parenting, child support, spousal support, adoption, and child protection. It does not have jurisdiction to grant a divorce or decide property claims. Divorce and family property matters fall within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court of Justice.
You can find current courthouse information through the Government of Ontario’s Newmarket Courthouse directory and the Superior Court of Justice Newmarket courthouse page.
Our Aurora family lawyers can help clients understand which court or dispute resolution process may apply to their circumstances.
Do Aurora Family Law Matters Have To Go To Court?
Not necessarily.
Many separating couples are able to resolve some or all of their issues outside court. Depending on your circumstances, possible approaches can include direct negotiation between lawyers, family mediation, arbitration, or collaborative family law.
Ontario describes family mediation as an alternative process in which a neutral mediator helps parties try to reach an agreement concerning issues such as parenting, support, and property. A mediator does not take sides or provide legal advice.
Court may still be necessary when parties cannot reach an agreement, urgent orders are required, disclosure is not being provided, or there are significant safety or power-imbalance concerns.
Our lawyers can discuss the advantages and limitations of different approaches and help you consider which may be appropriate for your family.
What To Expect When You Meet With An Aurora Family Lawyer
A first meeting with a family lawyer is an opportunity to explain what has happened, identify the issues that may require attention, and learn more about your available options.
Depending on your circumstances, your lawyer may discuss:
- Whether you are legally separated and what steps may come next
- Parenting time and decision-making responsibility
- Child support or spousal support
- Financial disclosure and property division
- The matrimonial home
- An existing or proposed separation agreement
- Negotiation, mediation, arbitration, or collaborative family law
- Whether a court application may be required
- Documents or information that may be useful moving forward
If you already have court documents, correspondence from another lawyer, a domestic contract, tax information, or financial records, consider bringing them to the consultation.
You do not need to have every document collected before speaking with a divorce lawyer in Aurora.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Law In Aurora
Where Is The Family Court For Aurora, Ontario?
The Newmarket Courthouse at 50 Eagle Street West in Newmarket provides family court services for the area. The appropriate court depends on the claims involved and the jurisdiction of the particular court.
Before filing documents, it is important to confirm that you are using the correct court location and procedure.
Where Do I File For Divorce If I Live In Aurora?
Divorce falls within the jurisdiction of Ontario’s Superior Court of Justice. The Newmarket Courthouse has Superior Court family services.
Where a particular divorce application should be filed can depend on jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. A lawyer can help confirm the appropriate court and filing process.
Is The Gelman & Associates Aurora Office Close To Aurora GO?
Yes. Our Aurora satellite office is located at 16 Industrial Parkway South, near Wellington Street East. Aurora GO Station is located at 121 Wellington Street East.
Appointments at our Aurora office must be scheduled in advance.
Can An Aurora Divorce Be Resolved Without Going To Trial?
Potentially. Many family law disputes are resolved through negotiation, mediation, arbitration, collaborative family law, or settlement during a court proceeding.
Whether an out-of-court process is appropriate depends on the issues involved, the willingness of both parties to participate, financial disclosure, urgency, and any safety concerns.
Can I Start A Family Law Case Online From Aurora?
Ontario permits certain family court documents to be filed electronically. The filing system and requirements can vary depending on the court and type of case.
You can review current options through the Government of Ontario’s family court filing information.
Do I Need A Lawyer For A Separation Agreement In Aurora?
A lawyer is not legally required simply for spouses to discuss or prepare proposed terms, but independent legal advice can be very important before signing a separation agreement.
A lawyer can explain how the agreement may affect parenting, support, property, the matrimonial home, and other legal rights and obligations.
Can Gelman & Associates Help If My Former Spouse Lives Outside Aurora?
Yes. Family law disputes frequently involve people living in different municipalities.
Gelman & Associates has family law offices throughout Ontario and can assist clients with matters that extend beyond Aurora, subject to the particular circumstances and jurisdiction involved.
Why Work With Gelman & Associates Family Lawyers In Aurora?
Gelman & Associates focuses on family law and assists clients with matters ranging from negotiated separation agreements to contested family court proceedings.
Our approach is centred on helping clients understand the legal and practical issues they are facing in clear language. Where an appropriate negotiated solution is available, we can help explore it. Where court proceedings are required, our lawyers can provide representation throughout the process.
Our broader Ontario presence also allows us to assist clients whose family circumstances extend beyond Aurora or York Region.
Most importantly, the approach taken in a family law matter should reflect the individual family, financial circumstances, level of conflict, and goals involved. There is no single process that is right for every separation.
Speak With An Aurora Family Lawyer Today
Family law decisions can have long-term consequences for your children, finances, home, and future. Obtaining legal advice can help you understand your rights, responsibilities, and the options available to you before making important decisions.
Gelman & Associates assists clients in Aurora and throughout York Region with divorce, separation agreements, parenting disputes, child support, spousal support, property division, alternative dispute resolution, and family court proceedings.
To speak with an Aurora family lawyer, call 1-844-736-0200 or contact Gelman & Associates to book a consultation at our Aurora satellite office.
This page is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Family law outcomes depend on the specific facts and circumstances of each case. Speak with a lawyer licensed in Ontario for advice concerning your situation. Please review our Legal Disclaimer for additional information.