Spousal support in Ontario can be based on compensatory, needs-based, or contractual grounds. Learn what each one means and how the basis of a claim can affect support after separation.

by: Amanda Willing One of the things people often tell me after they separate is, "I don't even know where to start." I get it. You're trying to process a major life change while still going to work, taking care of your children, paying the bills, and figuring out what tomorrow looks like. The idea of digging through paperwork probably isn't high on your list. But here's why I still encourage clients to do it. The first month after separation isn't about having every answer.

Most people don't expect to fall behind on their mortgage. Life happens. A job loss, an illness, rising interest rates, or unexpected expenses can quickly turn manageable monthly payments into a source of stress. If you've missed a mortgage payment—or you're worried you might—it's easy to assume you'll lose your home right away. Fortunately, that's not how the process works in Ontario. While mortgage default is a serious issue, homeowners often have time to understand their o

When someone walks into my office shortly after separating, they almost always ask the same question: "Am I already too late?" Maybe they've moved out. Maybe they've transferred money between accounts. Maybe they've agreed to something just to keep the peace. They're worried they've already made a mistake. Most of the time, my answer is reassuring. The first few weeks after a separation are emotional. You're making decisions while trying to process one of the biggest changes

By: Amanda Willing Buying a home is exciting, but for many buyers, the mortgage approval process can feel like one of the most stressful parts of the journey. I've had clients tell me they spent months searching for the perfect home, only to realize they weren't quite ready when it came time to secure financing. The good news is that preparing for mortgage approval isn't about being perfect. It's about understanding what lenders are looking for and taking a few practical step

By: Amanda Willing The first month after a separation is rarely what people expect. One day you're trying to hold it together for your children or get through another day at work. The next, you're wondering what happens to the house, how you're going to manage your finances, whether you should open a new bank account, or if you're already supposed to be filing for divorce. It's a lot to carry. When someone comes to see me in those first few weeks, they're usually looking for

By: Amanda Willing One of the biggest concerns people have when they're separating is their property. Usually, one of the first questions I hear is: "What's going to happen to the house?" Not long after that comes another question: "Does it matter when we actually separated?" The answer is yes. Your separation date isn't just a date you'll need for paperwork. It can affect how property is valued and divided under Ontario family law. That's why it's one of the first things I l

By: Amanda Willing One of the things I hear quite often from homebuyers is: "I think I'll qualify because I make a good income." A steady income is certainly important, but it's only one part of the picture. Mortgage lenders are looking at much more than your paycheque. They want to understand your overall financial situation and whether you'll be able to manage your mortgage comfortably over time. I've seen buyers spend months searching for the perfect home, only to discover

By: Amanda Willing When people come to see me after a separation, one of the first questions I ask is: "When did you separate?" It sounds like it should be an easy question. But it often isn't. I've had people tell me they aren't sure if it was when one person moved into the spare bedroom, when someone finally moved out, or when they both accepted that the marriage was over. The truth is, those moments don't always happen on the same day. That's why your separation date isn't

By: Amanda Willing If you're buying a home, you've probably heard plenty of opinions about mortgages. "Go with a fixed rate." "No, variable is the better choice." "Wait until interest rates come down." It's no wonder so many buyers feel unsure about what to do. One of the questions I hear most often is, "How do I know which mortgage is right for me?" The truth is, there isn't one answer that works for everyone. The right mortgage depends on your financial situation, your long

By: Amanda Willing "When did you separate?" It's one of the first questions I ask every new family law client. Most people answer with something like: "I think it was when I moved out." Or... "We've been separated for a while...I'm just not exactly sure when it officially started." If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. People are often surprised when I tell them the answer isn't always as straightforward as they expect. The separation date isn't simply a date you write o

By: Amanda Willing Separation changes more than your relationship—it changes your legal rights. The day you separate can feel overwhelming. One moment you're trying to process the emotional impact of your relationship ending. The next, you're wondering what happens to the house, the bank accounts, the children, and your finances. One of the questions I hear most often is: "What are my rights now that we've separated?" The good news is that you don't have to have everything fi

By: Amanda Willing Buying a home is exciting. Signing a mortgage can feel overwhelming. After weeks—sometimes months—of house hunting, negotiating an offer, arranging financing, and preparing for closing, many buyers reach one final hurdle: A stack of mortgage documents they don't fully understand. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. For most Ontarians, a mortgage is the largest financial commitment they'll ever make. Yet many buyers know surprisingly little about how

By: Amanda Willing You don't always have to move out to be considered separated. One of the most common questions people ask when they're thinking about separation is: "Do we have to live in different houses before we're legally separated?" The answer often surprises people. Not necessarily. In Ontario, it's possible for spouses to be considered separated even if they're still living under the same roof. For many families, moving out immediately simply isn't practical. Financ

By: Amanda Willing After weeks—or even months—of searching for a home, negotiating an offer, securing financing, and completing the legal paperwork, closing day marks the final step in the home-buying process. While it's an exciting milestone, many buyers are unsure what actually happens on closing day. Understanding the process can help reduce stress and ensure you're prepared for a smooth transition into your new home. Before Closing Day Much of the work happens before the

By: Amanda Willing You don’t have to feel blindsided If you’re reading this, you’re probably standing at a crossroads most people never plan for. Maybe the decision is already made. Maybe you’re still weighing it. Either way, one thing tends to keep people up at night more than almost anything else: the money. What happens to the house? The savings? The pension you’ve spent twenty years building? Will you be okay? Here’s the reassuring part. The outcome of a divorce is rarely

By: Amanda Willing When facing divorce, many professionals, business owners, and executives assume that court is the inevitable destination. In reality, litigation is only one of several options available for resolving family law disputes in Ontario. For high-net-worth individuals, the process chosen can significantly affect not only the outcome of the divorce but also the time, cost, privacy, and level of stress involved. While some cases require court intervention, many fam

By: Amanda Willing In competitive real estate markets, buyers sometimes feel pressure to submit offers with few conditions—or none at all. While conditions can make an offer less attractive to a seller in certain situations, they also provide important protection for buyers. A condition can give you time to investigate a property, confirm financing, or review information that may affect your decision to proceed. Understanding what conditions are and how they work can help you

By: Amanda Willing One of the first questions many professionals, executives, and business owners ask when considering divorce is: "How long is this going to take?" Unfortunately, there is no universal answer. Every family law matter is unique, and the timeline for a high-net-worth divorce often depends on factors such as the complexity of the assets, the level of cooperation between spouses, and the process used to resolve disputes. While some matters can be resolved relativ

By: Amanda Willing When buying or selling a home in Ontario, one document sits at the centre of the transaction: the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS). Many people sign an APS without fully understanding its significance. However, once an agreement becomes firm, it creates legally binding obligations for both the buyer and the seller. Failing to understand the terms can lead to costly disputes, unexpected liabilities, or even legal action. Whether you are purchasing your f