subject: Can I Represent Myself In A Separation Or Divorce? How To Represent Yourself In A Divorce In Ontario [print this page] If you are thinking about getting separated or divorced in Ontario, its time to do some planning. The amount of divorce planning that will be required will depend on your personal circumstances.
Are you on friendly terms with your spouse? If you and your spouse are able to agree on the terms of your separation or divorce, life will be a lot easier and the process will be more affordable.
In these cases you have many options.
1.You can obtain your court forms from the Ontario Family Court, but then what forms do you need and how do you fill them out? This can be a time consuming and confusing exercise.
2.Yes, they do sell divorce and separation kits in some retail outlets. These may provide you with the forms you will need, but there is little guidance when it comes to filling them out.
3.There are online services like MyOntarioDivorce, where you can follow a question and answer style tutorial and at the end of all your Ontario Family Court forms, whether it be a separation agreement or Ontario divorce form, your forms will be available, pre-populated with all of the information. If you use an online service make sure you use one that was developed and is managed/maintained by a prominent lawyer in the area of Ontario Family Law. Do your due diligence!
Once you and your spouse have agreed on the terms of your Separation/Divorce, you will have to have your agreement officiated or signed in front of a notary.
Perhaps you are apprehensive about handling your separation or Ontario divorce on your own because children are involved, your spouse is offering you less than what you are entitled to in support payments, your spouse may have more money than you or be a better negotiator. If you think you need legal advice, get it!
While you can represent yourself in the Ontario Family Court, depending on your personal circumstances, getting an Ontario divorce lawyer may be the best choice. You can start off with a legal consultation to go over your options before committing to a particular lawyer.
For more information about separation agreements and divorcing in Ontario please visit www.myontariodivorce.com or www.bermanbarristers.com.
