For over fifteen years, and through four editions, people have relied on the best selling Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law for straightforward advice on important decisions. But in that time, there has never been so many changes in Family Law as there have been since the last edition. Big changes to the federal and provincial laws, and judges taking new perspectives mean that the old ways of thinking can be dangerous. Now, more than ever, people entering, in, or leaving relationship need to understand the laws and how the system works. Whether you are getting married, separating, divorcing, changing a family law agreement or court order, or involved with a children's aid society, knowing how the Ontario Family Law System works and how to avoid some of its dangers really helps. For, this fifth edition of the Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law, Certi?ed Specialist in Family Law, John Schuman, has substantially rewritten this well-respected and referenced guide. He provides clear explanations about the important family law issues that people face every day.

A reference for anyone who needs to understand Ontario family law, the Guide to the Basics of Ontario Family Law helps answer questions, clarify the issues, and lessen the stress that is often associated with family law matters. Over 600 citations show the laws and court decisions that judges, and lawyers used everyday in Family Law.

John Schuman presents the basics of Ontario family law from start to ?nish. He reviews marriage contracts and cohabitation agreements: what they are, why you need one, and how to do them properly. He also explains what happens when couples separate, including information on getting divorced, parenting time and decision making, child and spousal support and division of assets and debts. John Schuman explains all options - from negotiation to mediation to collaborative practice, to the government child support calculation service to going to court - and what to expect with each one. He even explains what to do when a Children's Aid Society calls and what to do at each step in to court.