Gelman Family Law Lawyers

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Family Lawyers & Divorce Lawyers Scarborough

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Family law and the legal process that comes with it can be complex. Sometimes, it is unpredictable and emotionally charged, which may cause distress to any parties involved. Our experienced and knowledgeable Scarborough family law lawyers are here to guide, advise, and represent you in the legal process, prioritizing the protection of your interests at every step.

Our lawyers will give you a straightforward interpretation and/or opinion on legal matters and provide the most practical, necessary, and creative legal action or remedy to protect your interests. We can also identify any potential future issues and provide efficient solutions to prevent future litigation and/or legal costs.

Gelman & Associates is pleased to operate an office in the Toronto suburb of Scarborough. With ample parking available, our Scarborough office is located just off Highway 401 near the intersection of Markham Road and Sheppard Avenue East. The office is also close to public transit, making it very accessible.

Our Scarborough divorce lawyers, including Paul Slan, are happy to meet with you to discuss your matter and to ensure that your rights are protected.

Please note this is a satellite office and our staff are only present on certain days. This means you will need to book an appointment with us prior to arriving at this location. For more information, please contact us.

Services Our Scarborough Family & Divorce Lawyers Offer

Our family lawyers in Scarborough at Gelman & Associates cover a variety of family law practice areas. We can assist with cases involving:

  • Adoption: This is the legal means by which people can permanently take on the job of taking care of and raising a child. In Ontario, there are four ways you can adopt a child:
    • Through a licensed international adoption agency with local offices in the province
    • Through a private adoption agency or a licensed individual
    • Through children’s aid organizations
    • If you are an immediate family member or a step-parent
  • Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): This is the procedure for settling family law-related disputes without resorting to litigation, such as Collaborative Family Law, mediation, or arbitration. ADR tends to be faster and relatively cheaper, depending on the circumstances.
  • Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Spouses who individually or jointly own a business, are entrepreneurs, or are self-employed have several important considerations when it comes to family law. To ensure that your business continues to operate smoothly during your separation or divorce, it is best to consult with a family law lawyer as soon as possible.
  • Child Custody and Access: Child custody and access, now referred to as ‘decision-making responsibility and parenting time’ (as per changes to the Divorce Act in 2021), is an important part of any family law matter involving children. Our divorce lawyers in Scarborough can help you and your former partner reach an agreement when it comes to custody arrangements, parenting plans, and more.
  • Child Support: Child support orders may be relatively straightforward when done correctly. However, custody arrangements, child contributions, claims of financial support, and undisclosed income may produce complications. It’s essential to get legal advice about child support early in the separation process.
  • Cohabitation Agreements: The number of common-law relationships in Canada is still rising, and more couples are now opting for formal cohabitation agreements rather than official marriages. Unmarried couples may enter into a cohabitation agreement to protect both their rights and ensure a fair division of property should their relationship end.
  • Division of Property: During divorce, spouses in Ontario must undergo the equalization of their net family property. Our family lawyers in Scarborough can help with the valuation of your assets and navigate any complex matters, such as financial disclosure or debt.
  • Divorce: Divorce is the legal action married couples take to end their marriage. Our legal team can help you file your paperwork efficiently, navigate your separation agreement, and help you negotiate the terms of your divorce. We can also represent you in court if you’re unable to come to an amicable agreement with your former partner. We can also help same-sex couples navigate their divorces under the Ontario Family Law Act.
  • Paternity Issues and Disputes: At Gelman & Associates, our family lawyers in Scarborough have years of experience helping clients navigate paternity issues and disputes. We can help individuals seek child support from biological parents, assist in acquiring court orders, and more.
  • Spousal Support: “Spousal support” is the money that one spouse may have to pay to the other spouse following a separation or divorce. It is sometimes called “alimony” or “maintenance.” Spousal support is usually paid on a monthly basis, but it can be paid as a lump sum. Our spousal support lawyers in Scarborough can assist you with claiming, calculating, or varying a spousal support order.
  • The Matrimonial Home: As stated in the Family Law Act Section 18(1), the Matrimonial Home is every property in which a person has an interest and that is. Or was at the time of separation, ordinarily occupied by the person and his or her spouse as their family residence. The fate of the matrimonial home after separation or divorce can become a point of contention even between the most amicable couples. Our family lawyers have years of experience helping former spouses navigate buy-outs, selling processes, and more.
  • And More

If your family is going through family issues in Scarborough and you need a family law lawyer to assist you, get in touch with Gelman & Associates today.

Trusted Family Law Lawyers in Scarborough Ready to Assist You

At Gelman & Associates, our Scarborough divorce lawyers believe that you should not have to deal with your family law matters alone. From divorce and separation to decision-making responsibility and support orders, we understand how complex and difficult family law issues can be to address.

If you need help with a family legal matter, get help from Gelman & Associates now. Our lawyers will consult with you about your case and determine what your best course of action may be. Contact us now.

FAQs About Scarborough Family Law

While divorce legally ends and dissolves the marriage, separation does not need a court order to mandate the duties and rights of the separated spouses. Furthermore, separation in Ontario, Canada becomes official when the couple or spouses choose and decide to live apart.

Separation is often defined in Separation Agreements which provides the agreement about the parties’ child support, child custody and access, visitation rights and privileges, spousal support, and division of property, etc. A separation agreement does not need to be issued or mandated by the Courts.

Separation Agreements can be drafted by the parties themselves or with the aid of lawyers, provided that each party to the agreement procured Independent Legal Advice on the agreement prior to signing the same.

Any agreement in relation to the divorce or separation becomes law between the parties after separation or divorce that must be adhered to faithfully. The agreement may be revisited by the parties or through the Courts’ intervention if there arises “variations” or changes in one of the party’s personal circumstances which may affect the child support, spousal support, or division of property.

As a general rule, to be able to divorce in Canada, under the Divorce Act RSC 1985, c3 (2nd Supp), the following qualifications must be existing:

  • Both spouses are legally married to each other under the laws of Canada, or under the laws of another country, and that marriage is recognized in Canada.
  • The marriage has broken down.
  • Both spouses lived in the Canadian province or territory where you apply for your divorce for a full year immediately before making your application.
  • Except in the case defined in Section 7 of the Civil Marriages of Non-Residents Act S.C. 2013, divorce under this law does not require a one-year prior residency in Canada for non-residents getting a divorce in Canada.

There are three main factors to consider in computing child support in Ontario:

  1. The paying parent’s income;
  2. Province where the paying parent is residing;
  3. Number of children the paying parent is supporting;

In addition to the above, the amount of child support from the paying parent may be adjusted based on the parenting agreement. If the parents have a parenting agreement that provides that the child or children are with either parent at least 40% of the time, then both parents’ income may be considered.
Further, the Child Support Guideline in Ontario and the Child Support calculator must be consulted in determining the amount of child support that the paying parent must give.
It must be noted that in Canada there are no States. Instead, there are Provinces. The Province where the paying parent is located will be a determining factor on which table or guideline will be used. i.e. if the paying parent resides in Ontario, then the Child Support Table in Ontario will be used in determining the amount of child support; if the paying parent resides in a different province in Canada, then the Federal Child Support Guideline in the province where the paying parent ordinarily resides will be used in determining the amount of child support; etc.

Locations We Serve

Multiple offices to help serve you better

With numerous offices across Ontario, we make it easier for our clients to have access to our lawyers. Please note that offices marked with an (**) are satellite offices and require a consultation booked in advance. We are not able to accommodate walk-in appointments at these locations. Call us to book a free consultation today.